Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGlen GrantArdbeg
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.8%48.1%
Age30 yr24 yr
Price£519£724.95
Rating5.00/5

Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value7/100

Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £519 vs £725.

For beginners: Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£519 vs £724.95)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 24 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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 (£724.95 vs £519)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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.

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaToastedMalt Extract

Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

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