Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Cragganmore
£695
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Cragganmore |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 48.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £599 | £695 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £695.
For beginners: Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 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 £695)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£695 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 Cragganmore?
Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 4230549) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)