Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Glenesk 1984 / Bot.2008 / Connoisseurs Choice Highland Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
Glenesk 1984 / Bot.2008 / Connoisseurs Choice Highland Whisky
Glenesk
£450
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Glenesk 1984 / Bot.2008 / Connoisseurs Choice Highland Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glenesk |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 49.1% | 40% |
| Age | 23 yr | NAS |
| Price | £291.95 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Glenesk 1984 / Bot.2008 / Connoisseurs Choice Highland Whisky
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Glenesk 1984 / Bot.2008 / Connoisseurs Choice Highland Whisky
Quick verdict
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is better value at £292 vs £450.
For beginners: Glenesk 1984 / Bot.2008 / Connoisseurs Choice Highland Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£291.95 vs £450)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Glenesk 1984 / Bot.2008 / Connoisseurs Choice Highland Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£450 vs £291.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Darkness!?
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish 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 Glenesk?
Glenesk 1984 / Bot.2008 / Connoisseurs Choice Highland Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Glenesk 1984 / Bot.2008 / Connoisseurs Choice Highland Whisky