Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Glenlivet 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 8170) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Glenlivet 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 8170) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
The Glenlivet
£750
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Glenlivet 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 8170) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | The Glenlivet |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 53.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 42 yr |
| Price | £599 | £750 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Glenlivet 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 8170) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Glenlivet 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 8170) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £750.
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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£599 vs £750)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenlivet 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 8170) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£750 vs £599)
- −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 Glenlivet?
Glenlivet 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 8170) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Glenlivet 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 8170) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)