Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Chichibu 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 5262) Bourbon Cask - Martial Arts Trilogy
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Chichibu 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 5262) Bourbon Cask - Martial Arts Trilogy
Chichibu
£699
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Chichibu 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 5262) Bourbon Cask - Martial Arts Trilogy | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Chichibu |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 59.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £599 | £699 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Chichibu 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 5262) Bourbon Cask - Martial Arts Trilogy
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Chichibu 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 5262) Bourbon Cask - Martial Arts Trilogy
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £699.
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 £699)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Chichibu 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 5262) Bourbon Cask - Martial Arts Trilogy
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (59.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£699 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 Chichibu?
Chichibu 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 5262) Bourbon Cask - Martial Arts Trilogy 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
Only Chichibu 2015 (bottled 2021) (cask 5262) Bourbon Cask - Martial Arts Trilogy