Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0% vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0%
Glenfarclas
£599

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£725
| Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0% | Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Ardbeg |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £599 | £724.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0%
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0%
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0% is better value at £599 vs £725.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0% is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0%
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£599 vs £724.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£724.95 vs £599)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0% is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Glenfarclas 21 Year Old - 1980s 43.0%
Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)