Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Ardbeg
£150

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£199
| Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) | Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glenfiddich |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.7% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £149.95 | £199 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Quick verdict
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve 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: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve 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
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
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 Glenfiddich?
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve 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 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve