Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single CaskSpringbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryArdbegSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.2%48.2%
Age6 yr21 yr
Price£741.76£599.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value7/100

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value8/100

Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £600 vs £742.

For beginners: Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (60.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£741.76 vs £599.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£599.95 vs £741.76)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (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 Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Ardbeg 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 2198) - Single Cask

OilyCoal-gas

Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodLeatheryToasted

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