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 2011
Ardbeg
★ 2.71
£1999

Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Glenlochy
£1544
| Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 | Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glenlochy |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.1% | 51.1% |
| Age | 13 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1543.95 |
| Rating | 2.71/5 | — |
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
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
Only Glenlochy 35 Year Old 1980 (cask 3232) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)