Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Bunnahabhain 1989 / 34 Year Old / Cask #5891 / Connoisseurs Choice Upper Islay Whisky

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldBunnahabhain 1989 / 34 Year Old / Cask #5891 / Connoisseurs Choice Upper Islay Whisky
DistilleryArdbegBunnahabhain
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£599£950
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Bunnahabhain 1989 / 34 Year Old / Cask #5891 / Connoisseurs Choice Upper Islay Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bunnahabhain 1989 / 34 Year Old / Cask #5891 / Connoisseurs Choice Upper Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £950.

For beginners: Bunnahabhain 1989 / 34 Year Old / Cask #5891 / Connoisseurs Choice Upper Islay Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £950)

Cons

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

Bunnahabhain 1989 / 34 Year Old / Cask #5891 / Connoisseurs Choice Upper Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£950 vs £599)
  • 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 Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 1989 / 34 Year Old / Cask #5891 / Connoisseurs Choice Upper Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Bunnahabhain 1989 / 34 Year Old / Cask #5891 / Connoisseurs Choice Upper Islay Whisky

HoneyFresh FruitVanillaNuttyToasted

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