Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Douglas Laing
★ 5.00
£125
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
The Antiquary
★ 5.00
£85
| Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing) | The Antiquary 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Douglas Laing | The Antiquary |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 53.2% | 43% |
| Age | 14 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £124.55 | £84.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £125.
For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£124.55 vs £84.9)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£84.9 vs £124.55)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 14 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Islay?
Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas 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 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 Islay 'Balance' 14 Year Old 2005 - Old Particular Spiritualist Series (Douglas Laing)
Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old