Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Chichibu Paris Edition 2020

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldChichibu Paris Edition 2020
DistilleryArdbegChichibu
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%52.8%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£599£499
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Chichibu Paris Edition 2020

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Chichibu Paris Edition 2020

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Chichibu Paris Edition 2020 is better value at £499 vs £599.

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£599 vs £499)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Chichibu Paris Edition 2020

Pros

  • +More affordable (£499 vs £599)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • 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 Chichibu?

Chichibu Paris Edition 2020 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 Chichibu Paris Edition 2020

ToastedSherriedDried FruitHoneyOld Wood

Explore more