Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)The Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryCardhuThe Antiquary
RegionSpeysideOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56%43%
Age11 yr21 yr
Price£83.9£84.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £85.

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

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£83.9 vs £84.9)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 11 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £83.9)

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 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 Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitMalt ExtractNew Wood

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

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