Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) vs Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Ardbeg
£295
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Teaninich
★ 5.00
£344
| Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) | Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Teaninich |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.5% | 65% |
| Age | 20 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £295.09 | £344.14 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is better value at £295 vs £344.
For beginners: Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£295.09 vs £344.14)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 20 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (65%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£344.14 vs £295.09)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Teaninich?
Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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 Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Only Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts