Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Sullivans Cove 17 Year Old American Oak

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldSullivans Cove 17 Year Old American Oak
DistilleryArdbegTasmania Distillery
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAustralia
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%47.5%
Age21 yr17 yr
Price£599£995
Rating5.00/51.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Sullivans Cove 17 Year Old American Oak

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner55/100
Value1/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Sullivans Cove 17 Year Old American Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 1.00).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £995.

For beginners: Sullivans Cove 17 Year Old American Oak 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 £995)

Cons

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

Sullivans Cove 17 Year Old American Oak

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£995 vs £599)
  • Lower community rating (1.0 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 Sullivans?

Sullivans Cove 17 Year Old American Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Sullivans Cove 17 Year Old American Oak

VanillaFresh FruitHoneyToastedNew Wood

Explore more