Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Lochside 18 Year Old 1991 (cask 6303) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
Lochside 18 Year Old 1991 (cask 6303) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Lochside
£399
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Lochside 18 Year Old 1991 (cask 6303) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Lochside |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.1% | 50% |
| Age | 23 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £291.95 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Lochside 18 Year Old 1991 (cask 6303) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Lochside 18 Year Old 1991 (cask 6303) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
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 £399.
For beginners: Lochside 18 Year Old 1991 (cask 6303) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 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 £399)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Lochside 18 Year Old 1991 (cask 6303) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 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 Lochside?
Lochside 18 Year Old 1991 (cask 6303) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Lochside 18 Year Old 1991 (cask 6303) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)