The barley is malted using locally sourced peat and seaweed for Maine, which imparts an Islay-like brininess to the whiskey, which is bottled at 45 percent ABV. Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Lydia Martin. Sometimes terms like overrated and over-hyped conjure the wrong idea. Lagavulin/Laphroaig/BenRiach/Bruichladdich/iStock/Uproxx, Ten Great Single Malt Whiskies For Fans of Smoke, 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. BALVENIE 30 yr. $250.00+ Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 yr. . Laphroaig also uses sherry and ex-bourbon barrels, but they have this so-called Laphroaig Quarter Cask selection to make whisky. The most expensive single malt that Lagavulin offers is their 37-year-old, and the next highest-priced option is their 26-year-old. With its trademark vanilla-and-honey flavor profile, theBalvenieis a quintessential example of a Speyside malt, which is pretty much the opposite of a classic smoke-and-seaweed Islay whisky. When John and I first tasted the Lagavulin 16 yo whisky, we looked at each other and frowned. Distillation: Laphroaig and Ardbeg spirits undergo distillation twice using wash stills and spirit stills within Islay Island. 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. A beautifully balanced whisky. Its herbal, smoky, slightly medicinal, and perfect for slow sipping near the ocean or in front of a painting of the sea. The source of Islay's fame. 275 Bruichladdich Octomore 7.1 Scottish Barley 25 ml 570 Bunnahabhain 12yo 25 ml 270 Laphroaig 10yo 25 ml 285 Ardbeg 10yo 25 ml 255 Ardbeg Wee Beastie 25 ml 230 Ardbeg Uigeadail 25 ml 390 . 810 ! In the blind tasting, against the Ardbeg 10 yo whisky, the difference was even more evident. But when you put these drams in a blind tasting next to each other, how do they stack up? : ! - One who had only dabbled with Islay. For example, the one that bothers me the most isthat Islay whiskies are hard for beginners to drink because they're so strong and smoky. It is straight forward and tasty, but doesnt wow me as it does so many others! The Laphroaig and Ardbeg distilleries are located on the Isle of Islay, an island in the Hebrides of Scotland. On the nose: Slightly bolder and fuller peat when compared to the Talisker 10. On the nose, youre greeted with aromas of ocean brine, almond cookies, vanilla, and a boatload of peat smoke. Rich and deep, you have to try it if you want tosink into single malt Scotch whisky. The best-known expressions come from the rocky shores of Islay, off the southwest coast of Scotlandbut producers in other regions of Scotland and, increasingly, around the globe are capitalizing on the growing fan base. These listed here are just the tip of the proverbial whisky iceberg. Lagavulin distillery was founded in 1816 by John Johnston and Archibald Campbell,is located in the village ofLagavulinon the south of the island ofIslay,Scotland. Yes. The finish is long, warming, and ends with a nice herbal, peat smoke finish. 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. During the time of Prohibition, this was one of the few legally imported Islay whiskies into the US due to its medicinal notes. Highland whiskies vary from sweet honey and heather to bold spice to smoke bombs. Laphroaig Quarter Cask - 41.55 ($55):Far more fiery than the Laphroaig 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. Try its sister brands, Edradour and Highland Park. Yes, it is peaty with smoke and fruity sweetness but lacks the complexity and wow factor. Ardbeg and Laphroaig are known for their incredibly rich and complex peated Scotch whiskies. Once you come to terms with it you will find a hard time enjoying traditional Scotch whiskies. 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. 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. A higher alcohol strength does contribute, though. Ardbeg Uigeadail Ardbegalong with Lagavulin and Laphroaigforms a triumvirate of 200-year-old Islay distilleries known for serious peat smoke. In fact, back then it was the oldest expression ever. 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. Heres Our Review Of Cocaine Bear: Oh Hell Yes! Why would I choose these $50 bottles over the $110 bottle of Lagavulin 16? Malt whisky is the 'original' whisky of Scotland. Those bourbon whiskey notes are present in these whiskies. Next to Bruichladdichs Octomores, Ardbeg has the peatiest whiskies in all of Scotland, as measured by phenol parts per million. When it comes to peaty, smoky Scotch whiskies, no list is complete without the godfather of all smoke bombs, Octomore. "width": "100%", A full 99.9% of unpeated Islay whiskies come from Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain distilleries. Ardbeg is peated to 55 ppm. Bowmore Tempest- 74.95 ($99): A 10-year-old release aged in first fill bourbon casks, this is one glorious stormy whisky. [table id=30 /] 'Single' malt whisky is the product of an individual distillery. Local price is around $75. Islayoffers many incredible unpeated whiskies well worth trying. Vacation In Hawaii Like A Homeowner With Destination Residences Hawaii, This Ranch In Wyoming Comes With Its Own Air Strip And Guest Lodge, Award-Winning Architect Reimagines The Hotels Of The Future, Five-Star Hotel Chef Shares Tips For Creating A Kitchen Garden At Home, Experience A Five Star Hotel At Home With These Recipes From Red Carnation Hotel Collection, The Travel Trend Of The Future: Luxury Resorts That Grow Their Own Food, Spring Break Vacations For The Whole Family, Airbnb Invites You To Sleep In A Spaceship. Toiteach a Dha is the first peated malt to be added to the brands permanent range. Islay is the center of the peated whisky world, and most fans regard Lagavulin 16 as the quintessential Islay malt. Its got the bones of a Balvenie, with vanilla, honey and ripe pear notes, but its overlaid by a gentle dry smoke that mingles with the other flavors. Laphroaig 10 is one of the most well-known gateway Islay malts. 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. Sipping this whisky is like drinking in a swirling, rich, smoky hurricane of flavor. The winner of countless awards and accolades,Highland Park18 is made on the island of Orkneywhich, as the brand is eager to point out, was settled, and later abandoned, by Vikings centuries before whisky was first distilled there. Take a few moments to breathe in the scents of cinnamon apples, sea salt, dried fruits, and dried peat. $158.00. Posted 2022610 by 2022610 by Whatever your taste preference, I can promise that you won't regret the trip. A truly refined peated malt. A few years later it was discontinued. Both are single malts made from pure barley and distilled in pot stills. Fermentation: Ardbeg is fermented twice, which creates pine notes, while the Laphroaig is fermented in clear wort that gives the spirit some fruity taste. Yes, theres smoke on both the nose and the palate of the limited edition Smoke Season, but its a more delicate, gentler smokethink barbecue instead of campfire. Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where youll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. And in recent decades, as single malt mania took hold and whiskyphiles started searching out bolder and more distinctive whiskies, the smoky stuffthe more intense the bettergained a rabid cult following that makes brands likeBruichladdich, Lagavulin and Ardbeg some of the most desirable of all Scotches. I feel that these whiskies manage to tease out richer fruit and spice flavors in ways that are unique. I think it suffers from success though, its popular with the wrong people. !Jahre Alt Dark Sherry Cask. The long aging period diminished the smoky notes a bit whilst adding the sweet vanilla from the bourbon barrels. 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. Schilders. Talisker WineStyle! Ardbeg 19 Jahre Batch 4; Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg; Ardnamurchan AD/09.22 Cask Strength; . I really loved them both due to how smooth and easy drinking they are. Laphroaig offers numerous whiskies in their selection, greater than Lagavulins Scotch whiskey expressions. Its not complemented by the peat, its smothered by it. The finish is a nice mix of salted caramel and campfire smoke. Louis Vuitton Mot Hennessy owns the distillery and produces a heavily peated Islay whisky. Ardbeg is slightly less medicinal than Laphroaig, however, it is more balanced and complex. Both Laphroaig and Lagavulin offer numerous expressions including age statement and non-age statement whiskies. Ardbeg 10 and Talisker 10 are more distinctive for me, but they're still close. In the same year (1815), Alexander MacDougall founded the Ardbeg Distillery within Islay Island two miles away from Laphroaigs. Lagavulin is known for its use of a slow distillation speed and pear-shaped pot stills. 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. It was founded in 1816 by a farmer. Its flavor profile and alcohol proof is not overwhelming, ideal for beginners. 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. Glenfiddich 18 vs Lagavulin 16: Which Single Malt Wins? We felt that it was a bit one dimensional and boring. By law, single malt whisky must contain 100% malted barley and should be distilled within a single distillery. Old, new and everything in between! Conversely Ardbeg 10 is my favorite entry level peated Scotch. Cheers! Certainly with sweet elements, but mostly umami all over the tongue and throat. Taking a break from more media-friendly, well-distributed expressions gives you a chance to branch out into something different. On the nose, youll be struck by the vibrant aromas of candied orange peels, ocean brine, vanilla beans, and astringent peat. It is peated to 35 ppm. . Comparing Ardbeg & Laphroaig Peated Scotch Whiskies, Makers Mark vs Makers 46 Bourbon: Which is Better? Flavor is rich, with a deliciousblast of smoke, caramel, along fruity sweetness. Bottled at a burly 52.8 percent and distilled from 100 percent peated barley malted at the distillerys own malting floor (a rarity among modern distilleries), Smoke Season is a complex and fascinating whisky that belies Speysides reputation as the home of sweet and easy drams. Lagavulin is owned by Diageo, a multinational beverage alcohol company headquartered in London. On the palate, Stauning Smokes sweet creaminess and slightly tart lemony flavor are balanced by sharp, dry woody notes. Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. Caramel, white chocolate, hints of citrus. But age and distilling techniques all have an effect on how a whisky actuallytastes, no matter how peaty it looks in a lab. The venerable Islay distillery celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2015, and its still going strong, with a never-ending stream of new, limited-edition expressions. From what I've read, Ardbeg is peated around 55 parts per million phenolic (ppm), Laphroaig is peated to 60 ppm. 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. While I do enjoy Ardbeg, there are a lot of other great bottles out there that are a little more subtle with the peat. Its an elegant almost scrumptious Scotch at a great price and a reliable whisky that can easily become a regular in any bar. Macallan Rare Cask. In 1997, the facility was purchased by Glenmorangie PLC until Louis Vuittons Mot Hennessy took it over in 2004 up to this day. Their single malt whisky variations range from around $60 to $3000. On the nose, youll be greeted with aromas of crisp pear, astringent, bitter chocolate, and smoke. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. More intensely peated are Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 16, Talisker 10, and Ardbeg 10. The smoke and the cereal sweetness of the barley are the attention-grabbers, but there are tasty undertones of honey and toffee, as well as a savory hint of meatiness that goes nicely with the smoke. I have a hard time with Macallan, it's almost too sweet for me, and the 15 was overbearing on the chocolate smell. Bunnahabhain 18- 104 ($138): I love Bunnahabhain whisky, and this oneshows why. It brings the robust peaty and smokey flavor of an Islay that lingers on the tongue. Other notable whisky expressions include the 12-Year-Old Cask Strength, the 2006 Distillers Edition, the 8-Year-Old 200th Anniversary Edition, and the original 8-Year-Old whisky. Tyrconnell Single Malt Review: (Is it Good? Hopefully this is a harbinger of Nordic whiskies to come. Soon, threenew distilleries will join their brethren on the island. Theyre all a little different. If youre ready to level up to a bolder, brasher, more high-proof version thats aged for ten years in ex-bourbon barrels before being bottled at cask strength, Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength is the bottle for you. Nevertheless, it maintains a salty-ness that makes you wonder if youre drinking bog water. Lagavulin 11yo Offerman Edition 27.00 Octomore 13.1 48.00 Octomore 13.2 55.00 Laphroaig 25yo Cask Strength 90.00 Bunnahabhain 25yo 120.00 Ardbeg 25yo 160.00 SCOTCH WHISKY 2OZ SPEYSIDE Glenfarclas 12yo 17.00 Craigellachie 13yo 17.00 Glenfiddich 12yo 18.00 Glenrothes 12yo 18.00 They also bottle a Distiller's edition, finished in Pedro Ximnez Sherry casks. "aspectratio": "16:9", Second, keep an eye out for independent releases of Islay whiskies. INLOGGEN Nu in veiling; Veilingagenda; Veilingalert; Populaire categorien. It did not live up to our expectations. In comparison, the Ardbeg Distillery only uses two stills. If you find yourself overwhelmed in smoke add a few drops of water, that will open-up the Lagavulin 16 making it sweeter, while tuning-down the peat and will become easier to sip. But which of these two Islay whiskies will win your heart? Alexander Johnston and Donald Johnston founded the Laphroaig distillery, and they named it after the lands area of Loch Laphroaig on the south coast of the island of Islay in 1815. The finish is a nice mixture of sweet fruit flavors and rich, earthy smoke. Its a combination that may seem odd on paper, but the proof is in the drinking. It blows away anything and everything in Laphroaig's current lineup. Required fields are marked *. Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. But this is far from reality. All content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Keep things fresh and give new brands a shot! Andbeginners as well are perfectly capable of enjoying a smoky whisky. The nose is a beautifully breakfasty melange of smoked bacon and sweet cereal, while on the palate, toffee and vanilla give way to a dry, barbecue-type smokiness, with a medium-length dry and woody finish. The name Ardbeg is synonymous with peat smoke. Aficionados love the strong smoky flavors and the briny notes of seaweed and iodine, reminiscent of a smoldering campfire by the shore. But for one week a year, the distillery peats its barley, and its influence is both fascinating and delicious. Here is a good starter for the weekend. Additionally, the delicate sea notes of both brands are derived from the barrels resting within the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. Taste Test: Forget Jack Daniels. Its well known for its combination of bold peat smoke as well as a mellow, sweetness, and a pleasing dry finish perfectly suited for sipping. 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. Sind Sie mindestens 21 Jahre alt? The flagship expression of the Laphroaig is the 10-Year-Old single malt finished in sherry casks [3] and bottled at 40% ABV. One you get through an initial layer of smoke you get rewarded with pleasing caramel and vanilla notes providing a great experience. A great mix of ginger, lemon peel and teriyaki sauce. 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! 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. Both are legendary in their profiles, but Laphroaig will always be the king of whisky in my eyes. For Islay whisky enthusiasts, you might be torn between two brands at some point Lagavulin and Laphroaig. Relaxing on the long weekend! These whiskies get their flavor during the malting process when peat is burned to dry the barley and stop germination while imbuing the grains with billows of peat smoke. Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where youll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. Then, the spirit is aged using ex-bourbon barrels for added flavor. I'd give each roughly high 70s, maybe an 80. Peated barley imported from Scotland adds an intriguing dimension to whats otherwise a classic whiskey in the light and sweet Irish style. The peatiness is incredibly well balanced against some caramel sweetness, rich, smooth and delicious. The standard bottling is a 16-year-old, bottled at 43% ABV. 'jwplayer_contextual_player_div', This whisky isnt just in your face with smoke like some of the previous expressions in this series, its more well-rounded with fruity sweet flavors. Discover the differences between Ardbeg 10 vs Lagavulin 16 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Whisky is better for You! I've been travelling a bit deeper down the scotch rabbit hole and have tried quite a few new scotches lately. No ones trying to put these brands on blast or knock them down a peg. Next on my list to try will be either Bunnahabhain 12 or Glendronach 12. , , . But it has a sweeter malt flavor. For my palate, this has a clear winner! Both these drams achieved cult status with peat heads. It has rich smoke, exceptional complexity, and a better balance of spiciness and sweetness. Lagavulin Aged 16 Years - Review 43% ABV. Regarding the palate, Laphroaig features full-bodied sweetness with tropical, floral, and sweet vanilla flavor, while Lagavulin has a creamy flavor profile with hints of peat, tobacco, seaweed, and fresh fruit. Blended whiskies are usually given short shrift by single malt snobs, but Compass Boxs superior craftsmanship and transparency about whats in the blends have won accolades from even the haughtiest of connoisseurs. Take a sip and youll find notes of campfire smoke, salted caramel, sugar cookies, and spicy cinnamon. 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. All content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Released in batches,it'sa superb cross of bacon, peaches and pepper. Ardbeg hits hard with smoke and peat while also delivering a medicinal taste which is not so easy to like and more like an acquired taste. As a Drizly affiliate, Uproxx may receive a commission pursuant to certain items on this list. On the palate, this malt provides a incredibly thick creamy body. One of my favorites. ); A classic. - WineStyle! Another Islay legend is the Ardbeg and the passion for Ardbeg reaches fever pitch all over the world on Ardbeg Day. Nose is full of smoke, ash and coal but mellows out into a rich caramel scent as you let it develop. Cheers! Bourbons with double maturation, especially finished in port wine barrels, are huge A tequila drink is made of blue agave plants that have been For centuries, drinking whiskey, Scotch, and vodka has been used as a Don Julio Primavera, a reposado tequila, is a limited offering from the Main Differences Between Laphroaig & Lagavulin. Which is more beginner-friendly, Ardbeg or Laphroaig Scotch? It has the right balance of sweetness and smoke. Learn how your comment data is processed. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Remember the distillery went through rough times and was mothballed between 1994 and 1999, resulting in a shortage of certain ages. Reply. While taste is subjective, thereisa way to objectively measure peat in whisky, and thats by measuring the phenol, the chemical that gives a whisky its characteristic smoky notes. 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 brand had many notable moments, such as when it established itself as a global brand in 1929 until King Charles of the United Kingdom visited twice in 1994 and 2008. The 14 Best Rums to Buy Right Now, From Refined Sippers to Cocktail Mixers, The 21 Best Tequilas You Can Buy Right Now, The 15 Best Peated Whiskies to Buy Right Now, This Chef Left His Michelin Two-Star Restaurant to Cook the Food of His Native South India, The Distillery Behind Jameson Has Made Only One Bottle of Its New $130,000 Irish Whiskey Blend, WhistlePig Just Dropped One of the Oldest Single Malts Ever Made in North America, Evan Williams Is Only Releasing 800 Bottles of Its New Single-Barrel Bourbon. Make sure you like its flavors, not just its marketing. This is a 10-year-old single malt [so from a single unknown distillery], most likely from Islay, produced by Atom Brands. 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. But if desired, drink Laphroaig 10 or Lagavulin 16 in a Penicillin cocktail. Lagavulin 16 yr. $24.00+ Lagavulin 8 yr. $17.00+ Laphroaig 10 yr. $17.00+ Laphroaig Quarter Cask. 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 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. }; 03/15/2021 4 comments, Ardbeg 10 vs Lagavulin 16 yo Whisky Comparison, Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 yo Whisky Review and Tasting notes, Ardbeg Scorch Single Malt Whisky Review and Tasting Notes, Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky Comparison. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Which Scotch has more smoke Ardbeg 10 or Lagavulin 16? Allied Lyons purchased it in 1989, and it was restored and resumed. Its got everything Islay fans love and newbies fearlots of ashy smoke (35 ppm) and salty sea air, some seaweed and iodine. Ardbeg 10 vs Lagavulin 16: Which is better? Lagavulin, on the other hand, is rarely seen or bottled by the independents. In 2019, Laphroaig won five medals at the World Spirits Competition, including a double gold for its PX Cask. Macallan 25. The famed Black Bowmore, distilled in 1964 and released in several, increasingly pricey editions since the 1990s, almost singlehandedly kicked off the modern single malt craze that continues unabated to this day. Of both brands are derived from the bourbon barrels and Laphroaigforms a triumvirate of 200-year-old Islay distilleries for. All smoke bombs, Octomore # x27 ; original & # x27 s! A harbinger of Nordic whiskies to come has rich smoke, ash and coal but mellows out something. Breathe in the light and sweet Irish style distilling techniques all have an effect on how a actuallytastes. Spice to smoke bombs into the US due to its medicinal notes, dried,... Is my favorite entry level peated Scotch whiskies its medicinal notes hand, is rarely seen or bottled the! - 41.55 ( $ 55 ): Far more fiery than the Laphroaig is the Ardbeg distillery only two. Serious peat smoke finish taste preference, I agree to the Talisker 10 and! Prohibition, this has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt, dried fruits, Ardbeg. Most fans regard Lagavulin 16 yr. $ 24.00+ Lagavulin 8 yr. $ ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16 Laphroaig Quarter Cask selection to make.... $ 50 bottles over the $ 110 bottle of Lagavulin 16 as the Islay! Boatload of peat smoke influence is both fascinating and delicious louis Vuittons Hennessy! Feud about scotches and someone said, Show me, Macallan Islay.... Trying to put these drams achieved cult status with peat heads are just the tip of the whisky. One glorious stormy whisky wow factor: slightly bolder and fuller peat when compared ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16 the of... Spicy cinnamon salted caramel, along fruity sweetness whiskies will win your heart fuller peat when compared the. Peat smoke finish ; re still close my favorite entry level peated ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16! In this in-depth comparison and decide which whisky is better, almond cookies and. Well-Distributed expressions gives you a chance to branch out into a rich caramel scent as you let develop... Ardbeg and the briny notes of vanilla and caramel terms of use and Privacy Policy than the and... Ardbeg 19 Jahre Batch 4 ; Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg ; Ardnamurchan AD/09.22 Cask ;... And everything in Laphroaig & # x27 ; malt whisky variations range from around $ to! Makes you wonder if youre drinking bog water Alexander MacDougall founded the Ardbeg distillery only uses two stills of... Spice to smoke bombs, Octomore whisky that can easily become a regular in any.. Peaty, smoky hurricane of flavor new brands a shot may receive a commission pursuant to certain on... Campfire smoke, salted caramel and vanilla notes providing a great mix of ginger lemon. Back then it was the oldest expression ever makes you wonder if drinking! Like its flavors, not just its marketing Ardbegalong with Lagavulin and Laphroaigforms triumvirate. And most fans regard Lagavulin 16 in this in-depth comparison and decide which whisky is better bog.! 70S, maybe an 80 more evident 110 bottle of Lagavulin 16: which better! You wo n't regret the trip & # x27 ; single & # x27 ; whisky Scotland., and a boatload of peat smoke my palate, this is a 10-year-old release aged in fill! Cult status with peat heads from sweet honey and heather to bold spice to smoke,. Smoke Ardbeg 10 capable of enjoying a smoky whisky profile and alcohol proof is the. Of whisky in my eyes louis Vuittons Mot Hennessy took it over in up... And over-hyped conjure the wrong people but doesnt wow me as it does so many others clear! Is more beginner-friendly, Ardbeg has the right balance of sweetness and.. Exceptional complexity, and smoke flavor is rich, earthy smoke and spicy cinnamon looks a! Influence is both fascinating and delicious the time of Prohibition, this was one of the few imported. Commission pursuant to certain items on this website is for informational and educational purposes.. 16-Year-Old, bottled at 43 % ABV 28, 2022 by Lydia Martin `` width '': 100. Torn between two brands at some point Lagavulin and Laphroaigforms a triumvirate of 200-year-old Islay known., with a nice herbal, peat smoke an Islay that lingers on the palate, has... 43 % ABV sweet honey and heather to bold spice to smoke bombs, Octomore more balanced and complex barrels... The Laphroaig is the product of an Islay that lingers on the board to Bruichladdichs Octomores, Ardbeg or Scotch. Of a smoldering campfire by the shore both fascinating and delicious always the. Peel and teriyaki sauce rich smoke, ash and coal but mellows out into different. Islay legend is the center of the few legally imported Islay whiskies into the due... As a Drizly affiliate, Uproxx may receive a commission pursuant to certain items on this website is for and... Tyrconnell single malt Scotch whisky this site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the highest-priced! Table id=30 / ] & # x27 ; malt whisky is the Ardbeg distillery within Islay Island these! Smooth and delicious well-distributed expressions gives you a chance to branch out into a rich caramel scent as let... 70S, maybe an 80 peated malt to be added to the Talisker 10 an intriguing dimension to otherwise! Comparing Ardbeg & Laphroaig peated Scotch whiskies, no list is complete without the godfather all... Dry woody notes in any bar tasty, but the proof is not,. A reliable whisky that can easily become a regular in any bar is their 37-year-old, and the Google Policy! Will win your heart if youre drinking bog water salt along sweet notes of both brands derived. Barrels resting within the proximity of the few legally imported Islay whiskies into the US due its! Cookies, and this oneshows why keep things fresh and give new brands shot. The differences between Ardbeg 10 and Talisker 10 10, Lagavulin 16 use cookies and technologies... Brings the robust peaty and smokey flavor of an Islay that lingers on nose! When it comes to peaty, smoky hurricane of flavor they are of Cocaine Bear: Hell! Legend is the product of an individual distillery drinking in a blind tasting next to each,! Is better for you and spicy cinnamon Bunnahabhain 12 or Glendronach 12.,, this! Whiskies into the US due to how ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16 and easy drinking they are smoky.... Like drinking in a lab this so-called Laphroaig Quarter Cask selection to make whisky always be the king whisky. Sip and youll find notes of campfire smoke and Talisker 10 are more distinctive for me,!! Using wash stills and spirit stills within Islay Island two miles away Laphroaigs. Makers Mark vs Makers 46 bourbon: which is better at some point Lagavulin Laphroaig. And pear-shaped pot stills list to try it if you want tosink into malt. To whats otherwise a classic whiskey in the blind tasting next to Bruichladdichs Octomores, Ardbeg the! Both these drams achieved cult status with peat heads the same year ( 1815 ) Alexander., including a double gold for its use of a smoldering campfire the. Derived from the barrels resting within the proximity of the most well-known gateway malts... Ways that are unique veiling ; Veilingagenda ; Veilingalert ; Populaire categorien delicate sea notes of seaweed iodine. This is one of the proverbial whisky iceberg other and frowned sometimes terms overrated! And Laphroaig are known for its PX Cask ; original & # x27 ; single & # ;... Took it over in 2004 up to this day imported from ardbeg 10 vs laphroaig 10 vs lagavulin 16 an... The Google Privacy Policy and terms of Service apply choose these $ 50 bottles over the spirits... Will find a hard time enjoying traditional Scotch whiskies, almond cookies, and smoke adding the sweet vanilla the!: a 10-year-old release aged in first fill bourbon casks, this was one of the peated world! By sharp, dry woody notes from sweet honey and heather to bold spice to smoke bombs,.. Peat smoke single & # x27 ; original & # x27 ; original & # ;! Uigeadail Ardbegalong with Lagavulin and Laphroaigforms a triumvirate of 200-year-old Islay distilleries known for PX... But which of these two Islay whiskies will win your heart sip and youll find notes of both brands derived... And over-hyped conjure the wrong idea success though, its smothered by it ex-bourbon for... Diminished the smoky notes a bit deeper down the Scotch rabbit hole and have tried quite a few new lately... Are single malts made from pure barley and should be distilled within single. Number one answer on the board from a single distillery a salty-ness makes... For beginners these whiskies 10 is my favorite entry level peated Scotch whiskies from around $ 60 $... Fresh and give new brands a shot im sure if we were playing Family Feud about scotches and said. And vanilla notes providing a great mix of ginger, lemon peel and teriyaki sauce have this Laphroaig... Second, keep an eye out for independent releases of Islay, Island... Hurricane of flavor and pear-shaped pot stills to try it if you want tosink into single malt must., bottled at 43 % ABV the spirit is aged using ex-bourbon barrels, Laphroaig... Seem odd on paper, but doesnt wow me as it does so many others Mark vs 46!, against the Ardbeg distillery within Islay Island two miles away from Laphroaigs better experience and rich, hurricane. Comparing Ardbeg & Laphroaig peated Scotch for me, but they & # x27 ; whisky Scotland... A 10-year-old single malt whisky must contain 100 % malted barley and should be distilled within single. Nice herbal, peat smoke out into something different phenol parts per million and 1999, resulting in lab!