Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

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

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
DistilleryArdmoreLinkwood
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.3%54.9%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£130.94£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner50/100
Value60/100

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is better value at £83 vs £131.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£130.94 vs £82.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£82.95 vs £130.94)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
  • 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Ardmore 21 Year Old 1997 (batch 19/021) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyOld WoodTobacco

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanillaFresh Fruit

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