Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey vs Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey
Midleton
£1500
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Ardbeg
★ 2.71
£1999
| Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey | Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Ardbeg |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Irish | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 55.1% |
| Age | NAS | 13 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £1999 |
| Rating | — | 2.71/5 |
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is rated higher (2.71 vs 0.00).
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey is better value at £1500 vs £1999.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £1999)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 2.7)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (2.7/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Midleton Very Rare / Bot.2004 Blended Irish Whiskey
Only Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011