Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 1990 / 35 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 28 Islay Whisky

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldCaol Ila 1990 / 35 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 28 Islay Whisky
DistilleryArdbegCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£599£444
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 1990 / 35 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 28 Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 1990 / 35 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 28 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 1990 / 35 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 28 Islay Whisky is better value at £444 vs £599.

For beginners: Caol Ila 1990 / 35 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 28 Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£599 vs £444)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Caol Ila 1990 / 35 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 28 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£444 vs £599)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Caol?

Caol Ila 1990 / 35 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 28 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

KipperyLeathery

Only Caol Ila 1990 / 35 Year Old / Whiskyland Chapter 28 Islay Whisky

Green-House

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