Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 vs Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Ardbeg
★ 2.71
£1999
Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3
Glenglassaugh
£1950
| Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 | Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glenglassaugh |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.1% | 40.6% |
| Age | 13 yr | 42 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1950 |
| Rating | 2.71/5 | — |
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is rated higher (2.71 vs 0.00).
Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3 is better value at £1950 vs £1999.
For beginners: Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3 is more approachable (85/100 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 £1950)
Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£1950 vs £1999)
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 13 years)
Cons
- −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 Glenglassaugh?
Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3 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 Glenglassaugh 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 5638) - Rare Cask Release Batch 3