Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Tullibardine 33 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292
Tullibardine 33 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Tullibardine
£450
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Tullibardine 33 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Tullibardine |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.1% | 49.9% |
| Age | 23 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £291.95 | £449.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Tullibardine 33 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Tullibardine 33 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
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 £450.
For beginners: Tullibardine 33 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (70/100 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 £449.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Tullibardine 33 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 23 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£449.95 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 Tullibardine?
Tullibardine 33 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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
Only Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Tullibardine 33 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)