Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldSMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky
DistilleryArdbegNorth Port (Brechin)
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£599£850
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £850.

For beginners: SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky is more approachable (55/100 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 £850)

Cons

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

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£850 vs £599)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 SMWS?

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOily

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

MedicinalKipperyLeathery

Only SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

TobaccoOld Wood

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