Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Blair Athol 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 6790) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Blair Athol 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 6790) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)
Blair Athol
£575
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Blair Athol 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 6790) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Blair Athol |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 55.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £599 | £574.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Blair Athol 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 6790) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Blair Athol 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 6790) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Blair Athol 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 6790) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory) is better value at £575 vs £599.
For beginners: Ardbeg 21 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£599 vs £574.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Blair Athol 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 6790) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)
Pros
- +More affordable (£574.95 vs £599)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 Blair?
Blair Athol 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 6790) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory) 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 21 Year Old
Only Blair Athol 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 6790) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve 35th Anniversary (Signatory)