Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Brora
£995
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Brora |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 49% |
| Age | 21 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £599 | £995 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £995.
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 £995)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£995 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 Brora?
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)