The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldSmögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
DistilleryThe AntiquarySmögen
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandSweden
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%61.1%
Age21 yr4 yr
Price£84.9£88.05
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner30/100
Value57/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £88.

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 £88.05)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 4 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (61.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£88.05 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 Smögen?

Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter 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

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter

SmokeyToastedFresh FruitNew WoodVanilla

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