The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Caledonian
★ 5.00
£699
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£725
| The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) | Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caledonian | Ardbeg |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.3% | 48.1% |
| Age | 40 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £699 | £724.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) is better value at £699 vs £725.
For beginners: The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£699 vs £724.95)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 24 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£724.95 vs £699)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015) 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.
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only The Cally 40 Year Old 1974 (Special Release 2015)
Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)