Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Midleton |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Pot Still |
| ABV | 46% | 52.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £599 | £899 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £899.
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 £899)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask
Pros
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£899 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 Midleton?
Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask 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 Midleton 1995 (cask 1047) - Single Cask