Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balvenie 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 1) - Collection of Curious Casks

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

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Balvenie 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 1) - Collection of Curious Casks
DistilleryArdbegBalvenie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%47.6%
Age24 yr17 yr
Price£724.95£699
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Balvenie 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 1) - Collection of Curious Casks

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balvenie 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 1) - Collection of Curious Casks

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Balvenie 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 1) - Collection of Curious Casks is better value at £699 vs £725.

For beginners: Balvenie 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 1) - Collection of Curious Casks is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

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 £699)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Balvenie 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 1) - Collection of Curious Casks

Pros

  • +More affordable (£699 vs £724.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Balvenie?

Balvenie 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 1) - Collection of Curious Casks suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

Only Balvenie 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 1) - Collection of Curious Casks

New WoodVanillaHoneyToastedCooked Fruit

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