Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 vs Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

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

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition
DistilleryArdbegYamazaki
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.1%48%
Age13 yr18 yr
Price£1999£1999
Rating2.71/55.00/5

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

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

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner50/100
Value3/100

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.71).

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition is better value at £1999 vs £1999.

For beginners: Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (2.7 vs 5.0)

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 13 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SherriedSmokeyDried FruitChocolate

Only Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

Old WoodTobaccoToasted

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