Ardmore 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 15228) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardmore 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 15228) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Ardmore
£110
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Kininvie
★ 5.00
£120
| Ardmore 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 15228) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Kininvie |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.4% | 42.6% |
| Age | 18 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £109.99 | £120 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 15228) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Ardmore 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 15228) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Quick verdict
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardmore 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 15228) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £110 vs £120.
For beginners: Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 15228) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£109.99 vs £120)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£120 vs £109.99)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 15228) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy Kininvie?
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) 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 Ardmore 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 15228) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)