James Martin's 20 Year Old (No Presentation Box) vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

James Martin's 20 Year Old (No Presentation Box)Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryJames MartinTobermory
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%51.7%
Age20 yr18 yr
Price£99.99£89.95
Rating5.00/5

James Martin's 20 Year Old (No Presentation Box)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

James Martin's 20 Year Old (No Presentation Box)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £100.

For beginners: James Martin's 20 Year Old (No Presentation Box) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

James Martin's 20 Year Old (No Presentation Box)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.99 vs £89.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £99.99)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy James?

James Martin's 20 Year Old (No Presentation Box) 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.

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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.

Tasting notes

Only James Martin's 20 Year Old (No Presentation Box)

HoneyOld WoodVanillaSherriedDried Fruit

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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