Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's ChoicePittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryArdbegPittyvaich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.3%43%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£344.3£350
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value14/100

Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £344 vs £350.

For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£344.3 vs £350)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 vs £344.3)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice 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.

Who should buy Pittyvaich?

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna 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 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokeyMedicinalOld Wood

Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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