Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Redbreast 20 Year Old 1999 All Sherry (Midleton & Bow St)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldRedbreast 20 Year Old 1999 All Sherry (Midleton & Bow St)
DistilleryArdbegRedbreast
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV46%60.3%
Age21 yr20 yr
Price£599£599
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Redbreast 20 Year Old 1999 All Sherry (Midleton & Bow St)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Redbreast 20 Year Old 1999 All Sherry (Midleton & Bow St)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Redbreast 20 Year Old 1999 All Sherry (Midleton & Bow St) is better value at £599 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Redbreast 20 Year Old 1999 All Sherry (Midleton & Bow St)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60.3%) — 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 Redbreast?

Redbreast 20 Year Old 1999 All Sherry (Midleton & Bow St) 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

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Redbreast 20 Year Old 1999 All Sherry (Midleton & Bow St)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitNuttyOld Wood

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