The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldOctomore 15.1 5 Year Old
DistilleryThe AntiquaryBruichladdich
RegionOther ScotchIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%59.1%
Age21 yr5 yr
Price£84.9£139.99
Rating5.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £139.99)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.99 vs £84.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Octomore?

Octomore 15.1 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

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old

SmokeyNew WoodOilyCoal-gasMedicinal

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