Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) vs New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988

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

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988
DistilleryCardhuThe New Zealand Whisky Company
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandNew Zealand
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56%56.4%
Age11 yr23 yr
Price£83.9£125.95
Rating5.00/5

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value60/100

New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £126.

For beginners: Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£83.9 vs £125.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water

New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 11 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£125.95 vs £83.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Cardhu?

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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.

Who should buy New?

New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988 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

Honey

Only Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

VanillaFresh FruitMalt ExtractNew Wood

Only New Zealand 23 Year Old 1988

Old WoodSherriedDried Fruit

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