Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 vs Yamazaki Mizunara 2013
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 | Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Yamazaki |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.1% | 48% |
| Age | 13 yr | NAS |
| Price | £1999 | £2995 |
| Rating | 2.71/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Yamazaki Mizunara 2013
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Yamazaki Mizunara 2013
Quick verdict
Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.71).
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is better value at £1999 vs £2995.
For beginners: Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1999 vs £2995)
- +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 Mizunara 2013
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£2995 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 Yamazaki?
Yamazaki Mizunara 2013 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
Only Yamazaki Mizunara 2013