Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice
Ardbeg
£390

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Pittyvaich
★ 5.00
£350
| Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice | Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Pittyvaich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.9% | 43% |
| Age | 24 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £389.54 | £350 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Quick verdict
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is better value at £350 vs £390.
For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£389.54 vs £350)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £389.54)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice 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.
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 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna