Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask vs Ardbeg Blasda Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£224

Ardbeg Blasda Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Ardbeg
£250
| Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask | Ardbeg Blasda Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tomintoul | Ardbeg |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 53.9% | 40% |
| Age | 31 yr | NAS |
| Price | £223.7 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Ardbeg Blasda Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Ardbeg Blasda Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Quick verdict
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is better value at £224 vs £250.
For beginners: Ardbeg Blasda Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£223.7 vs £250)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg Blasda Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£250 vs £223.7)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg Blasda Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Only Ardbeg Blasda Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky