Ardmore 16 Year Old 2008 (Cask 14545) - The Single Cask vs Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

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

Ardmore 16 Year Old 2008 (Cask 14545) - The Single CaskCardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
DistilleryArdmoreCardhu
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.2%56%
Age16 yr11 yr
Price£121.5£83.9
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 16 Year Old 2008 (Cask 14545) - The Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value60/100

Ardmore 16 Year Old 2008 (Cask 14545) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £122.

For beginners: Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 16 Year Old 2008 (Cask 14545) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£121.5 vs £83.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£83.9 vs £121.5)

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 16 Year Old 2008 (Cask 14545) - The 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 Cardhu?

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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

Honey

Only Ardmore 16 Year Old 2008 (Cask 14545) - The Single Cask

Cooked FruitSherriedToastedLeathery

Only Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

VanillaFresh FruitMalt ExtractNew Wood

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