Old Forester 12 Year Old - Birthday Bourbon 2013 vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Old Forester 12 Year Old - Birthday Bourbon 2013Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryOld ForesterArdbeg
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV49%48.1%
AgeNAS24 yr
Price£999£724.95
Rating5.00/5

Old Forester 12 Year Old - Birthday Bourbon 2013

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value7/100

Old Forester 12 Year Old - Birthday Bourbon 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £725 vs £999.

For beginners: Old Forester 12 Year Old - Birthday Bourbon 2013 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Old Forester 12 Year Old - Birthday Bourbon 2013

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £724.95)
  • 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)
  • +More affordable (£724.95 vs £999)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Old?

Old Forester 12 Year Old - Birthday Bourbon 2013 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Old Forester 12 Year Old - Birthday Bourbon 2013

VanillaHoneyChocolateToastedDried Fruit

Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

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