The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldCardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryCardhu
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%56%
Age21 yr11 yr
Price£84.9£83.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value60/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £85.

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
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 11 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £83.9)

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£83.9 vs £84.9)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water

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 Cardhu?

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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 Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitMalt ExtractNew Wood

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