Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970sArdmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryBarton BrandsArdmore
RegionHighland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%58.3%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£180£130.94
Rating5.00/5

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value28/100

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £131 vs £180.

For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£180 vs £130.94)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£130.94 vs £180)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Barton's?

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s 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.

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Tobacco

Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

ToastedVanillaHoneyOily

Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyOld Wood

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