Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Yamazaki 1984
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Yamazaki 1984 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Yamazaki |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 48% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £599 | £899.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value8/100
Yamazaki 1984
Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Yamazaki 1984
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £900.
For beginners: Yamazaki 1984 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£599 vs £899.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Yamazaki 1984
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£899.95 vs £599)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 Yamazaki?
Yamazaki 1984 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily
Only Yamazaki 1984
Old WoodVanillaToastedNuttySherried