Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

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

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020
DistilleryTobermoryBenriach
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.7%46%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£89.95£117.76
Rating5.00/54.33/5

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner75/100
Value37/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £118.

For beginners: BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £117.76)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£117.76 vs £89.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)
  • 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 BenRiach?

BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020 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.

Tasting notes

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

Only BenRiach 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

SherriedCooked FruitVanillaOld Wood

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