Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Mortlach 25 Year Old

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldMortlach 25 Year Old
DistilleryArdbegMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%43.4%
Age21 yr25 yr
Price£599£582.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Mortlach 25 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value9/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 25 Year Old is better value at £583 vs £599.

For beginners: Mortlach 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£599 vs £582.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Mortlach 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£582.95 vs £599)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • 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 25 Year Old 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 Mortlach 25 Year Old

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToastedOld Wood

Where to buy

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Mortlach 25 Year Old

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