BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)The Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryBenriachThe Antiquary
RegionSpeysideOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV59.5%43%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£95.52£84.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value52/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £96.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (59.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£95.52 vs £84.9)

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £95.52)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy BenRiach?

BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089) 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 The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Only BenRiach 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 85089)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToastedFresh Fruit

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

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