The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
The Antiquary
★ 5.00
£85
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
Benriach
★ 5.00
£96
| The Antiquary 21 Year Old | BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Antiquary | Benriach |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 59.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £84.9 | £95.52 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
Quick verdict
The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £96.
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 £95.52)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (59.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£95.52 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 BenRiach?
BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089) 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 BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)