Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Midleton Very Rare 2016
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Midleton Very Rare 2016 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Midleton |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £599 | £799 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.91/5 |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £799.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2016 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 £799)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Midleton Very Rare 2016
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£799 vs £599)
- −Lower community rating (4.9 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 Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 2016 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Midleton Very Rare 2016