Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Lagavulin 20 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldLagavulin 20 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020
DistilleryArdbegLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%54%
Age21 yr20 yr
Price£599£699
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value8/100

Lagavulin 20 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

Smoke68/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 20 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £699.

For beginners: Ardbeg 21 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£599 vs £699)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Lagavulin 20 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£699 vs £599)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 20 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020 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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

KipperyLeatheryOily

Only Lagavulin 20 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2020

SherriedDried FruitCooked Fruit

Explore more