Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)The Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryStrathislaThe Antiquary
RegionSpeysideOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.9%43%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£68.07£84.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value73/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £68 vs £85.

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

Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£68.07 vs £84.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £68.07)

Who should buy Strathisla?

Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 Strathisla 18 Year Old 1997 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Malt ExtractToastedHoneyFresh FruitVanilla

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

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