Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12196) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12196) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
DistilleryArdmoreCraigellachie
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52%51%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£76.41£72.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12196) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness44/100
Beginner50/100
Value69/100

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12196) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is better value at £73 vs £76.

For beginners: Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12196) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£76.41 vs £72.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£72.95 vs £76.41)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (51%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12196) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) 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

Cooked FruitDried Fruit

Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12196) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyLeathery

Only Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SherriedToastedNutty

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