Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1986 (cask 16601801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1986 (cask 16601801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Glenlivet
£798
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1986 (cask 16601801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | The Glenlivet |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 47.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £599 | £798.14 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1986 (cask 16601801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1986 (cask 16601801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £798.
For beginners: Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1986 (cask 16601801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (70/100 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 £798.14)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1986 (cask 16601801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£798.14 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 Glenlivet?
Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1986 (cask 16601801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1986 (cask 16601801) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)