Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599

Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection
Tamnavulin
★ 5.00
£705
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Tamnavulin |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 46.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 39 yr |
| Price | £599 | £704.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £705.
For beginners: Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection 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 £704.99)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection
Pros
- +Longer maturation (39 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£704.99 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 Tamnavulin?
Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection