Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Tormore 31 Year Old 1991 (cask 15381) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldTormore 31 Year Old 1991 (cask 15381) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryArdbegTormore
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.1%
Age21 yr31 yr
Price£599£675
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Tormore 31 Year Old 1991 (cask 15381) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tormore 31 Year Old 1991 (cask 15381) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 £675.

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)
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £675)

Cons

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

Tormore 31 Year Old 1991 (cask 15381) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£675 vs £599)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Tormore?

Tormore 31 Year Old 1991 (cask 15381) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Tormore 31 Year Old 1991 (cask 15381) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedOld WoodToastedDried Fruit

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