Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Highland Park 21 Year Old 2000 – The Poker Face (Hidden Spirits)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldHighland Park 21 Year Old 2000 – The Poker Face (Hidden Spirits)
DistilleryArdbegHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%51.1%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£599£595
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Highland Park 21 Year Old 2000 – The Poker Face (Hidden Spirits)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 21 Year Old 2000 – The Poker Face (Hidden Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Highland Park 21 Year Old 2000 – The Poker Face (Hidden Spirits) is better value at £595 vs £599.

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£599 vs £595)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Highland Park 21 Year Old 2000 – The Poker Face (Hidden Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£595 vs £599)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
  • 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 Highland?

Highland Park 21 Year Old 2000 – The Poker Face (Hidden Spirits) 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

Smokey

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

MedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Highland Park 21 Year Old 2000 – The Poker Face (Hidden Spirits)

Dried FruitToastedOld Wood

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