Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCragganmoreArdbeg
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%48.1%
Age30 yr24 yr
Price£695£724.95
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value7/100

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £695 vs £725.

For beginners: Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£695 vs £724.95)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 24 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£724.95 vs £695)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

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 Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitToastedNutty

Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

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