Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Linkwood |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | 43 yr |
| Price | £599 | £954.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £955.
For beginners: Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail) is more approachable (70/100 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 £954.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (43 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£954.95 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 Linkwood?
Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Linkwood 43 Year Old 1939 (Gordon and MacPhail)