The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Ardmore 9 Year Old 2012 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldArdmore 9 Year Old 2012 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryArdmore
RegionOther ScotchHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%58.5%
Age21 yr9 yr
Price£84.9£70.95
Rating5.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2012 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2012 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2012 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) is better value at £71 vs £85.

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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £70.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2012 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£70.95 vs £84.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
  • 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 Ardmore?

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2012 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) 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 Ardmore 9 Year Old 2012 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)

SmokeyChocolateLeatheryToastedCooked Vegetable

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