Kilbeggan 21 Year Old vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Kilbeggan 21 Year OldLedaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryKilbegganTobermory
RegionIsland
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%51.7%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£84.78£89.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old

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

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

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

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £90.

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

Kilbeggan 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£84.78 vs £89.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.95 vs £84.78)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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.

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 Kilbeggan 21 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitHoneyChocolateOld Wood

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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