Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

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

Ardbeg 21 Year OldLagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018
DistilleryArdbegLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%53.9%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£599£499
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

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

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018 is better value at £499 vs £599.

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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£599 vs £499)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£499 vs £599)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • 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 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018 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

SmokeyOily

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old

MedicinalKipperyLeathery

Only Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

Fresh FruitCooked FruitSherried

Where to buy

Ardbeg 21 Year Old

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2018

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