Hazelwood Reserve / 90th Birthday Edition Blended Scotch Whisky vs Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

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

Hazelwood Reserve / 90th Birthday Edition Blended Scotch WhiskyArdbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
DistilleryHazelwoodArdbeg
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%55.1%
AgeNAS13 yr
Price£2500£1999
Rating2.71/5

Hazelwood Reserve / 90th Birthday Edition Blended Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value1/100

Hazelwood Reserve / 90th Birthday Edition Blended Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is rated higher (2.71 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is better value at £1999 vs £2500.

For beginners: Hazelwood Reserve / 90th Birthday Edition Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Hazelwood Reserve / 90th Birthday Edition Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£2500 vs £1999)
  • 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 affordable (£1999 vs £2500)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Hazelwood?

Hazelwood Reserve / 90th Birthday Edition Blended Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Hazelwood Reserve / 90th Birthday Edition Blended Scotch Whisky

HoneyVanillaToastedOld WoodNutty

Only Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SherriedSmokeyDried FruitChocolate

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