Ardbeg & Aultmore - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

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

Ardbeg & Aultmore - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing)The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
DistilleryDouglas LaingThe Lakes Distillery
Region
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%52%
AgeNASNAS
Price£120£84.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg & Aultmore - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner65/100
Value59/100

Ardbeg & Aultmore - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £120.

For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg & Aultmore - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£120 vs £84.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £120)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg & Aultmore - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Who should buy The?

The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 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

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Ardbeg & Aultmore - Double Barrel (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyOilyDried FruitLeathery

Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

SherriedVanillaHoney

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