Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Kilbeggan 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Ardmore
£131
Kilbeggan 21 Year Old
Kilbeggan
★ 5.00
£85
| Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Kilbeggan 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Kilbeggan |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 58.3% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £130.94 | £84.78 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Kilbeggan 21 Year Old
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Kilbeggan 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Kilbeggan 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Kilbeggan 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £131.
For beginners: Kilbeggan 21 Year Old is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£130.94 vs £84.78)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Kilbeggan 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Kilbeggan?
Kilbeggan 21 Year Old 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
Both taste of
Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Kilbeggan 21 Year Old