Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 vs Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 | Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Yamazaki | Ardbeg |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 55.1% |
| Age | NAS | 13 yr |
| Price | £2995 | £1999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 2.71/5 |
Yamazaki Mizunara 2013
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Yamazaki Mizunara 2013
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Quick verdict
Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.71).
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is better value at £1999 vs £2995.
For beginners: Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Yamazaki Mizunara 2013
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£2995 vs £1999)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1999 vs £2995)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (2.7 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Yamazaki?
Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Yamazaki Mizunara 2013
Only Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011