Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) vs Kilbeggan 21 Year Old

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

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)Kilbeggan 21 Year Old
DistilleryAuchroiskKilbeggan
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV54.6%40%
Age23 yr21 yr
Price£117.29£84.78
Rating5.00/5

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner90/100
Value59/100

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £117.

For beginners: Kilbeggan 21 Year Old is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£117.29 vs £84.78)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Auchroisk?

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Kilbeggan?

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old 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

Honey

Only Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Malt ExtractFresh FruitToastedVanilla

Only Kilbeggan 21 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

Explore more