Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

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

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask FinishGlenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
DistilleryArdbegGlenmorangie
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.1%46%
Age23 yr15 yr
Price£291.95£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

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

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is better value at £292 vs £399.

For beginners: Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is more approachable (60/100 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)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 15 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £291.95)
  • 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 Glenmorangie?

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition 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

SherriedOld Wood

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokeyCooked FruitLeathery

Only Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

VanillaToasted

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