Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)
Caol Ila
£500
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 44.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £599 | £499.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £500 vs £599.
For beginners: Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (50/100 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 £499.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£499.95 vs £599)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 Caol?
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks) 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
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)
Where to buy
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange