Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask vs Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£224
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Ardmore
★ 5.00
£180
| Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask | Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tomintoul | Ardmore |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.9% | 49.3% |
| Age | 31 yr | 19 yr |
| Price | £223.7 | £179.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Quick verdict
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £180 vs £224.
For beginners: Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Pros
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 19 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£223.7 vs £179.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £223.7)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
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 Ardmore?
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Only Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)