Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Tobermory
★ 5.00
£90
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Bell's
★ 5.00
£100
| Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tobermory | Bell's |
| Region | Island | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 51.7% | 40% |
| Age | 18 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £89.95 | £99.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Quick verdict
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £100.
For beginners: Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£89.95 vs £99.99)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£99.99 vs £89.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ledaig?
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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.
Who should buy Bell’s?
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s