Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 vs Fettercairn 29 Year Old Vanguard Rare Highland Whisky

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

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011Fettercairn 29 Year Old Vanguard Rare Highland Whisky
DistilleryArdbegFettercairn
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV55.1%40%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£1999£2450
Rating2.71/5

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

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

Fettercairn 29 Year Old Vanguard Rare Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Fettercairn 29 Year Old Vanguard Rare Highland Whisky

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 £2450.

For beginners: Fettercairn 29 Year Old Vanguard Rare Highland Whisky 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 £2450)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water

Fettercairn 29 Year Old Vanguard Rare Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£2450 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 Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 29 Year Old Vanguard Rare Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SherriedSmokeyDried FruitChocolate

Only Fettercairn 29 Year Old Vanguard Rare Highland Whisky

Old WoodFresh FruitFragantVanilla

Explore more