Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balvenie 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 9304) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Four

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

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Balvenie 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 9304) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Four
DistilleryArdbegBalvenie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%46.8%
Age24 yr18 yr
Price£724.95£800
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Balvenie 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 9304) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Four

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balvenie 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 9304) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Four

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 £800.

For beginners: Balvenie 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 9304) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Four 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)
  • +More affordable (£724.95 vs £800)

Cons

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

Balvenie 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 9304) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Four

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£800 vs £724.95)
  • 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 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 9304) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Four 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 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 9304) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Four

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToastedFresh Fruit

Explore more