Springbank 17 Year Old 2002 - Madeira Wood Finish vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Springbank 17 Year Old 2002 - Madeira Wood FinishArdbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistillerySpringbankArdbeg
RegionCampbeltownIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.8%48.1%
Age17 yr24 yr
Price£799£724.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Springbank 17 Year Old 2002 - Madeira Wood Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

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

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

Springbank 17 Year Old 2002 - Madeira Wood Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £725 vs £799.

For beginners: Springbank 17 Year Old 2002 - Madeira Wood Finish is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Springbank 17 Year Old 2002 - Madeira Wood Finish

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£799 vs £724.95)
  • 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
  • +More affordable (£724.95 vs £799)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 17 Year Old 2002 - Madeira Wood Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown 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 Springbank 17 Year Old 2002 - Madeira Wood Finish

LeatherySherriedCooked FruitTobaccoOld Wood

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

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

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