Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

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

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two
DistilleryArdbegBalvenie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%62.3%
Age24 yr15 yr
Price£724.95£799.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value7/100

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £725 vs £800.

For beginners: Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£724.95 vs £799.95)

Cons

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

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (62.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£799.95 vs £724.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Balvenie?

Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

Only Balvenie 15 Year Old 2001 (cask 9328) - The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

SherriedChocolateDried FruitHoneyVanilla

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