Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Longrow 10 Year Old 100 Proof - Early 2000s

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

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask FinishLongrow 10 Year Old 100 Proof - Early 2000s
DistilleryArdbegSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.1%57%
Age23 yr10 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

Longrow 10 Year Old 100 Proof - Early 2000s

Smoke65/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value14/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Longrow 10 Year Old 100 Proof - Early 2000s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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
  • +More affordable (£291.95 vs £350)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Longrow 10 Year Old 100 Proof - Early 2000s

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£350 vs £291.95)

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 10 Year Old 100 Proof - Early 2000s 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

SmokeyLeathery

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SherriedCooked FruitOld Wood

Only Longrow 10 Year Old 100 Proof - Early 2000s

OilyKipperyToasted

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