Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Mortlach 32 Year Old 1991 (cask 4241) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldMortlach 32 Year Old 1991 (cask 4241) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)
DistilleryArdbegMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%54.1%
Age21 yr32 yr
Price£599£675
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value8/100

Mortlach 32 Year Old 1991 (cask 4241) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 32 Year Old 1991 (cask 4241) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £675.

For beginners: Ardbeg 21 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £675)

Cons

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

Mortlach 32 Year Old 1991 (cask 4241) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£675 vs £599)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 32 Year Old 1991 (cask 4241) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Mortlach 32 Year Old 1991 (cask 4241) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitChocolateToasted

Explore more