Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Redbreast 19 Year Old 1998 (La Maison du Whisky)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldRedbreast 19 Year Old 1998 (La Maison du Whisky)
DistilleryArdbegRedbreast
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV46%55.7%
Age21 yr19 yr
Price£599£599
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Redbreast 19 Year Old 1998 (La Maison du Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Redbreast 19 Year Old 1998 (La Maison du Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Redbreast 19 Year Old 1998 (La Maison du Whisky) is better value at £599 vs £599.

For beginners: Redbreast 19 Year Old 1998 (La Maison du Whisky) is more approachable (50/100 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 19 years)

Cons

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

Redbreast 19 Year Old 1998 (La Maison du Whisky)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.7%) — 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 Redbreast?

Redbreast 19 Year Old 1998 (La Maison du Whisky) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Redbreast 19 Year Old 1998 (La Maison du Whisky)

SherriedDried FruitHoneyVanillaOld Wood

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