Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 700192) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

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

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 700192) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
DistilleryArdbegLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.8%54.9%
Age13 yr12 yr
Price£123.24£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 700192) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner50/100
Value60/100

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 700192) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is better value at £83 vs £123.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 700192) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£123.24 vs £82.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£82.95 vs £123.24)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 700192) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) 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 Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 700192) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanillaFresh Fruit

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