Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 vs Courvoisier L'Essence Year of the Dragon 2024 / Lunar New Year
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Ardbeg
★ 2.71
£1999
Courvoisier L'Essence Year of the Dragon 2024 / Lunar New Year
Courvoisier
£2950
| Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 | Courvoisier L'Essence Year of the Dragon 2024 / Lunar New Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Courvoisier |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.1% | 40% |
| Age | 13 yr | NAS |
| Price | £1999 | £2950 |
| Rating | 2.71/5 | — |
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Courvoisier L'Essence Year of the Dragon 2024 / Lunar New Year
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
Courvoisier L'Essence Year of the Dragon 2024 / Lunar New Year
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is rated higher (2.71 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 is better value at £1999 vs £2950.
For beginners: Courvoisier L'Essence Year of the Dragon 2024 / Lunar New Year 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 affordable (£1999 vs £2950)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
Courvoisier L'Essence Year of the Dragon 2024 / Lunar New Year
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2950 vs £1999)
- −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 Courvoisier?
Courvoisier L'Essence Year of the Dragon 2024 / Lunar New Year 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 Courvoisier L'Essence Year of the Dragon 2024 / Lunar New Year