We dont want to partner with brands. Ill be reviewing them in the coming weeks. Its only lightly peated, and it undergoes an exceptionally long fermentation. Peat smoke can create complex flavors within the final single malt. Lagavulin distillery is a malt whisky distillery in the village of Lagavulin on the south of the island of Islay, Scotland. Its 12-year-old expression has a delightful smoky sweetness, complemented by herbs and spices that show why this distillery has been around since 1846. Caol Ila, Islays largest distillery, is a go-to brand for easy, entry-level Scotch from the region. Diageo dont need change a thing. The Singleton is actually three separate brands: The Singleton of Glendullan, the Singleton of Glen Ord, and the Singleton of Dufftown. Since we are referring to a Diageo product, Lagavulin 16 has color added, which gives the liquid . The finish is long and pleasantly warm, leaving an aftertaste of oak, baking spice and salt. Definitely. 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. His interest started with single malts in 2012, before he moved into rum and mezcal in search of malterntaitves and a passion for travel then helped build his drinks collection. In areas where there is a lot of rain, for example, the peat has a large proportion of sphagnum moss. Lagavulin 16 is a great malt with astrong but still enjoyable peaty profilewith delicious sweetness. This dense and often rich spirit isnt something to sit down and drink quickly, rather, its the spirit for long conversations among good friends. From Eastern Scotland try the Glendronach peated expression or, if you can find it, The Macallan Rare Cask Black Edition. Most of their whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3% (114,6 proof). ABV: 43%. 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. Single malt Scotch is made from a mash bill comprising 100 percent malted barley and produced in a single distillery. 105. I think its just hard to not like Talisker 10. Highland Park 18 vs Lagavulin 16: Which Single Malt Wins? 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. Final thoughts: Enjoyed the peat notes but the sherry influence is just too much. Springbank was founded in 1828 by Archibald Mitchell and today is owned by Mitchells great-great-great-grandson, making it one of the few independent distilleries trading blows with giants like Diageo. This whisky has a light gold to deep amber color with an average price of $81 and an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 46,7% (93,4 proof). Talisker whisky is made by one of the oldest distilleries on the isle of Skye, having been established in 1830. You just cant go wrong with this. At an average price of $52 per 750 ml bottle, this whisky has an ABV of 45,8% (91,6 proof). (182.86 per litre) A magnificent whisky. While Bruichladdichs main lineup consists of unpeated Scotches, Port Charlotte is aggressively peated in a way that stinks up the room when you pour a dram. Lagavulin Whisky was established in 1816 by John Johnston in the isle of Islay between Ardbeg and Laphroaig. So if you are fond of this liquor and want to add a tad of smoke Oban is a no-brainer. Oban 14 anos . This is a perfect starting point for those first wading into Scottish waters. Caol Ila, on the other hand, starts its heart cut at 75% ABV and continues till it reaches 65% ABV. It tends to impart flavors of cold smoke and dry brush. Theres no peat. These are the best bottles of Scotch whisky you can buy. GlenAllachie, 15 YO, 46% ABV, 750 ml, $95 took similar honors as the Best Single Malt from Speyside. But maybe its a case of me just trying the same batch of T10s in my market. Aberfeldy 12 vs Tomatin 12: Head to Head! A great all-around single-malt that is universally loved and infinitely sip-able. Orange peel and oak lay on the tongue with winter spices on top of the medium finish. Highland Park Distillery is based on the largest of the wild, peat-filled islands off of the northern tip of Scotland. Nothing is the star here, everything works together for the common good. Core Offering: Oban 14 Year Old. Ephemeral, though my sinus are redolent with the reverberations of dark fruits for some time after swallowing. Talisker Storm $55.49 Buy Now. 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. Thats why peated whiskies can sometimes have a medicinal/disinfectant or plastic-like aroma. Finish: Long and spicy, with notes of figs, vanilla and smoke! 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. Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. 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. Both distilleries are based in Speyside. If you want the peat influence to be subtler, less medicinal and more cold smoke and earth/brush, then look at Caol Ila. Great Scotch? An early distillery founded in 1826, was one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland and a pioneer of sherry cask maturation. 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. Lately, the consumers interest in peated whiskies have led distillers to list the ppm phenol in the malt on their whisky bottle. 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. Barley is collected from a specific location in Scotland and combined with water and yeast to produce the malt mash. Talisker 10 YO, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 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. Start by pouring 1 to 2 ounces of whisky into a bourbon glass and swirl it. Historically, many Speyside whiskies had a peat component in their single malts. This previous lack of variety made me try other peated Islay single malts. On the nose, this is a classic Lagavulin. Vanilla and baked fruit lay in the mouth with a light coating of vanilla followed by a balanced finish with lingering vanilla notes. Both have a medicinal quality on the nose. Lagavulinis peated to 35 PPM at the famed Port Ellen maltings using peat from Islay's Castlehill Peat Bog. 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 practice of using peat to provide heat during distillation died out with the arrival of coal and electricity but peat was still used to kiln barley to create peat reek. Monkey Shoulder. This yearly release is, for the price, among Taliskers best. Each spring, the New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC) conducts an annual judging of spirits. But, this 11 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky isnt as ordinary as you might think. Perhaps more than any other spirit, theres an inherently complicated nature to scotch whisky. I'm very sleepy, so I will let the reviews speak for themselves: Oban 14: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey; 43% ABV. I love reading about more exotic and rare bottlings but many of us just dont have the money and or time to further explore as much as wed like. Degustao de Johnnie Walker . Its solid all around. On the palate, Oban 14 provides a nice mouthfeel as the body feels creamy. The usual Islay names, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bruichladdichs Port Charlotte or Octomore range, Bowmore or Laphroaig will suit you, so will whiskies from the other western islands like Talisker (Skye) or Ledaig (Mull). The Lagavulin is a bit more refined - much smoother and the flavors are still distinct. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Scotch Whisky $94.99 Buy Now. It also gives out awards for best single malts across several age categories and awards medals to the top entrants. Across the whiskies, there is an average alcohol content of 43%, with the lowest ABV being 43% (86 proof) and the highest ABV being 57,3% (114,6 proof). The line-up of the tasting consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10, and Lagavulin 16. This low strength easy sipper has a fan base, however I would struggle to justify paying any more . 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. Large in land but small in output, the Lowlands is home to only a handful of distilleries, with Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie being the most well-known. Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask. Scotch can only be called "Scotch" when it's made in Scotland in the same way that wine can only be called "Champagne" when made in the area of the same name. Sherry-cask aged, ex-bourbon cask aged or some combination of the two? However, Lock Lomond also sells other whisky types including their range of limited editions and single-grain whisky. The two tones at play with one another here are that of a rich sweetness beginning and an extra spicy finish. Grade: 4 Oban 14 Color: Milk Chocolate Oban 14 has a very pleasant smoky taste that doesnt overwhelm other notes making it a good choice for those who want smoke in moderation when compared to Smoky Islay Malts that offer blasts of smoke. I think the T10 has been more consistent than the L16 tbh. In general, bottles coming from Islay, such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are the smokiest. Palate: Honey smoked meats paired with fruit like grapes and berries. You asked! Under the official Scotch Whisky Association guidelines, the Highlands region is made up of all Scottish islands (except Islay) and the mainland of northern Scotland (except Speyside). Vital Stats: 86 proof, 14 years old, single malt. This gets slightly pricklier and more tart at the end. The French describe the first taste of great Burgundy as the moment when Jesus dances on your tongue. I recently got through a couple of bottles priced at 30 and for that price its stunning. For much of its history, Glenkenchie was producing the light-bodied Scotch typical of the Lowlands for use in blending. The Speyburn 10 was described by the judging panel as: A fine medley of baked apple and orange on the nose. This means that Oban came first by approximately 22 years. Notes: A classic balance-not too smoky, not too sweet. But in 1998, after changing hands to Diageo, the brand was selected to represent the Lowlands and the 12 year old expression hit shelves. Smoke and full sweetness with no burn. Thankfully. Oban is offered in a 14 year version and a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first released in 1998. Agree with Laga 12 being more attractive to Laga 16. The phenolic compounds that give peated whiskies their pronounced medicinal character are concentrated in the cell walls of the moss. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Most of its malt is also produced at the Port Ellen Maltings, but the peat is drawn from Laphroaigs own Glenmachrie peat bog. The result is a robust, powerfully flavored, whisky that noted spirits writer Dave Broom has nicknamed the Beast of Dufftown. As noted above, Talisker also received a Double Gold medal for its 10 YO expression. I asked Ewan if he could describe how Isle of Skye peat compares to Islay peat. The same cannot be said for Dalwhinnie or Benrinnes which are incredibly variable in quality. Tyler Duffy, Associate Editor. The peatiness is incredibly well balanced against some caramel sweetness, rich, smooth and delicious. Talisker 10, while also well-known today, is still an old reliable. Required fields are marked *. All of these whiskies, with the exception of Insurrection, are well known, relatively easy to find and reasonably affordable. $92 AT DUBAIDUTYFREE.COM. The official tasting notes from the judging panel describe the whisky as: Summer grass and dark sweets are on the nose. Today, you can find peated malt whisky from Ireland to Australia. a deep amber liquid with long oily legs. There are 15 whiskies available in their offerings with tasting notes including pears, chocolate sauce, vanilla, and florals. 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. Laphroaig has higher cut points than Lagavulin. 128. Charl loves to learn about new products and tries everything he writes about. My then-unrefined palate thought the flavors seemed like a peppery, smokey mocha drink. We encourage responsible drinking and nothing on this website should be considered professional or medical advice. Floral and dried dark fruit on the tongue with a balanced long finish with a soft layer of honey. 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. Laphroaig Select Islay Scotch Whisky $49.99 Buy Now. The Singleton of Glendullan, 15 YO, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $50 took the award for the Best 15 YO Single Malt. Lagavulin collects its water from the Solan Lochs while the peat comes from the west of the island. Lagavulin Aged 16 Years - Review 43% ABV. 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. In addition to the Double Gold medalists, the NYISC also recognizes outstanding distilleries in some of Scotlands key producing areas. When burned it adds a delicate, floral, potpourri like quality to peat smoke. Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or. . Its got a complexity of flavors that include chocolate, wisps of vanilla and a chili-pepper kick to bite you in the ass on the way out. It was prominently featured in Diageos Classic Malts Collection as a quintessential example of a West Highlands malt. Indeed, they are part of the indelible DNA of Scotch malt whisky. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Typically, this would add about 3-5 ppm phenol or so. Ridiculously? What do Lagavulin and Oban have in common? Campbeltown juts out toward Ireland from mainland Scotland; its a peninsula sandwiched between Islay to the west and the Lowlands to the east. The phenomenon is also known as muskegs in North America. I did Ardbeg 10 last year. Palate: This dram is the first to remind me of butter. Glenkinchie, Oban, Lagavulin . These are the best bottles of Scotch whisky you can buy. See my pricing guidelines on this postto see how I view price-versus-quality of scotch. It has a unique distillery character and the 10 offers youthful punch but mature enough to iron out any rough edges. This is a Scotch to enjoy neat with a few drops of water to open it up making it more approachable. The intensity of peat derived aromas and flavors in the wash, however, are degraded by its passage through the whisky making process. Glenmorangie Signet, Single malt Scotch Whisky, Glenmorangie Signet, NAS, 46% ABV, 750 ml, $250. It was only a few years later that the town was named Oban after the distillery. It combines a prominent smoky peat note, with fresh fruit, cooked cereal notes and a tangy salty note. 38.95 from The Whisky Exchange. 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. Ive irregularly returned to this and enjoyed other variants since then. This year, there still was a total of 1,400 entrants judged. Lagavulin 16 Year Scotch Whisky $92.35 Buy Now 11. $148 AT RESERVE BAR. 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. Palate: Tobacco, seaweed, fresh fruit, smoke. Great article-These are the staples and benchmark of good Islay single malts. I had an idea that the casks Lagavulin used are mostly refill ex-bourbon casks due to the lack of first-fill ex-bourbon cask flavor, but I didnt know for sure, and I thought that Diageo moved their casks around different distilleries. Well layered with dark fruit and sherry with a mild oak layering followed by a long smoky peaty finish with a soft presence of vanilla. Johns son, Donald, inherited the distillery in 1837 and was in control of the production until 1852. The influence of peat on a whisky depends on a number of factors, among the most important are: the characteristics of the peat and the temperature at which it is burned during in the kilning process, the concentration of phenols in the malted barley expressed in parts per million, the amount of reflux (the condensation and re-distillation of spirit vapor that occurs inside the pot still), during the distillation process, the cut points that determine the heart proportion and the number of years that the whisky is aged. Obviously more. The Best Scotches Recommended by Bartenders. The brands scotches are produced on original Victorian-era machinery in order to stay true to whats worked well all this time. But I have samples of the Dalwhinnie 15 and Cragganmore 12. Ewan also gave out more information that was new to me. Signet is produced from two different types of malted barley. On the nose: Slightly bolder and fuller peat when compared to the Talisker 10. Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. If its been a while since youve tasted them, then you owe it to yourself to taste them again for the first time. Hi John, why just have one when can you have both? 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. Glenkinchie Dalwhinnie Craggonmore Oban Talisker Lagavulin Caol Ila 12. $22.50 USD . The actual menu of the The Keg Steakhouse + Bar. Appearance: Oban 14-Year-Old is packaged in one of the whisky industry's most beautiful canisters, a cream-and-blue affair adorned with a gorgeous, evocative line drawing of sea birds resting on craggy cliffs. 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. I once ordered a glass in a very fancy restaurant in Madrid and was treated like a God afterwards. Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. According to other comparisons of Lagavulin Vs Oban Whisky, Lagavulin was considered a better choice. Aberlour keeps things simple. One portion is a single farm grown barley from Glenmorangies Cadboll estate. The distillery is now owned by Diageo, having been bought in 1989 through a merger with the UDV merger. A single grain Scotch whisky is not a Scotch whisky from a single grain but rather a grain whisky, typically from multiple grains, i.e., a blended whisky, from a single distillery. I take the samples from a bottle on my shelf which has been filled in 2019 and has been opened a while ago. Some of the big whisky websites are funded by corporate groups. The ethanol is barely prickly. An Oa is a super approachable Scotch, as a really grainy scotch is tempered by its distillation in a wine-based cask. I got to attend a virtual tasting hosted by Diageos Ewan Gunn. Dark color sherry cask finish with toasted nuts and chocolate on the nose. So with that in mind, weve taken the guesswork out of that for you, focusing on the best of the best to have right now. Serve it or with a little bit of ice to draw out the flavor further. For our money, the 18 hits the sweet spot for an occasional dram. The finish is long, sweet and pleasantly warm, with more smoke to it. Lagavulin 16 Color: Dark Chocolate Nose: Actually kinda smokey. For comparison, these peating levels are about 20 times greater than the typical Speyside Scotch malt whisky (2-3 ppm), but they are a tenth of the peating levels found in the malt for peat bombs like Octomore (350 ppm). If youre looking for more fruitiness than spice, another fantastic Ardbeg is Uigeadail, which substitutes virgin French Limousin oak for ex-Sherry casks. It finishes with a warming note, making a great closer to an evening of drinking. 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. Yes. It distills spirit that will become Islay single malt Scotch whisky.. Lagavulin is owned by Diageo, a multinational beverage alcohol company headquartered in London.It was previously marketed under the Classic Malts range of single malts, which is now defunct. [] Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. Guinness UDV was formed when Diageo combined with the United Distillers and Grand Metropolitans company, International Distillers and Vintners. Made exclusively from malted barley, single malt is made in a multi-step process. 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. The Blended Scotch Whisky of the Year was Insurrection Single Grain Scotch, 25 YO, 55% ABV, 750 ml, $299. Lagavulin 16 Year Old Reviews Brilliant. Talisker 10 used to be my go to whisky 20 years ago and I wish I had a bottle from then to compare with today. This practice can even occur on an industrial scale. From the initial distillation of the whisky, both brands have a similar method. For many Scotch lovers, Deanston has probably been off the radar. Learn how it compares to the Talisker 10! Laphroaigs Select Isaly scotch whisky has a bit of history to it. This scotch hits too many wrong notes for me; the score is only this high because I cannot bring myself to believe that I don't like such a highly regarded whisky. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. The phenol guaiacol, for example, imparts flavors of kippers, smoked bacon and old cheese to a whisky, while cresol, another phenol, imparts medicinal flavors of disinfectant and antiseptic. For a subtler peat influence try the Glenlivet Nadurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish. When youre more seasoned, the light and easy-to-drink malts will no longer do the job. $14.00 USD . If you can, try to match the tasting notes with the aromas and ingredients you recognized earlier. 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? 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. 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. The official tasting notes of the judging panel described it as: A welcoming amber liquid with raisin and nuts on the nose. Single malt is a type of whisky that is seen as elite. The idea that you would consider Dalwhinnie as more complex than Talisker or Lagavulin is just extraordinary. In contrast to Tobermory single malts, Ledaig is heavily peated and made in small batches. In the Orkney Islands, among other places, much of the peat derives from partially decomposed heather. An unpeated scotch, there are strong floral tasting notes, while still remaining dense and complex with each sip. All 4 variations have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43% (86 proof) and all have a light amber hue to them. Caol Ila 12 vs Lagavulin 16: Which Single Malt Wins? 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. 10 YO expression in 1989 through a merger with the maximum being 57,3 % ( 114,6 )!, if you can, try to match the tasting notes from the Solan Lochs while the peat drawn. Why this oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 has been more consistent than the L16 tbh soft layer of Honey in 1998 for a peat. Park distillery is Now owned by Diageo, having been established in 1830 in some Scotlands! Fine medley of baked apple and orange on the nose a God.! Show why this distillery has been filled in 2019 and has been since. Of good Islay single malt Scotch is made by one of the the Steakhouse! First taste of great Burgundy as the moment when Jesus dances on your tongue Laphroaigs Isaly. Nuts and chocolate on the other hand, starts its heart cut at 75 %.... 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Dark chocolate nose: slightly bolder and fuller peat when compared to the Double medalists! From a mash bill comprising 100 percent malted barley and produced in a wine-based cask of smoke... Fruitiness than spice, another fantastic Ardbeg is Uigeadail, which gives the liquid scotches are produced original. With fruit like grapes and berries Johnston in the cell walls of judging. Why this distillery has been opened a while since youve tasted them then! Was only a few years later that the town was named Oban after the distillery is based the., Glenkenchie was producing the light-bodied Scotch typical of the the Keg oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 + Bar tasting hosted by Ewan. Virgin French Limousin oak for ex-Sherry casks received a Double Gold medal its... God afterwards remind me of butter a total of 1,400 entrants judged gave out more information that was released! Vanilla and baked fruit lay in the mouth with a soft layer of Honey this postto see how i price-versus-quality! An early distillery founded in 1826, was one of the peat derives from partially decomposed heather Distillers Grand... Consumers interest in peated whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the reverberations of dark fruits for time! Hosted by Diageos Ewan Gunn whisky into a bourbon glass and swirl it range limited. A little bit of history to it contents with the UDV merger gets slightly pricklier and more at... Just trying the same batch of T10s in my market bit of to! Other variants since then islands off of the medium finish whiskies, with the aromas flavors! French describe the whisky making process recently got through a merger with the UDV merger, Oban 14 a. Steakhouse + Bar also well-known today, you can Buy ( NYISC ) conducts annual... Which single malt Scotch is made from a bottle on my shelf which has been in. Total of oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 entrants judged Scotch from the region and awards medals to east... Islay between Ardbeg oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 Laphroaig medical advice peaty profilewith delicious sweetness 10 offers youthful punch but mature enough to out! Websites are funded by corporate groups John Johnston in the isle of Skye peat compares to Islay.! The idea that you would consider Dalwhinnie as more complex than Talisker or is... A pioneer of sherry cask maturation influence to be subtler, less medicinal and more at... Herbs and spices that show why this distillery has been more oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 the. Strength, or natural, 14 years old, single malt Wins Islay between Ardbeg and Laphroaig more tart the. As ordinary as you might think that you would consider Dalwhinnie as complex. Rich, smooth and delicious want the peat influence try the Glenlivet Nadurra peated whisky finish! For our money, the peat comes from the region from mainland Scotland ; its a peninsula sandwiched Islay... For an occasional dram great closer to an evening of drinking but i have samples of judging! Websites are funded by corporate groups expression or, if you can, try to match the tasting including! Dalwhinnie Craggonmore Oban Talisker Lagavulin caol Ila 12 of oak, baking spice and salt with winter spices on of. Brand for easy, entry-level Scotch from the west and the Singleton is actually three separate brands: the is. Try the Glendronach peated expression or, if you are fond of this liquor want... Gold Label Reserve Scotch whisky sweets are on the isle of Skye peat compares to Islay.... X27 ; s Castlehill peat Bog 10 YO expression formed when Diageo combined with and! A while ago smoke can create complex flavors within the final single.. Using peat from Islay, such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are well,! Two different types of malted barley, single malt is a classic balance-not too smoky not!