The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldKavalan ex-Bourbon Oak
DistilleryThe AntiquaryKavalan
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandTaiwan
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%46%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£84.9£88.5
Rating5.00/54.50/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner80/100
Value51/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £89.

For beginners: Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak is more approachable (80/100 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 £88.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£88.5 vs £84.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 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 Kavalan?

Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak 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.

Tasting notes

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Kavalan ex-Bourbon Oak

VanillaMalt ExtractHoneyFresh Fruit

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