Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Pittyvaich
£380
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Special Release 2020) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Pittyvaich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.1% | 50.8% |
| Age | 23 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £291.95 | £379.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
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 £380.
For beginners: Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£291.95 vs £379.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 23 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£379.95 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 Pittyvaich?
Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Special Release 2020) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Pittyvaich 30 Year Old (Special Release 2020)