Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balvenie 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£725
Balvenie 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling)
Balvenie
£595
| Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Balvenie 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.1% | 43% |
| Age | 24 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £724.95 | £595 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balvenie 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling)
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balvenie 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling) is better value at £595 vs £725.
For beginners: Balvenie 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling) is more approachable (70/100 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)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£724.95 vs £595)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balvenie 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£595 vs £724.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only Balvenie 17 Year Old New Oak (First Bottling)