Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Speyside #1 50 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldSpeyside #1 50 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryArdbegThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%52.5%
Age21 yr50 yr
Price£599£849.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Speyside #1 50 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner45/100
Value6/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Speyside #1 50 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

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
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £849.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Speyside #1 50 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (50 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£849.95 vs £599)
  • 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 Speyside?

Speyside #1 50 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Speyside #1 50 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodMalt ExtractHoneyNuttyToasted

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