Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Michel Forgeron Barrique 60 Grande Champagne Cognac
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
Michel Forgeron Barrique 60 Grande Champagne Cognac
Michel Forgeron
£382
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Michel Forgeron Barrique 60 Grande Champagne Cognac | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Michel Forgeron |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 49.1% | 40% |
| Age | 23 yr | NAS |
| Price | £291.95 | £382 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Michel Forgeron Barrique 60 Grande Champagne Cognac
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Michel Forgeron Barrique 60 Grande Champagne Cognac
Quick verdict
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is better value at £292 vs £382.
For beginners: Michel Forgeron Barrique 60 Grande Champagne Cognac is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£291.95 vs £382)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Michel Forgeron Barrique 60 Grande Champagne Cognac
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£382 vs £291.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Darkness!?
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Michel?
Michel Forgeron Barrique 60 Grande Champagne Cognac 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Michel Forgeron Barrique 60 Grande Champagne Cognac