Aberlour 16 Year Old vs Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Aberlour 16 Year Old | Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Cardhu |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56% |
| Age | 16 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £120 | £83.9 |
| Rating | 4.13/5 | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 16 Year Old
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Aberlour 16 Year Old
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Quick verdict
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.13).
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £120.
For beginners: Aberlour 16 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 16 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 11 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£120 vs £83.9)
- −Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£83.9 vs £120)
Cons
- −High ABV (56%) — may need water
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 16 Year Old 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 Cardhu?
Cardhu 11 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
Both taste of
Only Aberlour 16 Year Old
Only Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

