Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

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

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
DistilleryArdmoreBrackla
RegionHighlandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.2%40%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£250£219.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value20/100

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value23/100

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is better value at £220 vs £250.

For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£250 vs £219.99)

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£219.99 vs £250)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987 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 Royal?

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodVanillaToasted

Only Ardmore 30 Year Old 1987

HoneyNutty

Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SherriedCooked Fruit

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