Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
The Macallan
★ 3.00
£499
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £599 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.00/5 |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release) is better value at £499 vs £599.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release) is more approachable (70/100 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 18 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£599 vs £499)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£499 vs £599)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.0 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 The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Where to buy
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak (2022 Release)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange