Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 vs Avonside-Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1938

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

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011Avonside-Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1938
DistilleryArdbegThe Glenlivet
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.1%43%
Age13 yr33 yr
Price£1999£2188.5
Rating2.71/5

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value1/100

Avonside-Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1938

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Avonside-Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1938

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is rated higher (2.71 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is better value at £1999 vs £2189.

For beginners: Avonside-Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1938 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (2.7/5)
  • +More affordable (£1999 vs £2188.5)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water

Avonside-Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1938

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 13 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£2188.5 vs £1999)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 2.7)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 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 Avonside-Glenlivet?

Avonside-Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1938 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 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SherriedSmokeyDried FruitChocolate

Only Avonside-Glenlivet 33 Year Old 1938

Old WoodMalt ExtractVanillaHoneyNutty

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