Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

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

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
DistillerySpringbankArdbeg
RegionCampbeltownIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.2%56.4%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£599.95£590.83
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value8/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value8/100

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £591 vs £600.

For beginners: Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £590.83)

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£590.83 vs £599.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryMedicinal

Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Toasted

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