Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask AR96A) - The Single Cask vs Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask AR96A) - The Single CaskChivas Century of Malts - 1980s
DistilleryArdmoreChivas Regal
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV53.8%43%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£124.95£150
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask AR96A) - The Single Cask

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value33/100

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask AR96A) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask AR96A) - The Single Cask is better value at £125 vs £150.

For beginners: Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask AR96A) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£124.95 vs £150)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 vs £124.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask AR96A) - The 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.

Who should buy Chivas?

Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1996 (cask AR96A) - The Single Cask

SmokeyOld WoodMedicinal

Only Chivas Century of Malts - 1980s

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaDried Fruit

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