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)Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
DistilleryArdbegGlenfiddich
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.7%40%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£149.95£199
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

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

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyCoal-gasMedicinalOld Wood

Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNew Wood

Explore more