Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldBanff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryArdbegBanff
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age21 yr13 yr
Price£599£599
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value8/100

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £599 vs £599.

For beginners: Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 13 years)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 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 Banff?

Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyLeathery

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

MedicinalKipperyOily

Only Banff 13 Year Old 1974 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Old WoodNuttyDried Fruit

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