Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Chichibu London Edition 2020

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldChichibu London Edition 2020
DistilleryArdbegIchiro
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%53.5%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£599£499
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Chichibu London Edition 2020

Smoke64/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Chichibu London Edition 2020

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Chichibu London Edition 2020 is better value at £499 vs £599.

For beginners: Ardbeg 21 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 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)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Chichibu London Edition 2020

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £599)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • 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 Chichibu?

Chichibu London Edition 2020 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

MedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Chichibu London Edition 2020

HoneyFresh FruitVegetativeOld Wood

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