Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 vs Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

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

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
DistilleryArdbegGlenlochy
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.1%51.1%
Age13 yr35 yr
Price£1999£1543.95
Rating2.71/5

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

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

Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) is better value at £1544 vs £1999.

For beginners: Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) is more approachable (45/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1999 vs £1543.95)

Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£1543.95 vs £1999)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 13 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
  • 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 Glenlochy?

Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) 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 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SherriedSmokeyDried FruitChocolate

Only Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)

Old WoodHoneyToastedLeatheryNutty

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