Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) vs Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Caperdonich
★ 5.00
£163

Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Ardmore
★ 5.00
£180
| Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) | Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caperdonich | Ardmore |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.9% | 49.3% |
| Age | 30 yr | 19 yr |
| Price | £163.35 | £179.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Quick verdict
Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £163 vs £180.
For beginners: Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£163.35 vs £179.95)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 19 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£179.95 vs £163.35)
Who should buy Caperdonich?
Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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 Ardmore?
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caperdonich 30 Years Old 1982 (cask 8778) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Only Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)