Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £599 | £555 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £555 vs £599.
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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£599 vs £555)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Pros
- +More affordable (£555 vs £599)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
- −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 Mortlach?
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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 Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Where to buy
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange