Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Tomatin 36 Year Old - Batch 3

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldTomatin 36 Year Old - Batch 3
DistilleryArdbegTomatin
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%46%
Age21 yr36 yr
Price£599£499
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Tomatin 36 Year Old - Batch 3

Smoke0/100
Sweetness78/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 36 Year Old - Batch 3

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Tomatin 36 Year Old - Batch 3 is better value at £499 vs £599.

For beginners: Tomatin 36 Year Old - Batch 3 is more approachable (75/100 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

Tomatin 36 Year Old - Batch 3

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £599)
  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • 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 Tomatin?

Tomatin 36 Year Old - Batch 3 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Leathery

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOily

Only Tomatin 36 Year Old - Batch 3

SherriedHoneyOld WoodVanilla

Explore more