Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Linkwood 37 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2016)

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

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Linkwood 37 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2016)
DistilleryArdbegLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%50.3%
Age24 yr37 yr
Price£724.95£695
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Linkwood 37 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2016)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 37 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2016)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Linkwood 37 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2016) is better value at £695 vs £725.

For beginners: Linkwood 37 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2016) is more approachable (60/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£724.95 vs £695)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Linkwood 37 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2016)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£695 vs £724.95)
  • +Longer maturation (37 vs 24 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 37 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2016) 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.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

Only Linkwood 37 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2016)

Old WoodSherriedHoneyDried FruitTobacco

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