Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£399
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Laphroaig |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.1% | 48.9% |
| Age | 23 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £291.95 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is better value at £292 vs £399.
For beginners: Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£291.95 vs £399)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 23 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £291.95)
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 Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)