Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Cardhu 22 Year Old 1982
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Cardhu 22 Year Old 1982 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Cardhu |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 57.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £599 | £699 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Cardhu 22 Year Old 1982
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Cardhu 22 Year Old 1982
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £699.
For beginners: Cardhu 22 Year Old 1982 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 affordable (£599 vs £699)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Cardhu 22 Year Old 1982
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£699 vs £599)
- −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 Cardhu?
Cardhu 22 Year Old 1982 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Cardhu 22 Year Old 1982