Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Bell's
★ 4.88
£100
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Tobermory
★ 5.00
£90
| Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s | Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bell's | Tobermory |
| Region | Other Scotch | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 51.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £99.95 | £89.95 |
| Rating | 4.88/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.88).
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £100.
For beginners: Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£99.95 vs £89.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£89.95 vs £99.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bell's?
Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s 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.
Who should buy Ledaig?
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Bell's 21 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)