The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldGlen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryGlen Elgin
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%55.7%
Age21 yr20 yr
Price£84.9£135.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value37/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £136.

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
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £135.95)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£135.95 vs £84.9)

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 Glen?

Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - 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

Old WoodSherriedDried Fruit

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

TobaccoNutty

Only Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

ChocolateCooked Fruit

Explore more