Imperial 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 2069) (Limited) vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Imperial 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 2069) (Limited)Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryImperialArdbeg
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.3%48.1%
Age33 yr24 yr
Price£729£724.95
Rating5.00/5

Imperial 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 2069) (Limited)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value7/100

Imperial 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 2069) (Limited)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £725 vs £729.

For beginners: Imperial 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 2069) (Limited) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Imperial 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 2069) (Limited)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 24 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£729 vs £724.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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)
  • +More affordable (£724.95 vs £729)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Imperial?

Imperial 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 2069) (Limited) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

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 Imperial 33 Year Old 1989 (cask 2069) (Limited)

Old WoodToastedLeatheryNuttyMalt Extract

Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

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