Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal vs Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

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

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury RoyalOban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryJohnnie WalkerOban
RegionOther ScotchHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43.8%57.9%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£399£452.96
Rating5.00/5

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness85/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is better value at £399 vs £453.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £452.96)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£452.96 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Who should buy Oban?

Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018) 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

Old Wood

Only Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SherriedVanillaDried FruitToasted

Only Oban 21 Year Old (Special Release 2018)

LeatherySmokeyMedicinalHoney

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