Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Imperial 26 Year Old - Marriage (The Single Malts of Scotland)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldImperial 26 Year Old - Marriage (The Single Malts of Scotland)
DistilleryArdbegImperial
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%44.8%
Age21 yr26 yr
Price£599£830
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Imperial 26 Year Old - Marriage (The Single Malts of Scotland)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Imperial 26 Year Old - Marriage (The Single Malts of Scotland)

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 £830.

For beginners: Imperial 26 Year Old - Marriage (The Single Malts of Scotland) is more approachable (60/100 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 £830)

Cons

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

Imperial 26 Year Old - Marriage (The Single Malts of Scotland)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£830 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 Imperial?

Imperial 26 Year Old - Marriage (The Single Malts of Scotland) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Imperial 26 Year Old - Marriage (The Single Malts of Scotland)

HoneyVanillaOld WoodToastedNutty

Explore more