Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£591
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Glenfarclas
★ 5.00
£633
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | Glenfarclas 30 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glenfarclas |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.4% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £590.83 | £632.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £591 vs £633.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£590.83 vs £632.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£632.95 vs £590.83)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1993 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old