Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Bruichladdich 27 Year Old 1985 - DNA 4th Edition

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldBruichladdich 27 Year Old 1985 - DNA 4th Edition
DistilleryArdbegBruichladdich
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%49.3%
Age21 yr27 yr
Price£599£599
Rating5.00/53.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Bruichladdich 27 Year Old 1985 - DNA 4th Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value5/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 27 Year Old 1985 - DNA 4th Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Bruichladdich 27 Year Old 1985 - DNA 4th Edition is better value at £599 vs £599.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 27 Year Old 1985 - DNA 4th Edition is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

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

Bruichladdich 27 Year Old 1985 - DNA 4th Edition

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.0 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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 27 Year Old 1985 - DNA 4th Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Leathery

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOily

Only Bruichladdich 27 Year Old 1985 - DNA 4th Edition

Old WoodSherriedTobaccoMossy

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