Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 vs Midleton Very Rare 1987
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 | Midleton Very Rare 1987 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Midleton |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 55.1% | 40% |
| Age | 13 yr | NAS |
| Price | £1999 | £2999 |
| Rating | 2.71/5 | 3.00/5 |
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Midleton Very Rare 1987
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Midleton Very Rare 1987
Quick verdict
Midleton Very Rare 1987 is rated higher (3.00 vs 2.71).
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is better value at £1999 vs £2999.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 1987 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1999 vs £2999)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (2.7 vs 3.0)
Midleton Very Rare 1987
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (3.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£2999 vs £1999)
- −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 Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 1987 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Only Midleton Very Rare 1987