Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Ardmore
£370
BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Benriach
★ 5.00
£299
| Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Benriach |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.6% | 55.4% |
| Age | 25 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £369.5 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Quick verdict
BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish is better value at £299 vs £370.
For beginners: BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 15 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£369.5 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £369.5)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy BenRiach?
BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only BenRiach 15 Year Old 1999 (cask 9150) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish