Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 7181) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 7181) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryArdbegRosebank
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%50%
Age24 yr21 yr
Price£724.95£999
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 7181) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 7181) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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 £999.

For beginners: Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 7181) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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)
  • +More affordable (£724.95 vs £999)

Cons

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

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 7181) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 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 Rosebank?

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 7181) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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 Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (cask 7181) - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaOld Wood

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