Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Aultmore 38 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldAultmore 38 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryArdbegAultmore
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%54.3%
Age21 yr38 yr
Price£599£695.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Aultmore 38 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aultmore 38 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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 £696.

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 £695.95)

Cons

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

Aultmore 38 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (38 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£695.95 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 Aultmore?

Aultmore 38 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Aultmore 38 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodMalt ExtractVanillaToastedHoney

Explore more