Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldArdbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask
DistilleryArdbegArdbeg
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%60.2%
Age21 yr6 yr
Price£599£741.76
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value7/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £742.

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
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £741.76)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 6 years)

Cons

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

Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (60.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£741.76 vs £599)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask 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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

KipperyLeathery

Only Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask

Coal-gas

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