Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Glen Grant 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldGlen Grant 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryArdbegGlen Grant
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%54%
Age21 yr36 yr
Price£599£699.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Glen Grant 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner45/100
Value7/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Grant 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £700.

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
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £699.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Glen Grant 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£699.95 vs £599)
  • 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 Grant 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) 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 Glen Grant 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitNuttyTobacco

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