The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldCraigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryCraigellachie
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%60.1%
Age21 yr16 yr
Price£84.9£126.95
Rating5.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £127.

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

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 £126.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£126.95 vs £84.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

HoneyVanillaCitricMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

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