Ardmore 1993 (Gordon and MacPhail) vs Lower East Side Blended Malt

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

Ardmore 1993 (Gordon and MacPhail)Lower East Side Blended Malt
DistilleryArdmoreLower East Side
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV43%40%
Age14 yrNAS
Price£41.48£29.9
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Ardmore 1993 (Gordon and MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner65/100
Value96/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Ardmore 1993 (Gordon and MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £41.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 1993 (Gordon and MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£41.48 vs £29.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 1993 (Gordon and MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Malt Extract

Only Ardmore 1993 (Gordon and MacPhail)

SmokeyToastedLeathery

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanilla

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