Ardmore 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 22008011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 22008011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)The Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryArdmoreThe Antiquary
RegionHighlandOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV57.1%43%
Age8 yr21 yr
Price£67.5£84.9
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 22008011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 22008011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 22008011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) is better value at £68 vs £85.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 22008011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£67.5 vs £84.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £67.5)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 22008011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) 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.

Who should buy The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardmore 8 Year Old 2016 (cask 22008011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

Cooked FruitToastedVanillaSmokey

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Explore more