Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) vs Johnnie Walker Premier

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

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)Johnnie Walker Premier
DistilleryArdbegJohnnie Walker
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV47.7%43%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£149.95£199
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Johnnie Walker Premier

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Premier

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Premier is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) is better value at £150 vs £199.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Premier is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£149.95 vs £199)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Johnnie Walker Premier

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £149.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) 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 Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Premier suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

SmokeyCoal-gasMedicinal

Only Johnnie Walker Premier

SherriedDried FruitChocolateTobacco

Explore more