Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask FinishPittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryArdbegPittyvaich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.1%43%
Age23 yr12 yr
Price£291.95£350
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

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

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value14/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is better value at £292 vs £350.

For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 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 £350)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 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 Pittyvaich?

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokeySherriedCooked FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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