Ardbeg 1978 vs Convalmore 32 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 1978 | Convalmore 32 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Convalmore |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48.2% |
| Age | 20 yr | 32 yr |
| Price | £999 | £1100 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 1978
Convalmore 32 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2017)
Ardbeg 1978
Convalmore 32 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 1978 is rated higher (4.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 1978 is better value at £999 vs £1100.
For beginners: Convalmore 32 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 1978
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.0/5)
- +More affordable (£999 vs £1100)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Convalmore 32 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (32 vs 20 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£1100 vs £999)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 1978 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Convalmore?
Convalmore 32 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2017) 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
Only Ardbeg 1978
Only Convalmore 32 Year Old 1984 (Special Release 2017)

