Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Chichibu 10 Year Old / The First Ten Japanese Single Malt Whisky

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldChichibu 10 Year Old / The First Ten Japanese Single Malt Whisky
DistilleryArdbegChichibu
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£599£700
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Chichibu 10 Year Old / The First Ten Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Chichibu 10 Year Old / The First Ten Japanese Single Malt 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 £700.

For beginners: Chichibu 10 Year Old / The First Ten Japanese Single Malt 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 £700)

Cons

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

Chichibu 10 Year Old / The First Ten Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£700 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 Chichibu?

Chichibu 10 Year Old / The First Ten Japanese Single Malt 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 Chichibu 10 Year Old / The First Ten Japanese Single Malt Whisky

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanillaFresh Fruit

Explore more