Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 47.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £599 | £799 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £799.
For beginners: Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish is more approachable (55/100 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 £799)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£799 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 Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 Marsala Finish