Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask vs Ardmore 25 Year Old

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

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala CaskArdmore 25 Year Old
DistilleryTeelingArdmore
RegionHighland
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%51.4%
Age21 yr25 yr
Price£175.95£144.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value28/100

Ardmore 25 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner30/100
Value34/100

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardmore 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardmore 25 Year Old is better value at £145 vs £176.

For beginners: Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£175.95 vs £144.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardmore 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£144.95 vs £175.95)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.4%) — may need water

Who should buy Teeling?

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 25 Year Old 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

Only Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask

SherriedDried FruitCooked FruitChocolate

Only Ardmore 25 Year Old

SmokeyOld WoodToastedLeathery

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