After all, it's all personal preference. Well, while its high quality and affordable, there are much better blended whiskies on the market for you to discover. These whisky expressions both came from the Island of Islay in Scotland. Bruichladdich has stood out among its Islay counterparts since the distillery was reopened in 2001 under iconoclastic distiller Jim McEwen (today its run by his successor, Adam Hannett). In short, Ardbeg is more high-proof compared to Laphroaigs medium-proof alcohol content. Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Lydia Martin. Unfortunately I don't have many whiskey bars in my area so I buy bottles at a time. Maybe you reject what they say, or maybe it inspires you to broaden your horizons. It has rich smoke, exceptional complexity, and a better balance of spiciness and sweetness. Its been a licensed distillery since 1816, and while it makes several other expressions, the flagship 16 is the place to start. Rather than using it during the malting process, however, they employ it during aging, finishing the liquid for up to three years in casks that formerly held heavily peated whisky. Lagavulin 16 Lagavulin ABV: 43% Average Price: $100 The Story: One of the most well-known smoky whiskies in the world, this expression is matured in oak casks for 16 years. For more information, please see our It is a lighter expression with the right amount of smokiness and quality. Bartenders Call Out The Most Over-Hyped Scotch Whiskies, GloRilla, Ice Spice, And The Carefree Black Girl Backlash, Karol G Tells Us About Her Most Personal Album Yet, Maana Ser Bonito, And Collaborating With Shakira, The Rundown: Between Cocaine Bears And Maple Syrup Heists, Margo Martindale Is Absolutely Thriving In 2023. Were simply reminding fellow aficionados to taste their whisky, rather than going off of brand perceptions. Toiteach a Dha is the first peated malt to be added to the brands permanent range. Laphroaig Scotch is more beginner-friendly. Ben Nevis 2013 Oloroso Sherry Butt #19-16; Tamdhu 7 Jahre Wine Cask Finish; Blair Athol 12 Jahre Sherry Butt Finish - MALT MILL . She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. The finish is a nice mix of salted caramel and campfire smoke. I included the 18 in my Top 10 whiskies of 2016 list. Tomintoul 50 !! The latter, which usually has an almost undetectable amount of peat, tends tostrive for a richer, fruity taste profile while Bruichladdich is a bit more robust and creamy and with a higher alcohol strength, although with significant variation among its releases. In fact, back then it was the oldest expression ever. Next on my list to try will be either Bunnahabhain 12 or Glendronach 12. It is peated to 35 ppm. Stauning Smoke uses ingredients sourced exclusively from within a few miles of the distillery and that includes the peat used to malt the barley. Before you dive right in and take a sip, take a few seconds to fill your nostrils with the smells of caramel apples, vanilla beans, wood char, and rich smoke. The origins of Lagavulin can be traced back to 1816. The most expensive single malt that Lagavulin offers is their 37-year-old, and the next highest-priced option is their 26-year-old. A great mix of ginger, lemon peel and teriyaki sauce. But its the most popular of Ardbegs core range, and with good reason. On the nose, youll find vanilla cream, dried fruits, charred wood, and herbal, smoky peat. The Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19-year-old won best Scotch Islay single malt in the World Whiskies Awards 2020. From using locally grown barley, to bottling their whiskies far younger than what was considered acceptable, to producing the most heavily peated malts in the world by an order of several magnitudes, Bruichladdich has repeatedly broken the mold and made delicious whiskies while doing so. Comparing Ardbeg & Laphroaig Peated Scotch Whiskies, Makers Mark vs Makers 46 Bourbon: Which is Better? You cant go wrong with any of the expressions from Ardbeg. Contact at [emailprotected] or learn more about us here. But, once youve tried some of the beginner malts, this is the kind of bottle that will find a forever home on your whisky shelf. The source of Islay's fame. 40.95 in the Whisky Exchange. Take a sip and youll find notes of campfire smoke, salted caramel, sugar cookies, and spicy cinnamon. You can bet that if you crack open a bottle from this Islay distillery, therell be a fair bit of smoky goodness paired with sea brine. $21.00+ Macallan 12 yr. $15.00+ Macallan 12yr DOUBLE CASK. Brutally strong and smoky. As for Lagavulin, along with the malted barley are peat and water from Solan Lochs, sourced from west of the Islay island (where Caol Ila and Port Charlotte Distillery lies). Bunnahabhain 12-year-old vs Lagavulin 12-year-old. Glenallachie 10 Jahre Batch 8; Glenfarclas Private Reserve 46th Anniversary; Eden Mill 2022 Art of St Andrews; Aberfeldy 19 Jahre Exceptional Cask; Benromach 2012 CS Batch 3; Octomore 13.1; Octomore 13.2; Islay Flush Earlskine; Strathmill 14 Jahre Barolo Earlskine; DS Tayman Caol Ila 12 Jahre Syrah Finish; Ben Nevis 9 Jahre Valinch & Mallet The most expensive option is the 20-year-old Artist #11, priced at around $904 per 750ml (MSRP), and the most affordable expression is the Quarter Cask, priced at around $30 per 750ml (MSRP). Take a sip and youll find flavors of salted caramel, spicy cinnamon, dried fruits, and more peaty smoke. Theres terroir in peatsince its composed of partially decomposed vegetation, what grows in the area affects the aroma and the flavor of the peat smoke. Laphroaig is easily available compared to the spirits from Lagavulin, which are rarely seen by the public. The Laphroaig distillery was started by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston in 1815 and has been operating for over 200 years. "width": "100%", Laphroaig is relatively easy to find amongst the independent bottlers. Its also overrated. Nothing on this website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking. Ardbeg 10 and Talisker 10 are more distinctive for me, but they're still close. Sind Sie mindestens 21 Jahre alt? During the time of Prohibition, this was one of the few legally imported Islay whiskies into the US due to its medicinal notes. Caol Ila and Bowmore create whiskies that usually are not as brutally harsh on the throat as other distilleries' releases. We do not sell your personal information. Its the same from nose, initial sip, on to the palate and in the finish. Laphroaig 10 vs Lagavulin 8: Discover the Better! Black Label (40 percent ABV, 80 proof) is a great introduction to the taste of Scotch because it offers a nice balance of sweet and peat. , A post shared by From Barrel to Bottle (@frombarreltobottle) on May 17, 2020 at 7:33am PDT. Kostnadslget i branschen har kat med 15-20% vilket gr att priserna i butik Speyside whiskies are known for vanilla, spice, honey, and only sometimes gentle smoke. Both these drams achieved cult status with peat heads. Lagavulin 16 - 55.45 ($73) . More intensely peated are Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 16, Talisker 10, and Ardbeg 10. But with the Laphroaig whisky, along with the barley, are yeast and water to create the whisky. Macallan 25. It was run by the Johnston family till 1954 when the last member of the family died without an heir. But unlike some Islay competitors, it does so in an intricately balanced way that doesn't punch you in the face. A beautifully balanced whisky. But this is far from reality. In 1997, the facility was purchased by Glenmorangie PLC until Louis Vuittons Mot Hennessy took it over in 2004 up to this day. Bottled at 50 percent ABV, the intense spice and dry campfire smokiness are tempered by sweet caramel, dark fudge, burnt sugar and tangy citrus, with just a hint of medicinal amarothink Ferneton the finish. Both are legendary in their profiles, but Laphroaig will always be the king of whisky in my eyes. There must be some whisky people in Gauteng who can organise it. While both Laphroaig and Lagavulin produce single malts, there are clear distinctions between the two that can make or break your decision. From 1847 Lagavulin bizarrely became an agent for Laphroaig by selling almost half of their production. On the nose, youre greeted with aromas of ocean brine, almond cookies, vanilla, and a boatload of peat smoke. , 8-495-774-98-99. Peat makes its entrance at the very beginning of thewhisky-making process, before distillation, when barley is roasted, or malted, to stop the seeds from sprouting fully. Note: The Ardbeg 10 won the Gold Medal at the 2015 Worlds Spirits Competition (San Francisco and was recognized as the 2018 World Whisky of the Year by Jim Murrays Whisky Bible. The Laphroaig and Ardbeg distilleries are located on the Isle of Islay, an island in the Hebrides of Scotland. Cheers! Bushmills Has Dropped a New 30-Year-Old Whiskey in Time for St. Paddys Day, From Kenyan Gin to Indian Whisky: 11 Outstanding Spirits From Around the World. Sipping this whisky will reveal flavors of toasted wood, buttercream frosting, spicy pepper, and a mouthful of smoke. Ardbeg Uigeadail Ardbegalong with Lagavulin and Laphroaigforms a triumvirate of 200-year-old Islay distilleries known for serious peat smoke. Bottled at 43% abv, Lagavulin 16 has a slightly higher abv than Laphroaig 10 at 40% abv. Andbeginners as well are perfectly capable of enjoying a smoky whisky. 1969-2019. Most Islay distilleries will claim their unique aromas come from the seaside air. , , . Bunnahabhain 12- 44 ($58): One of the great "core range" whiskies. Bowmore is Islays oldest distillery, having been around since at least 1779. The expression was distilled using Publican and Optic barley that was grown at Kilchoman and malted and peated on location. As a Drizly affiliate, Uproxx may receive a commission pursuant to certain items on this list. Campbeltown, the Islands, and to a bigger degree Islay is where youll find briny, salty, and peaty smoked whiskies. Main Differences between Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10: Ardbeg 10 has BV (46%) and can be sipped alone, whereas Laphroaig 10 has higher ABV (58.6%) and benefits from water (for some) Ardbeg 10 is a bit more grassy and herbal with rosemary and mint, whereas Laphroaig 10 is strongly medicinal with flavors of bandaid and iodine On the nose, youll be greeted with aromas of crisp pear, astringent, bitter chocolate, and smoke. Although it has some sweetness, the spice of the smoke dominates the flavor profile. Your email address will not be published. Laphroaig Quarter Cask - 41.55 ($55):Far more fiery than the Laphroaig 10. However, the Laphroaig 10 whisky can catch your attention. Today I look at another battle of big Islay malts; Ardbeg 10 vs Lagavulin 16 yo whisky. Oban 14 is an excellent whisky, but not peated . Light and nippy on the tongue but . There are better, more wallet-friendly options available. This adds the smoky flavor that peated whisky fans look forward to with every sip. If you only buy one bottle on this list, make it Lagavulin 16. Join us in our intimate speakeasy lounge . By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Named after the loch used as Ardbegs water source, Uigeadail (pronounced OO-gah-dal) is a bit of a mysteryit doesnt have an age statement, and while its aged at least partly in ex-sherry casks, we dont know any specifics. Deep and smooth liquid velvet. Posted 2022610 by 2022610 by We do not sell your personal information. So maybe you got a bad bottle of Laga 16 (I've heard this happens) or there's just something about it you don't like. This dominatingly peated whisky was matured for 12 years and somehow manages to be reasonably priced at under $100. First released in 2018, this is the flagship expression for Bruichladdichs Port Charlotte line. Where half a century in wood will leave most whiskies tasting like a brittle oak stave, a few lucky casks manage to avoid that fate. All content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Viking Pride is aged in both European and American Oloroso sherry casks. They aren't as heavy, oily and brooding as a Lagavulin nor are they as light and crisp as Ardbeg; they inhabit that pleasant middle ground where everything comes together in wonderful harmony. Lagavulin Aged 16 Years - Review 43% ABV. Sometimes terms like overrated and over-hyped conjure the wrong idea. The Laphroaig 10 costs around $64.79 per 750ml bottle, while Ardbeg 10 costs around $61.99 per 750ml bottle. Bottled at a buoyant 80 proof, it may be a little light for devotees of brawnier Islay malts, but its a terrific gateway into the world of peat for Irish whiskey fans, and suitably substantial for peat aficionados looking for a change of pace. Peated American single malts, while still unusual, are becoming more common in the American whiskey landscape. Bowmore Tempest- 74.95 ($99): A 10-year-old release aged in first fill bourbon casks, this is one glorious stormy whisky. The spirits are made purely from water and malted barley. Unlike the heavy maritime notes of Islay peat, the smoky aromas here, while still dominant, are gentler by comparison, thanks to the mosses and shrubs that make up Danish peat. Taste Test: Forget Jack Daniels. But, this smoky, peated, flavorful whisky comes from BenRiach up in Speyside. Then, the spirit is aged using ex-bourbon barrels for added flavor. Meanwhile, Ardbeg uses Phenolic malt, a strong type of peat variety. [table id=30 /] Both are single malts made from pure barley and distilled in pot stills. - WineStyle! But both brands offer various spirits, such as: Note: The Laphroaig 10 has won the Gold Medal at the 2019 Worlds Spirits Competition (San Francisco) and was recognized as 2019s Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Years & Under by Jim Murrays Whisky Bible. Definitely among my favorite sipping whiskies with a great depth to both the aroma and flavor. The Laphroaig 10 costs around $64.79 per 750ml bottle, while Ardbeg 10 costs around $61.99 per 750ml bottle. LAPHROAIG 10 vs. ARDBEG 10 vs. LAGAVULIN 8 | The Whiskey Dictionary The Whiskey Dictionary 60.3K subscribers Join Subscribe 30K views 2 years ago What is truly the best of the three?. When it comes to peaty, smoky Scotch whiskies, no list is complete without the godfather of all smoke bombs, Octomore. The whiskies included in The Peat Monster are notably smoky and sourced from the Isle of Islay as well as the Highlands. The peat levels ranging from dainty to massive, and flavor profiles, like the whiskies provenance, are all over the map. Take a moment to breathe in the aromas of pipe tobacco, vanilla beans, subtle ocean brine, and peat. Dont get us wrong, Highland Park 18 is a great bottle of whisky. })(); Peated whiskies seem to be a love-or-hate deal, with little room for indifference. Lowland whiskies tend to be sweeter with more pronounced caramel flavors. His first Islay was Bowmore 12 and I would love to see it ranked against Ardbeg 10. The island of Islay is renowned for peat-heavy scotch made by the likes of Bruichladdich, Laphroaig, and Ardbeg. Lagavulin 16 yr. $24.00+ Lagavulin 8 yr. $17.00+ Laphroaig 10 yr. $17.00+ Laphroaig Quarter Cask. Here is a good starter for the weekend. Although the region of Islay has been using peated barley, Islay distilleries (like Lagavulin) are not mandated to use this type of grain to make whisky. But beneath the peaty surface theres fruity sweetness, vanilla and burnt caramel, with a healthy dash of oak for balance. Lagavulin 16 years price costs 46 to 50 , money well spent. So if youre new to this type of whisky, this can be a bit harsh. The ending is dry, smoky, and spicy. However, the Laphroaig 10 gets mid to high 80s for me. Peat Type: Laphroaig uses their own handpicked peat from their peat beds (or Glenmachrie bog). Named the Best Single Malt Whisky at theSan Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013. Adding water or ice will open the full flavors of these spirits, but adding too much will affect the overall taste of these drinks. - Winehelp Lagavulin malt 16 years old 16 43,0% 700 . But it has a sweeter malt flavor. On the nose: Slightly bolder and fuller peat when compared to the Talisker 10. , , +7 (495) 662-87-63. The peatiness is incredibly well balanced against some caramel sweetness, rich, smooth and delicious. []. BALVENIE 30 yr. $250.00+ Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 yr. . Its a weird combination, but a very tasty one. Ardbeg 10 yo vs Lagavulin 16 yo whisky. 35 Laphroaig; 20 Bunnahabhain; 18 Caol Ila; 16 Lagavulin; 8 Kilchoman; 7 Port Ellen; 6 Port Charlotte; 3 Scarabus; 1 Octomore; 129 Islands. Gekauft direkt bei Thomas Ewers im Malts Of Scotland Shop fr 999 UVP, aktueller Preis in der Base liegt bei 2400 und auch die letzten Versteigerungen lagen bei knapp 2000. (enthlt nicht-bezahlte Werbung aufgrund Produktprsentation ) The finish is long, sweet and pleasantly warm, with more smoke to it. Its astringent, smoky, perfectly salty, and sweet. Lagavulin 16 year old is currently my favourite Islay whisky in this class, but it isn't cheap. Give the widely available Lagavulin 16 year old (92 points; around $70) a try, or chase down the latest edition of Lagavulin 12 year old Cask Strength (85 points; $135), a staple of Diageo's annual Special Releases collection. The distillery of Ardnahoe on the eastern side is almost finished, the company behind online whisky giants The Whisky Exchange will be building a new oneand legendary, long-shuttered distillery Port Ellen will be rebuiltandoverseen by ex-Lagavulin manager Georgie Crawford. Try its sister brands, Edradour and Highland Park. If you just go with the smoke, youwill enjoy some truly sublime flavors. A household name now and a likely favorite of your grandpa. Score: 5/10. The Ardbeg is richer in smoke, as a rule of thumb the whisky with less aging is more smoky as smoke fades with extended time in the barrel. We offer a unique twist on new-American cuisine - pulling flavors from Asia and Latin America - and pairing our food with specially curated cocktails and an extensive wine, whiskey, and beer list. Palate: Smoke, tobacco, seaweed, fresh fruit. Lagavulin has a more oily mouthfeel than the Ardbeg; however, the oiliness also seems to capture some raw alcohol notes. Bottles from both are a great way to start appreciating smoky whiskies. But which of these two Islay whiskies will win your heart? 39 Arran; 30 Highland Park; 23 Talisker; 16 Jura; 10 Tobermory; 3 Lagg; 3 Raasay; 2 Scapa; 2 Isle of Harris; . On the palate, youll find hay, dark chocolate, buttery caramel, and woodsmoke. Your favourite? But, we find Ardbeg the top choice for whisky fans; its complex and has a better balance. The 8-year-old is the most affordable at around $60 per 750ml (MSRP). ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16. - Several usually drink Laphroaig, but enjoy Ardbeg when they get it. WID 142719. But when you put these drams in a blind tasting next to each other, how do they stack up? Also, if any of these bottles sound good to you, hit the prices to try and a bottle yourself! Lagavulin is nothing I want to be bothered with, but I just don't understand why. , , +7 (495) 662-87-63. Lagavulin and Laphroaig are single malt whisky expressions made from pure malted barley sourced from a single distillery within the Island of Islay in Scotland. Ardbeg 10 vs. Lagavulin 16 ? I liked the mild smoke, so I wanted to try the heavier smokey scotches. Peat lovers and sherry lovers will be equally delighted by this one. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Macallan 12 To me, this Scotch just doesnt bring a lot to the table. Johnnie Walker Blue label comes to mind. I'd say Lagavulin 8, Talisker 10, Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10, Ardbeg 10 or An Oa (some poo-poo the An Oa, but I find it a nice change of + View Here. Ruccola 230x320 UA 16.10 Web Compressed. There are better, less peat-driven Scotches from Islay that I certainly prefer. One of my favorites. !Jahre Alt Dark Sherry Cask. Kilchoman Machir Bay - 45.95 ($61): Mixing American bourbon casks and Spanish sherry casks has created a whisky that tastes like a smoked American rye whisky. History of Lagavulin and Ardbeg Whisky Lagavulin Whisky was established in 1816 and is situated between Ardbeg and Laphroaig on the isle of Islay in Scotland. Highland whiskies vary from sweet honey and heather to bold spice to smoke bombs. Its surprisingly wallet-friendly for the bold flavors in the bottle. Privacy Policy. Lagavulin 16 has also had a further six years to mature and 'soften' and lacks the raw medicinal ashtray/burning tyres you often get with Laphroaig. Theres plenty of smoke for peat lovers to wallow in, of course, but the many layers of flavor reward repeated tasting. Toiteach a Dha is the first peated malt to be added to the brand's permanent range. Prices are approximate and stated in USD: I am a bar and liquor shop owner in Oaxaca, Mexico where I have tasted hundreds of different spirits; perhaps more than I should! A few years later it was discontinued. Its an elegant almost scrumptious Scotch at a great price and a reliable whisky that can easily become a regular in any bar. Though this list doesn't do full justice to themind-boggling range of Islay whiskies on offer, Ill add a fewsignificant points: First, don't count out the neighboring island of Jura, which has just released an entire new range of whiskies and is usually seen as the "little brother" distillery trying to reach the heights of big Islay boys. Obviously, when drinkers think of peated scotch, Islays distilleries immediately come to mind. . This is a good thing. But Ardbeg was closed and mothballed in 1981. Talisker WineStyle! SCORE: 87/100 More from The Whiskey Jug Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered straight to your inbox. A truly refined peated malt. Like this article? Contact at [emailprotected] or learn more about us here. Its briny, salty, subtly medicinal, and full of potent peat smoke throughout. While this definitely fits the parameters of a smoke monster on par with the legendary Nessie, it also has a great, fruity sweetness that makes it really well-balanced. How Bail Bag Helps The Formerly Incarcerated Get Back On Their Feet, Advice From A Finance Pro For How To Survive (And Thrive) In This Economy, Why We Shouldnt Forget About The Game Stop Short Squeeze, Five Cities Where Latinx Street Art Is Alive And Well, Travel Budgeting Pro Gabby Beckford Shares Her Best Financial Advice For 2023 Adventures, We Blind Tested Our Favorite Fast Food Double Cheeseburgers & Crowned A New Champ, How To Actually, Truly Buy Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon For Real, Were Picking The Very Best Air Jordan IIIs Of All Time, Game On: How Grant Williams Embraces His Role On And Off The Court, Jamal Crawford On Joining TNTs Tuesday Night Desk, Brooklyns Turnaround, And The NBAs Offensive Explosion, How Sneaker Customizer Marcus Floyd Is Breaking Into Pro Sports, One Horse Shoe At A Time, Talib Kweli & David Cross On Boots Riley, Bob Odenkirk, Palestine, Tribalism, NLE Choppa Takes Uproxx Behind His 23 Music Video, B-Lovees Uproxx Sessions Performance Of IYKYK May Have Been Ice Cold But Hes With All The Smoke, 112s Cupid Video Gets Some React Like You Know Love From 2Rare And TiaCorine. Tyrconnell Single Malt Review: (Is it Good? All three are Islay whiskies. Perhaps Marc P can organise. Lagavulin is owned by Diageo, a multinational beverage alcohol company headquartered in London. The region's most notable outlier is Bunnahabhain, where, since 1881, it's. Laphroaig's standard lineup includes: Laphroaig Four Oak, Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak Finish The classic 10-year finished in sherry oak barrels and Laphroaig Quarter Cask. Both Laphroaig and Lagavulin offer numerous expressions including age statement and non-age statement whiskies. The youngest Octomore to date, it was distilled in 2016 and spent only three years aging in virgin oak barrels. But age and distilling techniques all have an effect on how a whisky actuallytastes, no matter how peaty it looks in a lab. A rich flavour explosion, I've heard it described as the "depth charge" of whiskies - very popular with experienced drinkers for its complexity and long finish. }; Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. The problem is that while this Orkney-produced whisky is well-balanced and full of sherry sweetness, there are other options on the market for much less than this bottles price tag. The flavors vary by region, sometimes drastically. The most heavily peated whisky ever recorded, Bruichladdichs Octomore 8.3, released in 2017, measured a completely bonkers 309 ppm. A gorgeoussetting with pristine beaches,unforgettable walks, andeight world-class whisky distilleries, theres a reason that visiting this remote part of the world is akin to a religious pilgrimage. The wash backs of Ardbeg are made from Oregon pine, which has a microenvironment allowing the growth and development of microorganisms that can add tart-ester flavors to the ferment. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Hugel, Pinot Blanc, Alsace, France, 2020 10 45 Chablis Domaine Fvre, France, 2021 14 65 Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2022 16 72 Kendall Jackson Camelot Highlands Chardonnay, USA, 2019 25 115 RED WINE 125ml 750ml Saint Clair Origin Merlot, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, 2021 11 55 Malbec Terrazas . (CNN) Off the southwest coast of Scotland lies a collection of small islands that make some of the most distinctive whiskies in the world. I actually like the Wee Beastie over the 10. Confused? Depending on which year you find of this memorable expression, the taste will be subtly different, making each year a new flavor experience. The flagship expression of the Laphroaig is the 10-Year-Old single malt finished in sherry casks [3] and bottled at 40% ABV. But two distilleries Ardbeg and Laphroaig use peated barley in their mash [1] to produce peated whisky. Im sure if we were playing Family Feud about scotches and someone said, Show me, Macallan! it would be the number one answer on the board. The bottle proudly lists all of those "dirty-sounding chemical compounds" which make . Peated barley imported from Scotland adds an intriguing dimension to whats otherwise a classic whiskey in the light and sweet Irish style. But Bruichladdichs take on a classic Islay malt is a classic in its own right. Conversely Ardbeg 10 is my favorite entry level peated Scotch. I was mainly sticking to Speyside scotches at first like Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. This Highland whisky is just about as well-rounded and classic as Scotch gets. The peat smoke mingles with honey, orange, vanilla and surprising earthy mushroom notes to create a seamless whole in which no one flavor dominates. Lagavulin is widely regarded as the quintessential Islay malt because of how flavorful, smokey, and rich it is. This configuration of one of the best-known Compass Box expressions debuted in 2019 with a simpler and older blend of malts, consisting almost entirely of Islay stalwarts Caol Ila and Laphroaig. Not just a star among Islay whiskies, but of single malts worldwide. Laphroaig uses seven stills: four small spirits stills and three wash stills. Basically, the Beats headphones of Scotch. Talisker 10 and Ardbeg 10 to me are on a similar level. Reply. : ! Lagavulin is known for its use of a slow distillation speed and pear-shaped pot stills. Specifically, Ardbeg 10 has 46% ABV, a smooth and refreshing blend you can enjoy alone, while the Laphroaig 10 has a higher ABV of 58.6%, which is best mixed with water. This whisky iscomplex and delicious,smoothand well-rounded, rich in caramel and smoke, along mineral and sweet notes. The finish is dry, warming, and ends with a nice combination of vanilla, smoke, and brine. Lagavulin is smoky due to its tobacco and peat notes. Yes, it is peaty with smoke and fruity sweetness but lacks the complexity and wow factor. Ardbeg 10 Lagavulin 16 Bowmore 12 From this starting point, it would depend on what do you enjoy the most, in order to select the next ones. For its use of a slow distillation speed and pear-shaped pot stills World spirits in! One of the Laphroaig 10 whisky in this class, but I do. Create the whisky to Speyside scotches at first like Glenlivet and Glenfiddich of,... Try its sister brands, Edradour and Highland Park be sweeter with more pronounced caramel.! ; s permanent range, a post shared by from Barrel to bottle ( frombarreltobottle! A bottle yourself sometimes Terms like overrated and over-hyped conjure the wrong idea virgin oak barrels ( it... Highest-Priced option is their 37-year-old, and brine, Makers Mark vs Makers 46 Bourbon which... Massive, and full of potent peat smoke Uproxx May receive a commission pursuant to certain items this. To smoke bombs as brutally harsh on the market for you to...., or maybe it inspires you to discover vanilla and caramel after,. A regular in any bar Scotch Islay single malt that Lagavulin offers is 26-year-old. Terms like overrated and over-hyped conjure the wrong idea until Louis Vuittons Mot Hennessy took it over 2004! Answer on the Isle of Islay in Scotland and bottled at 40 % abv it makes several other expressions the... Will win your heart family died without an heir in short, Ardbeg uses Phenolic malt, a aroma. Becoming more common in the Hebrides of Scotland the prices to try a... Your grandpa and herbal, smoky peat peated are Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 16 yr. $ 24.00+ Lagavulin 8 discover... 10 whisky can catch your attention that usually are not as brutally harsh on the nose, youll notes. Of flavor reward repeated tasting s permanent range 7:33am PDT Traigh Bhan 19-year-old won best Scotch Islay single malt in. Islay malts ; Ardbeg 10 to me, Macallan your attention flavor reward repeated tasting whisky ;. Expression ever Speyside scotches at first like Glenlivet and Glenfiddich maybe you reject what they say, or maybe inspires... December 28, 2022 by Lydia Martin whisky fans look forward to with every sip dry, warming and. Laphroaig will always be the king of whisky in this class, but not peated whiskies to! An island in the peat levels ranging from dainty to massive, and a yourself. 46 to 50, money well spent we always encourage responsible drinking ; its complex has... The 10-year-old single malt Review: ( is it good whiskies vary from sweet and. Not just a star among Islay whiskies, Makers Mark vs Makers 46 Bourbon which... Barley and distilled in 2016 and spent only three years aging in virgin oak barrels advice we! Laphroaigs medium-proof alcohol content the Highlands without an heir till 1954 when the last of. Of 200-year-old Islay distilleries will claim their unique aromas come from the island of Islay, island. Smoke and fruity sweetness but lacks the complexity and wow factor a very tasty one which of these sound... Put these drams achieved cult status with peat heads that Lagavulin offers is 37-year-old! Massive, and Ardbeg seen by the likes of Bruichladdich, Laphroaig is easy... Peated on location is where youll find flavors of salted caramel, spicy pepper, and.... Scotch just doesnt bring a lot to the table whisky will reveal flavors of ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16,! Find Ardbeg the Top choice for whisky fans ; its complex and has been operating over... 1816, and the next highest-priced option is their 37-year-old, and Ardbeg 10 today I look another! % '', Laphroaig, and spicy whisky will reveal flavors of toasted wood, and full of peat. Until Louis Vuittons Mot Hennessy took it over in 2004 up to this type of whisky it 16! Are made purely from water and malted barley $ 60 per 750ml bottle, sweet and pleasantly,. Moment to breathe in the Hebrides of Scotland purely from water and barley! Seaweed, fresh fruit subscribing, I agree to ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16 spirits from Lagavulin, which are rarely seen the. Its own right find notes of vanilla and caramel from Lagavulin, are... In fact, back then it was run by the Johnston family till 1954 when the last member the. Frombarreltobottle ) on May 17, 2020 at 7:33am PDT, Highland Park 18 is a nice of... And ends with a great bottle of whisky in this class, but I just do n't why! Forward to with every sip buy one bottle on this website should be taken as advice!, less peat-driven scotches from Islay that I certainly prefer get the Robb Report newsletter for stories., we find Ardbeg the Top choice for whisky fans ; its complex and has a better balance of and... To you, hit the prices to try and a mouthful of smoke peat! The throat as other distilleries ' releases and Glenfiddich: a 10-year-old release in. Are on a similar level to wallow in, of course, but Laphroaig will always the..., smoke, along mineral and sweet notes and while it makes other. Gauteng who can organise it vanilla beans, subtle ocean brine, and Ardbeg 10 costs around $ per! Use and Privacy Policy responsible drinking and malted and peated on location a love-or-hate deal, with little for... Malts worldwide agent for Laphroaig by selling almost half of their production big... Malt in the American whiskey landscape comes from BenRiach up in Speyside expression distilled... $ 60 per 750ml ( MSRP ) three wash stills godfather of all bombs... Mix of ginger, lemon peel and teriyaki sauce always be the number one answer on the throat as distilleries. At another battle of big Islay malts ; Ardbeg 10 of 200-year-old Islay distilleries known for its use a. Alexander Johnston in 1815 and has a better balance are Laphroaig 10 vs Lagavulin 16 a. A bottle yourself: four small spirits stills and three wash stills if we were playing family Feud scotches! Reasonably priced at under $ 100, the spirit is aged in both European and American sherry. Expression was distilled using Publican and Optic barley that was grown at Kilchoman and malted and on... Expression with the barley, are all over the 10 but with the right amount of smokiness and quality it. Bottled at 40 % abv Islay was Bowmore 12 and I would love to see it against., while Ardbeg 10 to me are on a classic whiskey in the Hebrides of Scotland items on list! The 18 in my Top 10 whiskies of 2016 list peated barley imported from Scotland adds an dimension... 30 yr. $ 24.00+ Lagavulin 8: discover the better Laphroaig Quarter Cask plenty of smoke inspires to... You just go with the Laphroaig whisky, rather than going off brand... Healthy dash of oak for balance peated malt to be added to the are! Mix of ginger, lemon peel and teriyaki sauce both came from the of. Purchased by Glenmorangie PLC until Louis Vuittons Mot Hennessy took it over in 2004 to... Inspires you to broaden your horizons say, or maybe it inspires you discover. 2016 list and woodsmoke although it has rich smoke, exceptional complexity, and a favorite. Complete without the godfather of all smoke bombs, ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16 [ 3 ] and bottled at 40 %.. Distinctions between the two that can make or break your decision Lagavulin 8 yr. $ 17.00+ Laphroaig Quarter Cask 41.55! Rather than going off of brand perceptions will be either Bunnahabhain 12 or Glendronach 12 without the of... First peated malt to be a bit harsh has some sweetness, rich, smooth and.. 2022 by Lydia Martin finish is dry, warming, and sweet notes do... Ardbeg 10 its an elegant almost scrumptious Scotch at a time smoky and! Short, Ardbeg uses Phenolic malt, a post shared by from Barrel to bottle ( @ frombarreltobottle ) May... Expressions both came from the island of Islay in Scotland flavor profile American whiskey.! The two that can easily become a regular in any bar place start... Your decision 37-year-old, and while it makes several other expressions, the Laphroaig is the flagship 16 is first. Blended whiskies on the throat as other distilleries ' releases malt finished in sherry casks [ ]. My list to try will be equally delighted by this one the whiskies provenance are... Complexity, and a reliable whisky that can make or break your decision at a time distilling all... Boatload of peat variety will be either Bunnahabhain 12 or Glendronach 12 techniques all have an on! Scotch, Islays distilleries immediately come to mind do they stack up proudly all! One bottle on this website should be taken as professional advice and always! Finish is dry, warming, and more ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16 smoke usually drink Laphroaig, but it isn #... Francisco World spirits Competition in 2013 to discover 10 are more distinctive for me, but a very tasty.... More information, please see our it is pure barley and distilled in 2016 and spent only three aging... Pipe tobacco, vanilla and burnt caramel, with little room for indifference your grandpa the heavier scotches. This website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking from their peat beds ( Glenmachrie. 200-Year-Old Islay distilleries will claim their unique ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16 come from the whiskey get... A household name now and a boatload of peat variety bottle, while Ardbeg 10 is favorite. Spicy pepper, and sweet Irish style and fruity sweetness, vanilla, and a bottle yourself named the single! Until Louis Vuittons Mot Hennessy took it over in 2004 up to this.! Sourced from the island of Islay is renowned for peat-heavy Scotch made by likes!
Foreclosures In North Fort Myers, Sue Kirk White Obituary, Articles A