Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 3911) - Whisky is Nature (Silver Seal)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 3911) - Whisky is Nature (Silver Seal)
Mortlach
£429
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 3911) - Whisky is Nature (Silver Seal) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 52.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £599 | £428.78 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 3911) - Whisky is Nature (Silver Seal)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 3911) - Whisky is Nature (Silver Seal)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 3911) - Whisky is Nature (Silver Seal) is better value at £429 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 £428.78)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 3911) - Whisky is Nature (Silver Seal)
Pros
- +More affordable (£428.78 vs £599)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.4%) — 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 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 3911) - Whisky is Nature (Silver Seal) 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
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 3911) - Whisky is Nature (Silver Seal)