Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Ardbeg 16 Year Old 2006 (cask 2787) - Second Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt (Fèis Ìle 2023)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldArdbeg 16 Year Old 2006 (cask 2787) - Second Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt (Fèis Ìle 2023)
DistilleryArdbegArdbeg
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.8%
Age21 yr16 yr
Price£599£799
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Ardbeg 16 Year Old 2006 (cask 2787) - Second Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt (Fèis Ìle 2023)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 16 Year Old 2006 (cask 2787) - Second Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt (Fèis Ìle 2023)

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 £799.

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 £799)

Cons

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

Ardbeg 16 Year Old 2006 (cask 2787) - Second Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt (Fèis Ìle 2023)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£799 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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 16 Year Old 2006 (cask 2787) - Second Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt (Fèis Ìle 2023) 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

MedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Ardbeg 16 Year Old 2006 (cask 2787) - Second Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt (Fèis Ìle 2023)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

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