Ardbeg 1978 vs WhistlePig 14 Year Old - The Boss Hog 2017 Edition (cask 3)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 1978
Ardbeg
★ 4.00
£999
WhistlePig 14 Year Old - The Boss Hog 2017 Edition (cask 3)
WhistlePig
★ 5.00
£1500
| Ardbeg 1978 | WhistlePig 14 Year Old - The Boss Hog 2017 Edition (cask 3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | WhistlePig |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Rye |
| ABV | 43% | 59.6% |
| Age | 20 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £999 | £1500 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 1978
WhistlePig 14 Year Old - The Boss Hog 2017 Edition (cask 3)
Ardbeg 1978
WhistlePig 14 Year Old - The Boss Hog 2017 Edition (cask 3)
Quick verdict
WhistlePig 14 Year Old - The Boss Hog 2017 Edition (cask 3) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Ardbeg 1978 is better value at £999 vs £1500.
For beginners: Ardbeg 1978 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 1978
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£999 vs £1500)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 14 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
WhistlePig 14 Year Old - The Boss Hog 2017 Edition (cask 3)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £999)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 1978 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy WhistlePig?
WhistlePig 14 Year Old - The Boss Hog 2017 Edition (cask 3) 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 1978
Only WhistlePig 14 Year Old - The Boss Hog 2017 Edition (cask 3)