Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Glen Elgin-Glenlivet 22 Year Old 1971 - Cadenhead's Authentic Collection
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599

Glen Elgin-Glenlivet 22 Year Old 1971 - Cadenhead's Authentic Collection
Glen Elgin
£699
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Glen Elgin-Glenlivet 22 Year Old 1971 - Cadenhead's Authentic Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glen Elgin |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 50.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £599 | £699 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Glen Elgin-Glenlivet 22 Year Old 1971 - Cadenhead's Authentic Collection
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Glen Elgin-Glenlivet 22 Year Old 1971 - Cadenhead's Authentic Collection
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £699.
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 £699)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Elgin-Glenlivet 22 Year Old 1971 - Cadenhead's Authentic Collection
Pros
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£699 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 Glen?
Glen Elgin-Glenlivet 22 Year Old 1971 - Cadenhead's Authentic Collection 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
Only Glen Elgin-Glenlivet 22 Year Old 1971 - Cadenhead's Authentic Collection