Midleton Very Rare 2016 vs Ardbeg 21 Year Old (Committee Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Midleton Very Rare 2016 | Ardbeg 21 Year Old (Committee Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Ardbeg |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.3% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £799 | £1250 |
| Rating | 4.91/5 | — |
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Ardbeg 21 Year Old (Committee Release)
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Ardbeg 21 Year Old (Committee Release)
Quick verdict
Midleton Very Rare 2016 is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).
Midleton Very Rare 2016 is better value at £799 vs £1250.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2016 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
- +More affordable (£799 vs £1250)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 21 Year Old (Committee Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1250 vs £799)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 2016 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old (Committee Release) 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 Midleton Very Rare 2016
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old (Committee Release)