SMWS No. 25.49 17 Year Old vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
SMWS No. 25.49 17 Year Old
Rosebank
£700
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£725
| SMWS No. 25.49 17 Year Old | Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rosebank | Ardbeg |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.1% | 48.1% |
| Age | 17 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £700 | £724.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS No. 25.49 17 Year Old
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
SMWS No. 25.49 17 Year Old
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
SMWS No. 25.49 17 Year Old is better value at £700 vs £725.
For beginners: Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
SMWS No. 25.49 17 Year Old
Pros
- +More affordable (£700 vs £724.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£724.95 vs £700)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS No. 25.49 17 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.
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only SMWS No. 25.49 17 Year Old
Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)