Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Mortlach 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Mortlach 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 62.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £599 | £799 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £799.
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 £799)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (62.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£799 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 Mortlach?
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts 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
Where to buy
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange