Nikka Pure Malt Black vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Nikka Pure Malt BlackThe Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryNikkaThe Antiquary
RegionOther Scotch
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV43%43%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£120£84.9
Rating4.04/55.00/5

Nikka Pure Malt Black

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value34/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Nikka Pure Malt Black

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.04).

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £120.

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

Nikka Pure Malt Black

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£120 vs £84.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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)
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £120)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Nikka?

Nikka Pure Malt Black suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

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 Nikka Pure Malt Black

Cooked FruitToastedSmokeyChocolateMalt Extract

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

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