The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Octomore 12.1 5 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Antiquary 21 Year Old | Octomore 12.1 5 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Antiquary | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 59.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 5 yr |
| Price | £84.9 | £140 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Octomore 12.1 5 Year Old
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Octomore 12.1 5 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £140.
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 £140)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 5 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Octomore 12.1 5 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (59.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£140 vs £84.9)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Octomore?
Octomore 12.1 5 Year Old 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
Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Only Octomore 12.1 5 Year Old