Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Banff
£599
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Banff |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £599 | £599 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £599 vs £599.
For beginners: Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 13 years)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Banff?
Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)