Ardbeg 17 Year Old vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Ardbeg 17 Year OldPittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryArdbegPittyvaich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
Age17 yr12 yr
Price£399£350
Rating4.54/55.00/5

Ardbeg 17 Year Old

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value11/100

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value14/100

Ardbeg 17 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.54).

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is better value at £350 vs £399.

For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 17 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £350)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£350 vs £399)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 17 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 Pittyvaich?

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 17 Year Old

SmokeyOilyLeatheryMedicinalCoal-gas

Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

Explore more