Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi) vs Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
DistilleryArdmoreCaperdonich
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV61%48%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£149.7£139.9
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value36/100

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is better value at £140 vs £150.

For beginners: Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (61%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£149.7 vs £139.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£139.9 vs £149.7)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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 Caperdonich?

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyDried FruitToastedLeathery

Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)

Old Wood

Only Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Medicinal

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