Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Aultmore 1990 / 32 Year Old / The Whisky Agency Speyside Whisky

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

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask FinishAultmore 1990 / 32 Year Old / The Whisky Agency Speyside Whisky
DistilleryArdbegAultmore
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV49.1%40%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£291.95£485
Rating5.00/5

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value17/100

Aultmore 1990 / 32 Year Old / The Whisky Agency Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aultmore 1990 / 32 Year Old / The Whisky Agency Speyside Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £485.

For beginners: Aultmore 1990 / 32 Year Old / The Whisky Agency Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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 £485)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Aultmore 1990 / 32 Year Old / The Whisky Agency Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£485 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 Aultmore?

Aultmore 1990 / 32 Year Old / The Whisky Agency Speyside Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokeyCooked FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Only Aultmore 1990 / 32 Year Old / The Whisky Agency Speyside Whisky

HoneyVanillaToastedDried Fruit

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