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 OldTamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection
DistilleryArdbegTamnavulin
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%46.5%
Age21 yr39 yr
Price£599£704.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner55/100
Value7/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Tamnavulin 39 Year Old 1979 - Vintages Collection

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitHoneyToasted

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