Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
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 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Balvenie
£795
| Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.1% | 46% |
| Age | 24 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £724.95 | £795 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
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 £795.
For beginners: Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask is more approachable (75/100 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 £795)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£795 vs £724.95)
- −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 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask