Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask FinishArdbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryArdbegArdbeg
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.1%56.9%
Age23 yr18 yr
Price£291.95£375
Rating5.00/5

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

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

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

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 £375.

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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£291.95 vs £375)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£375 vs £291.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyLeatheryOld Wood

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SherriedCooked Fruit

Only Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1993 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

MedicinalOily

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