Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Longrow 17 Year Old - Online Tasting Week May 2021

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

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask FinishLongrow 17 Year Old - Online Tasting Week May 2021
DistilleryArdbegSpringbank
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.1%50.5%
Age23 yr17 yr
Price£291.95£350
Rating5.00/5

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

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

Longrow 17 Year Old - Online Tasting Week May 2021

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Longrow 17 Year Old - Online Tasting Week May 2021

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 £350.

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 £350)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Longrow 17 Year Old - Online Tasting Week May 2021

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£350 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 Longrow?

Longrow 17 Year Old - Online Tasting Week May 2021 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

Smokey

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SherriedCooked FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Only Longrow 17 Year Old - Online Tasting Week May 2021

OilyNew WoodCooked Mash

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