Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Octomore 15.1 5 Year OldThe Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryBruichladdichThe Antiquary
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV59.1%43%
Age5 yr21 yr
Price£139.99£84.9
Rating5.00/5

Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £140.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.99 vs £84.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £139.99)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Octomore?

Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old 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 Octomore 15.1 5 Year Old

SmokeyNew WoodOilyCoal-gasMedicinal

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

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