SMWS 18.4 (Inchgower) / 1966 / Bot.1994 Speyside Whisky vs Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
SMWS 18.4 (Inchgower) / 1966 / Bot.1994 Speyside Whisky
Inchgower
£2000
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Ardbeg
★ 2.71
£1999
| SMWS 18.4 (Inchgower) / 1966 / Bot.1994 Speyside Whisky | Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Inchgower | Ardbeg |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 55.1% |
| Age | NAS | 13 yr |
| Price | £2000 | £1999 |
| Rating | — | 2.71/5 |
SMWS 18.4 (Inchgower) / 1966 / Bot.1994 Speyside Whisky
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
SMWS 18.4 (Inchgower) / 1966 / Bot.1994 Speyside Whisky
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is rated higher (2.71 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is better value at £1999 vs £2000.
For beginners: SMWS 18.4 (Inchgower) / 1966 / Bot.1994 Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
SMWS 18.4 (Inchgower) / 1966 / Bot.1994 Speyside Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£2000 vs £1999)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 2.7)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (2.7/5)
- +More affordable (£1999 vs £2000)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS 18.4 (Inchgower) / 1966 / Bot.1994 Speyside Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 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 SMWS 18.4 (Inchgower) / 1966 / Bot.1994 Speyside Whisky
Only Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011