Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Brora |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 58.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £599 | £995 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
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
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −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 SMWS?
SMWS No. 61.10 18 Year Old 1981 (Bottled 1999) 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
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old