With its distinct dry smokiness, the Offerman Edition resides squarely within the Lagavulin canon, but the differences from the 16-year-old are noticeable. Laphroaig, its Islay neighbor, just 10 minutes down the road, comes in at around 45 ppm phenol. 39 Things Youll Regret Not Buying on Amazon, Review: The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE 16 Is a Sleek, Portable, and Impressive Gaming Laptop, Review: Sonys Inzone H9 Gaming Headset Is a Superb Introduction to Spatial Audio, The 13 Best Chromebooks Can Help You Get Your Work Done Quickly Starting at Just $189, This Half Football, Half Flask Makes the Ultimate Super Bowl Party Trick, I Was Horny so I Taste Tested All of #LubeLifes Cocktail Flavored Lubes, The Dalmore Releases Sherry-Cask Finish 12-Year Scotch, Too Busy for the Gym? Ready to delve further into the world of peated whiskies? Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or. Ardbegs whisky has an ABV of 46% (92 proof) and can be bought for $59. In general, bottles coming from Islay, such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are the smokiest. Please God no. The highest medal given out is the Double Gold. I got to attend a virtual tasting hosted by Diageos Ewan Gunn. Diageo, the brands owner and the largest Scotch whisky producer on the planet, has announced plans to make The Singleton, in all of its three forms combined, the best-selling single malt whisky in the world. All Rights reserved. I first had this in 2014, when it came in the solid dark blue box. Peated or unpeated? It has a hefty 46.3 percent ABV, spending time in both ex-bourbon casks and new oak barrels. Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14: Which is better? A 750ml bottle will run you around $60. With tasting notes of vanilla, peach, mango, nutmeg and gingerbread, Johnnie Walker Gold has a rich taste thats both warm and gentle, a veritable contradiction between fruit and smoke. The Speyburn 10 was described by the judging panel as: A fine medley of baked apple and orange on the nose. Whatever your tastes, we've got a recommendation. Start by pouring 1 to 2 ounces of whisky into a bourbon glass and swirl it. It brings the robust peaty and smokey flavor of an Islay that lingers on the tongue. Whiskies from the Lowlands (like those from Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie) tend to be light and delicate. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Discover the differences between Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!! Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Support Malt Each Month By Becoming A Patron. Its core line-up is packaged without fuss or frills, making them a great value (Glenfarclas 12 is great for those on a budget) and the 17 year just gets it right. The result is a thick, creamy and fruity single malt whisky. Talisker Distillers Edition vs Ardbeg An Oa. At an average price of $27, there are 14 single malts available in the collection. Most of their whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3% (114,6 proof). Peat and sherry with a lovely burning lifeboat on the seashore kind of smoke. This special select scotch whisky comes from a marriage of both American and European casks to create a rich and layered taste. The finish is long, sweet and pleasantly warm, with more smoke to it. All 4 variations have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43% (86 proof) and all have a light amber hue to them. As noted above, Talisker also received a Double Gold medal for its 10 YO expression. My usual opinion on Diageo is that theyre like an evil empire. Lagavulins stills are short and squat and are charged (filled) to around 90% capacity, while Caol Ilas stills have much longer necks and larger pots and they are only filled to 50% capacity. Bladnoch Distillery produces a fine lowland single malt whisky and was established in 1817. This is exemplified by their Islay Barley Scotch Whisky, which feels (and tastes!) The youngest whisky in this blend is 11 years old, which makes a nice contrast to Lagavulin's best-known expression, the 16-year-old, perhaps the quintessential Islay malt. The Glenlivet is a name known everywhere. Historically, many Speyside whiskies had a peat component in their single malts. Each bottle has been finished in Guinness barrels from the Open Gate Brewery in Maryland just outside of Baltimore, making it a Scot/American hybrid nobody was expecting. I once ordered a glass in a very fancy restaurant in Madrid and was treated like a God afterwards. GlenAllachie, 15 YO, 46% ABV, 750 ml, $95 took similar honors as the Best Single Malt from Speyside. Mortlach is one of the few distilleries that still operates worm coils instead of the modern clam shell condensers. This years NYISC judging highlighted several well-known Scotch whisky expressions. (As a side note: as Diageo and Talisker continue to grow, I hope they dont shorten Taliskers 65-hour fermentation in wooden mash tuns. I dont like that theyre massive and tend to focus on efficiency. With notes of vanilla, coffee, dark chocolate and citrus, your palate will begin its journey on a path of familiarity just to end itself on a wild ride nobody was expecting. Our tester found it to be delightful in everything from a Scotch old fashioned to more complex cocktails like a Blood & Sand, where its normally subtle fruity notes really came to life. For many Scotch lovers, Deanston has probably been off the radar. Aberlour, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $80, another Speyside icon, won the Best 16 YO Speyside single malt. The official tasting note from the judging panel described the Singleton of Glendullan 15 YO as having: Citrus and hints of lemon are on the nose. (182.86 per litre) A magnificent whisky. That said, I feel like they will like this more due to the age. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. The award for the Best 20 YO Single Malt went to another legendary Scotch whisky: Mortlach, 20 YO, 43.4% ABV, 750 ml, $250. It makes for a (really) nice gift and showcases what 18-year-old sherry bombs can taste like, but the more adventurous should look elsewhere. Lagavulin 16 is the 34th scotch off my Scotch 100 list. Yes. I love them both and feel no need to choose between them other than bowing to one in particular because of how I feel at the time. I get a light burst of grapes. Blended-grain Scotch is made by blending single-grain Scotch whiskies from two or more distilleries. Highland Park 18 Year Read More. A lot of first-fill ex-bourbon casks intended for aging Lagavulin would be filled first with single-grain Scotch. An 8 YO Lagavulin has a higher concentration of phenols than the 16 YO, and both are higher then the 25 YO. Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. This whisky is creamy and smooth and pleasantly warm. You asked! Think of the aroma of a pile of burning dry leaves. We encourage responsible drinking and nothing on this website should be considered professional or medical advice. During the 1960s, 40% of Irelands electricity was produced in peat fired power plants. Lagavulin is aged for 16 years using ex-bourbon barrels. 105. Once it has been germinated and dried, the barley is combined with water and yeast which converts the natural sugars in the barley into alcohol. The combined mix of dissipating peat & smoke plus the entering aromas of butterscotch and toffee make me think of mocha. $19.50 USD . Finally, the ppm phenol in spirit drops over time. Lagavulin 16 Year Scotch Whisky $92.35 Buy Now 11. Since we are referring to a Diageo product, Lagavulin 16 has color added, which gives the liquid . I would not invoke the God of Synesthesia beyond saying that I love Talisker for its Kiss of the sea and Lagavullin because, at least to my mind, it gives a sense of old libraries and leather bound books. 70cl / 43%. It is then distilled in a pot still which involves heating the liquid and allowing vapor to form. Not anymore, thanks to its win at the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition. Ledaig comes from the Tobermory distillery in the northwest corner of the Isle of Mull, just a short hop across the water from the mainland Highlands. Blended Scotch whisky is a blend of single-malt Scotch whiskies and single-grain Scotch whiskies distilled at multiple distilleries. Both are heavy on the peat, as an Islay should be. But that contradiction works in harmony, creating something far more elegant, something thats a good as gold. But we could do with your support each month think of it as buying us a dram. Peixe e batata frita "Prato exclusivo do Rose & Crown", empanado em cerveja e servido com molho trtaro . Once home to 34 distilleries and considered the whisky capital of the world, a post-war economic downturn left the region with only a handful of active distilleries. I write about wines and spirits and the hidden corners of the world, Thinking About Black Wine Business Beyond Black History Month, Whisky Review: Compass Box, Benriach, Tobermory, And More, Vibrant Whites, Distinctive RedsAppreciating The Wines Of Friuli, Appreciating Some Of Italys Lesser Known Varietals And Grapes, Wine Cocktails That Take The Chill Off Winter, Bacardis Latest Cask Finished Rum Expressions Are Exceptional, The Worlds Best BourbonAccording To The 2023 World Whiskies Awards. Located in the far east of Scotland, near the Ardmore Distillery, come expecting whisky thats extremely rich, sweet, and fruit, but dont expect much peat this far from Islay. He is Diageos senior global brand ambassador for Scotch. The official tasting notes of the judging panel described the whisky as having: A dark amber hue signaling its years in the cask. Try the Best Walking Pad Treadmill and Burn Calories at Home or the Office, We Did It: We Found the Best T-Shirts in the World After an Exhaustive Search, 23 Actually Stylish Winter Parkas for Men To Wear in 2023, These Down Mattress Toppers Are the Plushiest Hack to a Better Nights Sleep, The 15 Best Desktop Computers of 2023 for Any Price Point. Indeed, they are part of the indelible DNA of Scotch malt whisky. Alcohol doesnt hit as heavy as the ABV would suggest. See my pricing guidelines on this postto see how I view price-versus-quality of scotch. (150 per litre) Lagavulin 2008 12 Year Old Special Releases 2021. It tends to impart flavors of cold smoke and dry brush. There are still over a hundred-peat fired electricity generation plants, mostly in Scandinavia. Agree with Laga 12 being more attractive to Laga 16. Highland Park Distillery is based on the largest of the wild, peat-filled islands off of the northern tip of Scotland. Loch Lomond was established in 1814 and produces various single-malt whiskies of different ages. But in general, the north brings rich body and sweetness; the west brings rich body and peatiness; the south brings delicate drams with light body; and the east brings similar lightness with a touch more fruit. Nothing is the star here, everything works together for the common good. Prices and visitors' opinions on dishes. Glenlivet 15 Year Scotch Whisky $75.79 Buy Now. Oban whisky is very different from many of its West Highland kin. Oban is much lighter on the smoke If you are new to peaty whisky I suggest to start with the Oban 14 as it is more approachable due to the moderate amount of the flavor of the peats used to dry the malted barley it offers. After 18 years the two liquids are blended together and, after being allowed to marry, are bottled. There are a number of additional differences between the sister distilleries. The Best Scotches Recommended by Bartenders. Diageo is a drinks giant with a portfolio of 200+ brands that includes household names such as Johnnie Walker, Don Julio Tequila, Casamigos. Take Lagavulin, one of Islays iconic peated whiskies. Charl loves to learn about new products and tries everything he writes about. Oban is one of the few urban distilleries left in Scotland. Hi WT, i just went along with the line up of the Diageo tasting. Taliskers Storm scotch whisky combines two opposites, sweetness and spiciness, coming together to provide a scotch that has a balanced and exciting taste. Or it could be this has really become more watery due to the higher demand. . The 43% ABV, as opposed to their standard 40%, fixes the wateriness (or smoothness, depending on your preference) and helps tip this as our go-to Glendfiddich bottle. Lagavulin 16. When burned, that peat can add a more pronounced aroma of iodine or smoked, oily fish. It also gives out awards for best single malts across several age categories and awards medals to the top entrants. Great to pair alongside chocolates, fruits, and even cheese, this scotch whisky will likely be your new go-to drink of choice for every single meal. For example, peat generally burns at a temperature of around 350 C. Wood, by comparison, when fully combusting, burns at a temperature of around 600 C. Excessive combustion temperatures degrade the peat aromatics produced, although the impact varies depending on the phenol type. Black, Gold, 18 anos . In contrast to Tobermory single malts, Ledaig is heavily peated and made in small batches. Lagavulin, what are you doing? Oban 14 Year. Glenmorangie Signet, Single malt Scotch Whisky, Glenmorangie Signet, NAS, 46% ABV, 750 ml, $250. Nose: Smoke, vanilla, caramel and iodine. Peated whiskies that are finished in sweet wine casks add sweetness and dried fruit flavors over the smoke and medicinal character imparted by peat. Learn how it compares to the Talisker 10! In this article, we dig into Lagavulin vs Oban Whisky by examining their histories and variations, as well as several alternatives should you choose to not buy either of the brands discussed. Oban 14 View this post on Instagram Relaxing on the long weekend! Of Highlands distilleries, Talisker tends to bring high-octane peat bombs, and if thats where your heart lies Id stick to Talisker 10, which is a fantastic, go-to bottle for entry-level smoke. Core Offering: Oban 14 Year Old. Its brightly peated whisky sits in sherry-seasoned European oak casks and ages in the extremely mild climate of the islands, for a gentle maturation that hits its stride at 18 years. In the mouth: Theres a watery texture in this that delays the delivery of smoke and peat. which makes it great for newbies and diehards alike. During the aging process, the flavors captured in the wood are infused into the single malt giving it more depth. For starters, to even claim the title of scotch, the spirit must abide by some strict rules. Both Oban and Lagavulin have whiskies available at an alcohol content of 43% *86 proof), although Oban only has this strength while Lagavulin has 43% as the minimum. 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. If you maintain a whisky bar all are must have expressions. All scotch whisky seemingly has a deep and long history behind it, but Bruichladdich puts that history to use, literally. Its home to the highest number of distilleries in Scotland, with well over 60 at present, including Glenfiddich, the worlds best-selling single malt Scotch. The second portion undergoes a chocolate roast, a higher temperature kilning that imparts flavors of milk chocolate and coffee to the resulting whisky. Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14: Which is better? Charl is a trainer, public speaker, and professional writer. Therefore Im a bit suprised by the comparison. The result is a creamy, fruity whisky with hints of smoke and a salty sea breeze. $92 AT DUBAIDUTYFREE.COM. Its a great whisky. It develops in areas where organic matter is covered by water before it can fully decompose. To be considered a single-grain Scotch whisky, the juice must be made at one distillery from a single grain like corn or wheat and it can be malted or unmalted. Islay is a small island thats believed to have played a major role in distilling crossing the sea from Ireland to Scotland in the 13th century. I think its just hard to not like Talisker 10. What is unusual about The Singleton is that each of the three brands has a specific geographic area where its sold: Glendullan is sold in North America, Dufftown is reserved for Europe and Glen Ord is exclusive to Asia. Read more about our new Patron offering, or hit the button below to contribute. While sticker shock might steer you toward their more economical and no less worthy 12-year-old bottle, the extra age on this bottle 21 years in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks is outstanding for special occasions. Peat smoke can create complex flavors within the final single malt. Honestly, Lagavulin 16 tastes like someone took the perfect marriage of smoke and sherry and forgot it for a bit too long in the cellar. None have failed me. Oban 14 going up +92%. When youre more seasoned, the light and easy-to-drink malts will no longer do the job. Bottle Price: N/A (paid $14 plus tip for a dram at a St. Petersburg, FL bar), Color: Apple juice from concentrate (Yes, again. Its a great smokey and peaty single malt for beginners to try. Hi John, why just have one when can you have both? The distillery has six stills, all of which have a unique shape. There were also several single malts singled out for exceptional quality. Hey, if the shoe fits). The closest scotch I can think of to Lagavulin 16 is Ardbeg 10 year. The flavors of the Highlands are too diverse to pin down with a single broad stroke; the region is so big that its home to distilleries that represent the entire flavor spectrum. On the cheaper end, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask is somewhat similar. Ive never had a bad batch of Talisker 10, which is why I still consider Talisker one of Diageos crown jewels. After those are slightly lighter aromas of butterscotch, nori, rocks wet with sea water, dried apricots, orange peels, orange jelly and dehydrated lemon peels. 63.95 from The Whisky Exchange Color: Iced tea. The plot failed, Mary was eventually beheaded and Queen Elizabeth endured. It was only a few years later that the town was named Oban after the distillery. Its slightly complex but is full of familiar flavors which make this easy to enjoy. If you find yourself overwhelmed in smoke add a few drops of water, that will open-up the Lagavulin making it sweeter, while tuning-down the peat and will become easier to sip. I end up taking them for granted, which allows me to spend time and money on other spirits. Lagavulin 16 anos . Oily mouthfeel paired with a honey sweetness and a very acrid, slightly woody taste that I cannot place. Ive been around the whisky block a number of times over many years and both of these whiskies remain, despite the chill-filtration and colouring, good quality whisky and a feather in the cap of Diageos global brand. 70cl / 56.5%. An unpeated scotch, there are strong floral tasting notes, while still remaining dense and complex with each sip. The long aging period diminished the smoky notes a bit whilst adding the sweet vanilla from the bourbon barrels. ), 45.8% ABV. Between the butterscotch and caramel are the mocha notes I get on the nose. Peat Monster, from Compass Box lives up to its name and so does Big Peat from Douglas Laing. Degustao de Johnnie Walker . It was love at first taste. A beloved cult favorite among seasoned scotch drinkers, Aberlour ABunadh has an interesting pairing combination of tasting notes: raisin and cream. On the nose: There are initially pleasant and medium-intense aromas of peat, smoke and ashes. I write about wines and spirits and the hidden corners of the world, A Bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail surrounded by newly, A Peat Bog on Islay With Newly Harvested Peat, The peat furnace used to produce peat reek when. Vital Stats: 86 proof, 14 years old, single malt. Bei den Flaschen handelt es sich um fabrikneue und unbenutzte . Single malt is a type of whisky that is seen as elite. Aberlour A'Bunadh Scotch Whisky $99.99 Buy Now. The Best Kinds of Whiskey That Belong on Everyones Bar Cart, Sign up for SPY news straight to your inbox every day. Citrus and dark fruit lay on the mouth with a soft awareness of oak that continues on the balanced finish with a light layering of vanilla. The phenomenon is also known as muskegs in North America. It's very similar to (and cheaper than) The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 year and a little bit lighter in style than Oban 14, but stands up well against any unpeated ex-bourbon malt. It has a peat and oyster, rockpool, character. Single malt Scotch is made from a mash bill comprising 100 percent malted barley and produced in a single distillery. Our editors independently select the products we recommend. Dalwhinnie, Kinchie and Cragganmore are also scarcely available too. $148 AT RESERVE BAR. Its difficult not to love it, but as a luxury Scotch bottle, it isnt designed to challenge you, but rather to open the door for anyone to enjoy what 18 years can do to transform whisky. So even though both peated whiskies began with the same concentration (ppm) of phenols in the malted barley, the end result is substantially different. The Ndurra line is named for the fact that its released non-chill-filtered and at cask strength, or natural. While the rough cut Ndurra is fantastic and the winner of Double Gold at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, those who want a little more refinement should look no further than The Glenlivet 18. Nose: Honestly, it smells like Aberlour and Laphroaig had very quiet babies; light smoke and vinous notes, accompanied by some slight dark fruits. The 8 year only recently became a regular release. Personally, I love the Uigeadail more, but not by much. Tyler Duffy, Associate Editor. Read More: The Dalmore Releases Sherry-Cask Finish 12-Year Scotch. Lagavulin Distiller's Edition vs Lagavulin 16: Which Wins? When dried, peat can burn. Required fields are marked *. Peated whiskies are quintessentially Scottish. Nice. Matured exclusively in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, this has big butterscotch and sherried fruit, mix with a little peat smoke for an easy-drinking, reliable Scotch. Theoretically, it could be moving slower than the L16 which get could be restocked with newer batches more often, Im reading your reviews with a degree of incredulity. Oban ages their whisky in oak barrels with the barrels being old American Oak bourbon barrels. Caol Ila 10 is similar as well, but milder. The finish is long and pleasantly warm, leaving an aftertaste of oak, baking spice and salt. The brands scotches are produced on original Victorian-era machinery in order to stay true to whats worked well all this time. Sent to your inbox every Friday! The peat is accompanied by toffee, butterscotch, caramel, some light pickled seaweed with sesame seeds on top, nori and some more coastal aromas. You just cant go wrong with this. Best Splurge Scotch. With every sip, youll experience tastes of smooth vanilla, soft fruits and a memorably long, nutty finish, offering a robust and layered taste with each and every single slug. Ardbeg Uigeadail, NAS, 54% ABV, 750 ml, $79. Lagavulin DE: worse than Laga 16, no doubt, and gets stomped all over by the incomparable Argbeg Ugy Glenkinchie, Oban, Lagavulin . Whisky reviews with objectivity and transparency. NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ Diageo, the makers of some of Scotland's finest single malt whiskies including Lagavulin and Oban, has . It starts with the barley being collected from across Scotland after which it is malted. No, not just because it takes more time to create, but those extra years really pack on the flavor intensity more powerful than youd imagine. In my mind they were all completely different but in two blind tastings I found it very hard to tell Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 16 apart, whereas before I would have said the former has rougher, iodine, medicinal notes and the latter is milder, more seafood/shellfish/clam chowder, and a more subtle and complex. This particular expression spends 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels before 30% is transferred to Oloroso Sherry butts. Flavor is rich, with a deliciousblast of smoke, caramel, along fruity sweetness. Thankfully. Light floral with dark fruit in the nose followed by a well layered oily presence on the palate with dark sugar on the edges and a full-bodied finish. Lagavulins malted barley has 35 parts per million phenols. Its buttery, with a surface sweetness, and a range of spicy notes that gives it plenty of depth. Once a quaint fishing village on the shores of the Sound of Kerrera, the distillery has found itself in the center of a bustling town and resort community that has grown up around it. Thats a winning combination and has proved to be very popular. Compare the aroma and flavor of Laphroaig to Lagavulin. Each bottle starts the maturing process in old bourbon casks of American white oak then later ages in Oloroso sherry barrels, both of which help bring that intense color and bold flavor. These distilleries contributes with malts to Johnnie Walkers blended whiskies. The idea that you would consider Dalwhinnie as more complex than Talisker or Lagavulin is just extraordinary. On the nose, this is a classic Lagavulin. According to the official tasting note submitted by the judging panel, the whisky exhibits: Whiffs of tobacco and dark chocolate and berries are found in the nose. The easy-to-drink scotch is aged in a joint American and European Sherry oak for 12 years (hence the namesake) to provide that refined taste. When peat was burned to kiln malted barley, however, the smoke would be absorbed by the grain, a phenomenon referred to as peat reek, and it would be passed on to the whisky. Named for the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay and winner of The Worlds Best Single Malt in 2010 by the World Whiskies Awards, Corryvreckan is intense, non-chill-filtered experience of peat and pepper aged in virgin French Limousin oak. I did Ardbeg 10 last year. Expect peaty drams of some of the best whisky in the world. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. [] There are a few facts worth knowing about the Lagavulin 8: [], Copyright 2023 Whisky, Whiskey & Bourbon | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14: Price comparison. Particularly with Scottish single malts, some criteria must be considered that lead to this being a superior whisky. Glenmorangie 10 has long been one of my favorite single malts for when I just want a good scotch but dont want to break out the good scotch. For someone like me that likes smoothness and complexity, it provides an accessible balance thats a nice break from some of the other smoky scotches I like. The whisky does not carry an age statement, but it includes whiskies up to 40 years old in the blend. Glenlivet 15 Year Scotch Whisky One of the most recognizable scotch brands, Glenlivet's 15 Year scotch gets its atypical taste from maturing the spirit in French oak casks (in fact, they were one of the first brands to use these particular kinds). Phenol, also called carbolic acid, was used in 19th century disinfectants and in early plastics like Bakelite. You clearly have very little understanding of whisky, Your email address will not be published. Its a very well made whisky. The Macallan 18 Sherry is the perfect Scotch for non-Scotch drinkers. This whisky brand has an ABV of approximately 46% (92 proof). The peat comes from the distillerys Castlehill peat bog and is malted at the Port Ellen Maltings. The NYISC is one of 10 different competitions that include, among others, the New York International Wine Competition, the Berlin International Spirits Competition and the Melbourne International Beer Competition. (It famously produces much of the Scotch for blending in Johnnie Walker expressions.) This is a BETA experience. This year, there still was a total of 1,400 entrants judged. Diageo does these, classic malts of Scotland, box sets. Novices should start by exploring the regions of Scotland. Described by the brand as a scotch that tastes like driftwood fire at dusk, Lagavulins 16 Year scotch whisky is distilled on the coast of Islay, contributing to that textured taste of peat smoke with maritime notes. The line-up of the tasting consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10, and Lagavulin 16. Lagavulin distillery is a malt whisky distillery in the village of Lagavulin on the south of the island of Islay, Scotland. As the ice melts, it will water down the beverage too much which will affect the taste of the whisky. I feel the Talisker 10 really went downhill the last five years while the Lagavulin didnt. Lagavulin 16: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey; 43% ABV. In short, Ron Swanson and Brian Cox know their shit. Aberlour keeps things simple. We dont want to partner with brands. Some of the big whisky websites are funded by corporate groups. This dense and often rich spirit isnt something to sit down and drink quickly, rather, its the spirit for long conversations among good friends. Lagavulin canon, but Bruichladdich puts that history to use, literally highland Park distillery is on. ( 92 proof ) and can be bought for $ 59 more elegant, something thats winning... Was only a few years later that the town was named Oban after the distillery as Laphroaig and,... Described by the judging panel as: a dark amber hue signaling its oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 in ex-bourbon barrels medal out! That lingers on the nose: smoke, vanilla, caramel, along fruity sweetness complex Talisker! Involves heating oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 liquid and allowing vapor to form make me think of it as buying us a.. To Lagavulin 16: which Wins that delays the delivery of smoke and.. Is heavily peated and made in small batches or more distilleries charl is a malt whisky it as us!, after being allowed to marry, are bottled, a higher concentration of phenols than the 16 YO and... To its name and so does Big peat from Douglas Laing the mocha notes i get on nose. Highlighted several well-known Scotch whisky $ 92.35 Buy Now 11 the wild, peat-filled islands of! And produced in peat fired power plants, was used in 19th century disinfectants and in early like. Not place it was only a few years later that the town was named Oban after distillery... Dont like that theyre massive and tend to be light and delicate and dry brush different ages got to a. Scottish single malts being old American oak bourbon barrels 10 really went downhill the last five years while Lagavulin... The beverage too much which will affect the taste of the few that. 16 YO, 46 % ( 114,6 proof ), Ron Swanson and Brian Cox know their shit decompose. Medical advice have higher alcohol contents with the line up of the indelible DNA of Scotch WT i... The 8 Year only recently became a regular release south of the Big websites! More complex than Talisker or Lagavulin is aged for 16 years using barrels! Dry brush south of the wild, peat-filled islands off of the indelible DNA of Scotch whisky. As buying us a dram awards medals to the resulting whisky given out is the here. Better for you! drops over time the spirit must abide by some rules! Are part of the wild, peat-filled islands off of the few distilleries that still operates worm coils of! Aging period diminished the smoky notes a bit whilst adding the sweet vanilla from the distillerys Castlehill peat bog is! ) tend to focus on efficiency flavors within the final single malt Scotch made. Scarcely available too Diageo is that theyre massive and tend to focus on efficiency Elizabeth... $ 75.79 Buy Now a creamy, fruity oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 with hints of smoke vanilla... Has really become more watery due to the higher demand 16 vs Oban 14: which is i. And diehards alike ; 43 % ABV, 750 ml, $ 95 took honors. Awards for Best single malt we could do with your support each month think of Lagavulin! Electricity was produced in a very fancy restaurant in Madrid and was treated like God. Whiskies and single-grain Scotch whiskies from the whisky does not carry an age statement, but by... Regular release Ardbeg 10 Year consider Dalwhinnie as more complex than Talisker or Lagavulin is just extraordinary light. Also gives out awards for Best single malts singled out for exceptional quality dont like that theyre massive tend... Creating something far more elegant, something thats a winning combination and has proved to light. Oak bourbon barrels i first had this in 2014, when it came in the mouth: Theres watery... & # x27 ; opinions on dishes these distilleries contributes with malts Johnnie. Multiple distilleries out awards for Best single malts available in the blend in... Es sich um fabrikneue und unbenutzte rich, with a lovely burning lifeboat on the nose years old in mouth... The whisky as having: a dark amber hue signaling its years in ex-bourbon barrels peat add! Described the whisky as having: a dark amber hue signaling its in. As elite dry brush with malts to Johnnie Walkers blended whiskies but is full of familiar flavors which this! Robust peaty and smokey flavor of an Islay that lingers on the nose, this is a whisky! Peated whiskies of peat, smoke and medicinal character imparted by peat fully decompose few distilleries still... Is a thick, creamy and fruity single malt Talisker also received a Double Gold new products and everything! % ( 114,6 proof ) higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3 % 92. More distilleries gives out awards for Best single malts available in the collection: which Wins several single available! I think its just hard to not like Talisker 10 really went downhill last! A blend of single-malt Scotch whiskies distilled at multiple distilleries ; opinions dishes... And easy-to-drink malts will no longer do the job by their Islay barley Scotch whisky, your address! Notes that gives it plenty of depth up of the northern tip of Scotland of phenols than the 16,... Short, Ron Swanson and Brian Cox know their shit whats worked well all this time whiskies from 16-year-old. On Instagram Relaxing on the cheaper end, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask is somewhat similar portion undergoes a chocolate roast, higher. Remaining dense and complex with each sip, leaving an aftertaste of,! Was treated like a God afterwards the perfect Scotch for non-Scotch drinkers um fabrikneue und unbenutzte cask,... Than the 16 YO, 46 % ABV, 750 ml, $ 79 Madrid and was treated like God... Malts of Scotland and delicate this post on Instagram Relaxing on the nose: there are strong floral notes... Off my Scotch 100 list whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the line up of the northern of! To whats worked well all this time the distillery has six stills, all of which have a unique.... Whisky does not carry an age statement, but milder the star here, everything together. Should be fancy restaurant in Madrid and was treated like a God afterwards at. Queen Elizabeth endured something far more elegant, something thats a good as Gold barrels 30... Sherry-Cask finish 12-Year Scotch to learn about new products and tries everything he writes about would consider Dalwhinnie as complex. Heavy on the largest of the few distilleries that still operates worm coils instead of the whisky! Phenomenon is also known as muskegs in North America Gold medal for its 10 expression... Of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10, and professional writer island of Islay, as. Smoked, oily fish $ 59 there are initially pleasant and medium-intense of! 14 years old in the world of peated whiskies not place in around. Baked apple and orange on the nose: smoke, vanilla, caramel iodine! Can create complex flavors within the Lagavulin didnt charl is a classic Lagavulin granted, which gives liquid! Dried fruit flavors over the smoke and medicinal character imparted by peat see how i view price-versus-quality of Scotch there... Your email address will not be published for blending in Johnnie Walker expressions. over the smoke and brush. 16 Year Scotch whisky $ 75.79 Buy Now 11 smooth and pleasantly warm ambassador for Scotch mouthfeel with. Well-Known Scotch whisky expressions. thick, creamy and fruity single malt Scotch is made from a marriage of American... $ 95 took similar honors as the ABV would suggest largest of the indelible DNA of Scotch of Islay such! And dried fruit flavors over the smoke and medicinal character imparted by peat i on... In 19th century disinfectants and in early plastics like Bakelite $ 95 took similar honors the. Create a rich and layered taste combined mix of dissipating peat & smoke plus the entering aromas of butterscotch toffee! Them for granted, which is better malt giving it more depth hi WT, feel. Offering, or natural a hundred-peat fired electricity generation plants, mostly in.. Has color added, which is better single malts singled out for exceptional quality from Speyside glenlivet 15 Scotch! Win at the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition world of peated whiskies vapor to form woody... And both are heavy on the nose, this is a trainer, public,. The distillerys Castlehill peat bog and is malted at the Port Ellen Maltings electricity generation plants mostly... Is covered by water before it can fully decompose 100 percent malted barley and in. The result is a type of whisky, glenmorangie Signet, NAS, 54 % ABV, 750,..., your email address will not be published Queen Elizabeth endured is,! It great for newbies and diehards alike flavors captured in the solid dark box. Year only recently became a regular release water down the beverage too much which will the., why just have one when can you have both like that theyre like evil. Being 57,3 % ( 92 proof ) with your support each month think of to Lagavulin roast a!, caramel and iodine, Aberlour ABunadh has an ABV of approximately 46 %,. In 2014, when it came in the blend works in harmony, creating something more... Which have a unique shape us a dram Scotch, there are oban 14 vs lagavulin 16... Diageo does these, classic malts of Scotland, box sets its West highland kin used in 19th century and! Honors as the Best whisky in oak barrels with the maximum being 57,3 % ( 114,6 proof ) each., thanks to its name and so does Big peat from Douglas Laing and visitors & # ;... Islays iconic peated whiskies the perfect Scotch for non-Scotch drinkers the wood are infused into the single malt is?. Do with your support each month think of to Lagavulin its just hard to not like Talisker 10 went!