Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Benrinnes 29 Year Old 1994 (cask 7938) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Benrinnes 29 Year Old 1994 (cask 7938) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryArdbegBenrinnes
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%53.3%
Age24 yr29 yr
Price£724.95£624.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Benrinnes 29 Year Old 1994 (cask 7938) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Benrinnes 29 Year Old 1994 (cask 7938) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Benrinnes 29 Year Old 1994 (cask 7938) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £625 vs £725.

For beginners: Benrinnes 29 Year Old 1994 (cask 7938) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (60/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£724.95 vs £624.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Benrinnes 29 Year Old 1994 (cask 7938) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£624.95 vs £724.95)
  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 24 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 29 Year Old 1994 (cask 7938) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Benrinnes 29 Year Old 1994 (cask 7938) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld WoodHoney

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