Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs St. Magdalene 25 Year Old 1982 (cask 4282) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldSt. Magdalene 25 Year Old 1982 (cask 4282) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryArdbegSt. Magdalene
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%50%
Age21 yr25 yr
Price£599£899
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

St. Magdalene 25 Year Old 1982 (cask 4282) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

St. Magdalene 25 Year Old 1982 (cask 4282) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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 £899.

For beginners: St. Magdalene 25 Year Old 1982 (cask 4282) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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 £899)

Cons

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

St. Magdalene 25 Year Old 1982 (cask 4282) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£899 vs £599)
  • 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 St.?

St. Magdalene 25 Year Old 1982 (cask 4282) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only St. Magdalene 25 Year Old 1982 (cask 4282) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

HoneyNuttyOld WoodMalt ExtractLeafy

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