Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's ChoicePittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryArdbegPittyvaich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.9%43%
Age24 yr12 yr
Price£389.54£350
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value14/100

Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is better value at £350 vs £390.

For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£389.54 vs £350)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£350 vs £389.54)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Pittyvaich?

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna 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 1993 (cask 1290) (bottled 2017) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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