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)
Ardmore
£150

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Caperdonich
★ 5.00
£140
| Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi) | Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Caperdonich |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 61% | 48% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £149.7 | £139.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
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
Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 149026) (Adelphi)
Only Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection