Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release)
Springbank
£260
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.1% | 46% |
| Age | 23 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £291.95 | £260 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release)
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release)
Quick verdict
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release) is better value at £260 vs £292.
For beginners: Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release) is more approachable (60/100 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)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£291.95 vs £260)
Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release)
Pros
- +More affordable (£260 vs £291.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Springbank?
Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Springbank 21 Year Old (2021 Release)