Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi) vs Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Ardmore
£150
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Balvenie
★ 4.85
£199
| Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi) | Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Balvenie |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 61% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £149.7 | £199 |
| Rating | — | 4.85/5 |
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Quick verdict
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is rated higher (4.85 vs 0.00).
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi) is better value at £150 vs £199.
For beginners: Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£149.7 vs £199)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (61%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£199 vs £149.7)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi) 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Only Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask