Cutty Sark 12 Year Old vs Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Cutty Sark 12 Year Old
Cutty Sark
★ 4.14
£33
Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ardmore
★ 5.00
£45
| Cutty Sark 12 Year Old | Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Cutty Sark | Ardmore |
| Region | Other Scotch | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 58.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £33.25 | £44.95 |
| Rating | 4.14/5 | 5.00/5 |
Cutty Sark 12 Year Old
Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Cutty Sark 12 Year Old
Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.14).
Cutty Sark 12 Year Old is better value at £33 vs £45.
For beginners: Cutty Sark 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Cutty Sark 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£33.25 vs £44.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£44.95 vs £33.25)
Who should buy Cutty?
Cutty Sark 12 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Ardlair?
Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Cutty Sark 12 Year Old
Only Ardlair 13 Year Old 2009 Single Cask (Master of Malt)