Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Edradour 30 Year Old 1993 (cask 302)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldEdradour 30 Year Old 1993 (cask 302)
DistilleryArdbegEdradour
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56%
Age21 yr30 yr
Price£599£769.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Edradour 30 Year Old 1993 (cask 302)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Edradour 30 Year Old 1993 (cask 302)

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 £770.

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 affordable (£599 vs £769.95)

Cons

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

Edradour 30 Year Old 1993 (cask 302)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£769.95 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 Edradour?

Edradour 30 Year Old 1993 (cask 302) 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

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Edradour 30 Year Old 1993 (cask 302)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolateToasted

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