Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 45.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 38 yr |
| Price | £599 | £779.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £780.
For beginners: Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi) is more approachable (60/100 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 £779.5)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (38 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£779.5 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 Mortlach?
Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Mortlach 38 Year Old 1987 (cask 1594) - (Adelphi)