Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Glen Elgin
£670
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glen Elgin |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 36 yr |
| Price | £599 | £669.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £670.
For beginners: Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (75/100 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 £669.5)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (36 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£669.5 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 Glen?
Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Glen Elgin 36 Year Old 1988 (cask 4318) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)