Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Port Dundas 52 Year Old 1964 (Special Release 2017)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldPort Dundas 52 Year Old 1964 (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryArdbegPort Dundas
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV46%44.6%
Age21 yr52 yr
Price£599£774.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Port Dundas 52 Year Old 1964 (Special Release 2017)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Dundas 52 Year Old 1964 (Special Release 2017)

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 £775.

For beginners: Port Dundas 52 Year Old 1964 (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (75/100 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 £774.95)

Cons

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

Port Dundas 52 Year Old 1964 (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (52 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£774.95 vs £599)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Port?

Port Dundas 52 Year Old 1964 (Special Release 2017) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Port Dundas 52 Year Old 1964 (Special Release 2017)

Old WoodVanillaMalt ExtractHoney

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