Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Mosstowie 1979 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Speyside Whisky

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

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask FinishMosstowie 1979 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Speyside Whisky
DistilleryArdbegMosstowie
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV49.1%40%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£291.95£450
Rating5.00/5

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

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

Mosstowie 1979 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mosstowie 1979 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Speyside Whisky

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 £450.

For beginners: Mosstowie 1979 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Speyside Whisky is more approachable (65/100 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 £450)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Mosstowie 1979 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£450 vs £291.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Mosstowie?

Mosstowie 1979 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Speyside Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish

SmokeySherriedCooked FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Only Mosstowie 1979 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Speyside Whisky

YeastyCooked MashToastedHay-likeOily

Explore more