Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) vs Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Ardmore
★ 5.00
£180
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£224
| Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) | Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Tomintoul |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.3% | 53.9% |
| Age | 19 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £179.95 | £223.7 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Quick verdict
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £180 vs £224.
For beginners: Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £223.7)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Pros
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 19 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£223.7 vs £179.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask