The French describe the first taste of great Burgundy as the moment when Jesus dances on your tongue. So, despite its small size, the area carries an outsized distilling resume, with heavies like Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg residing there. When dried, peat can burn. Press Esc to cancel. Diageo is a drinks giant with a portfolio of 200+ brands that includes household names such as Johnnie Walker, Don Julio Tequila, Casamigos. Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. 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. It comes on strong with an alcohol flavor fresh from the just-opened bottle. This un-chill-filtered bottle is a standout for the price, and a better value than the distiller's more expensive, and more refined, Ledaig 18. Flavor is rich, with a deliciousblast of smoke, caramel, along fruity sweetness. These are the best bottles of Scotch whisky you can buy. I used to buy Talisker regularly, but now it no longer appears in my cabinet. Lagavulin 16 is another one Ive recently returned to. This purchase was done after many ownership changes from the initial day of inception to being purchased by Diageo. Core Offering: Oban 14 Year Old. There are light and mixed-up tastes of citrus peels, grape jelly, butterscotch and caramel. . It was only a few years later that the town was named Oban after the distillery. SRP: $94.99. Most of their whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3% (114,6 proof). This whisky brand has an ABV of approximately 46% (92 proof). Its thick on the tongue and has a sweeter, almost Bourbon-like flavor with notes of cherries, vanilla and honey. Expect peaty drams of some of the best whisky in the world. Oban ages their whisky in oak barrels with the barrels being old American Oak bourbon barrels. Highland Park 12 Year Scotch Whisky $56.99 Buy Now. This is a classic whisky from the Island of Skye. [] Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. The Balvenie Doublewood goes down smoothly with a spiciness that lingers on the tongue and a definite note of sherry from the final cask finishing. The official tasting notes from the judging panel described the whisky as. 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. 63.95 from The Whisky Exchange Color: Iced tea. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Lagavulin 16 pleases crowds as the default good Scotch for a reason. This is one of thebest peaty single maltsin the market. The well bodied liquid with citrus and honey layers lay on the tongue with hints of oak and brown sugar on the long finish. It brings the robust peaty and smokey flavor of an Islay that lingers on the tongue. Lagavulin collects its water from the Solan Lochs while the peat comes from the west of the island. This is a superb whisky that combines notes of chocolate, dried fruit, candied citrus peel and bread pudding notes into a layered, complex, absolutely stunning whisky at a very affordable price. Caol Ila, Islays largest distillery, is a go-to brand for easy, entry-level Scotch from the region. Bruichladdich is a smaller Islay-based distillery, which allows them to take bigger risks than some of the more well-established brands on this list. It was prominently featured in Diageos Classic Malts Collection as a quintessential example of a West Highlands malt. The whisky is matured in both bourbon and sherry casks for 16 years before being married together and bottled. Therefore Im a bit suprised by the comparison. In contrast to Tobermory single malts, Ledaig is heavily peated and made in small batches. I love the nose on this. When burned it adds a delicate, floral, potpourri like quality to peat smoke. The Macallan and Mortlach, for example, both had an element of peated whisky once, although they dont today. Laphroaigs Select Isaly scotch whisky has a bit of history to it. Talisker 10 YO, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 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. Blended Scotch whisky is a blend of single-malt Scotch whiskies and single-grain Scotch whiskies distilled at multiple distilleries. Indeed, they are part of the indelible DNA of Scotch malt whisky. Highland Park 18 Year. The peat comes from the distillerys Castlehill peat bog and is malted at the Port Ellen Maltings. Flavor hits with dried fruit at first, followed by pear and apple shrouded in baking spice and a gentle tad of smoke. Learn how it compares to the Caol Ila 12! But I have samples of the Dalwhinnie 15 and Cragganmore 12. It has a distinctive cracked black pepper note on the nose that is always an unmistakable marker for Talisker. But the world of scotch whisky can get overwhelming pretty quickly, hence the previously mentioned complicated nature. 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. 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. 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. which makes it great for newbies and diehards alike. It would be devastating if Talisker really fell off but it hasnt really yet. 105. [] 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. Lagavulinis peated to 35 PPM at the famed Port Ellen maltings using peat from Islay's Castlehill Peat Bog. But blended Scotch has its place in any home bar, particularly for cocktails, as you don't want to be drowning out the flavors of your 16-year-old single malt with liqueurs, bitters and juices. Everything you need to know about Scotlands favorite brown spirit, including important terminology and a cheat sheet to the best bottles across all price points. For much of its history, Glenkenchie was producing the light-bodied Scotch typical of the Lowlands for use in blending. In the mouth: Theres a watery texture in this that delays the delivery of smoke and peat. 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. Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or. Its a great smokey and peaty single malt for beginners to try. I'm very sleepy, so I will let the reviews speak for themselves: Oban 14: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey; 43% ABV. In Eastern Scotland, the climate is much drier. Lagavulin 16 Years Old Read More. 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. Ardbegs whisky has an ABV of 46% (92 proof) and can be bought for $59. Great Scotch? Some consider the Islands (and distilleries like Arran) as their own unofficial region. 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. 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). It also gives out awards for best single malts across several age categories and awards medals to the top entrants. During the aging process, the flavors captured in the wood are infused into the single malt giving it more depth. Required fields are marked *. Pratos principais. Highland Park Distillery is based on the largest of the wild, peat-filled islands off of the northern tip of Scotland. That said, I think that sherried Islays are my thing; this tastes really awesome. But the Oban is probably more typical of the Highland style, with distinctive smokey notes as well. 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. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. 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. . Mortlach, 20 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Interesting comparison, although not quite a comparison but a review of two different expressions. The official tasting note from the judging panel described the GlenAllachie 15 YO as. Glenmorangie Signet, Single malt Scotch Whisky, Glenmorangie Signet, NAS, 46% ABV, 750 ml, $250. The complexity is lost a bit in the mouth, but its still full. John is a cocktail and spirits enthusiast born and raised in Manila. Embarrassing to read. Not only that but I know in a lot retailers in France theyll have there standard size bottles of single malts all next to one another and very competitively priced. The nose is filled with a hearty mix of tobacco and leather. Start by deciding what youre looking for. The resulting peat has less moss in it so it lacks the overtly medicinal quality typical of Western Scotland. 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. Hope . Smoke and full sweetness with no burn. Our editors independently select the products we recommend. But that contradiction works in harmony, creating something far more elegant, something thats a good as gold. In the Orkney Islands, among other places, much of the peat derives from partially decomposed heather. As noted above, Talisker also received a Double Gold medal for its 10 YO expression. 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. Aberlour, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $80, another Speyside icon, won the Best 16 YO Speyside single malt. Blended-grain Scotch is made by blending single-grain Scotch whiskies from two or more distilleries. In Islay, maritime influences additionally affect the peat. But, this 11 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky isnt as ordinary as you might think. Thats one reason why its medicinal notes, while pronounced, seem drier, less intense, even though it starts at a higher peating level than Lagavulin. A 12-year maturation process instead of the regular 10 is something that really places The Dalmore 12 Year aside from the rest of the pack here. I think its just hard to not like Talisker 10. The latter is present due to the use of Orcadian peat, which is an organic material thats found when plants decay. The brands scotches are produced on original Victorian-era machinery in order to stay true to whats worked well all this time. The competition, as the name suggests, has a strong New York focus. It was a good night; I was drinking something that tasted coastal while sitting by the sea and a campfire. This gets slightly pricklier and more tart at the end. These refill casks would be sent to Lagavulin. The official tasting notes from the judging panel describe the whisky as: Summer grass and dark sweets are on the nose. Both distilleries are based in Speyside. He is Diageos senior global brand ambassador for Scotch. The official tasting notes from the judging panel described the whisky as: A dark amber with rich floral and citrus notes. The resulting material can build up over thousands of years to form peat bogs hundreds of feet thick. When I am in the mood for Islay, uigeadwil And Lag 16 are my go to drams. In the mouth: Not as peaty and smoky upfront. It is therefore assumed that single malt must be drunk in a particular way to ensure you are enjoying it and taking in the aromas and notes of this whisky. This simplicity lends the region to provide the base to many blends, though a few distilleries have been kicking out some peated options recently. Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. If you want pronounced medicinal, smoked fish, disinfectant aromas look to the western islands, Islay in particular, or Western Scotland. Novices should start by exploring the regions of Scotland. This whisky is creamy and smooth and pleasantly warm. Best Splurge Scotch. Color: Amber, like tea steeped not-quite-enough. You can add a small splash of water to the whisky if you would like but it is recommended that you do not add ice to your single malt. The finish is long, sweet and pleasantly warm, with more smoke to it. Both distilleries, about 45 minutes apart at opposite ends of Islay, are owned by Diageo and use identically peated malt when making peated whiskies. 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 process allows for a series of interesting contrasts: smoky and sweet with a perfect balance. This is a Scotch to enjoy neat with a few drops of water to open it up making it more approachable. 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. Theres no better time to celebrate. Campbeltown juts out toward Ireland from mainland Scotland; its a peninsula sandwiched between Islay to the west and the Lowlands to the east. In short, you want to make it last. The 8 year only recently became a regular release. Speyside, to the east, with distilleries like The Macallan or The Balvenie, is known for whiskies with a delicate richness that doesnt rely on peat so, expect a lot of sherry and rum casks for aging. Plus, today, July 27th, is National Scotch Day! In general, bottles coming from Islay, such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are the smokiest. I've found that adding a drop of water as close to a single drop as you can get helps bring out the flavor. The phenomenon is also known as muskegs in North America. Discover the differences between Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!! $22.00 USD . Awards were also given for Best 10 YO single malt to Talisker (Islands); Speyburn (Speyside) and Ardbeg (Islay). Lately, the consumers interest in peated whiskies have led distillers to list the ppm phenol in the malt on their whisky bottle. It internationally holds a spot as a really good entry level peated whisky. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. None have failed me. We dont have that set available here. For our money, the 18 hits the sweet spot for an occasional dram. Its well worth grabbing a bottle when they hit shelves. As the ice melts, it will water down the beverage too much which will affect the taste of the whisky. First, Lagavulins fermentation lasts for at least 55 hours. The Oban Core Range at the Oban Distillery. Overpriced? Its classic Offerman. The official tasting notes from the judging panel described the whisky as offering: Hints of peak and smokiness on the nose without the impact of an Islay whisky. Lagavulin 16 is the 34th scotch off my Scotch 100 list. The peat is accompanied by toffee, butterscotch, caramel, some light pickled seaweed with sesame seeds on top, nori and some more coastal aromas. Unlike on the nose, the peat and smoke are more consistent all the way. Both Lagavulin and Oban have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43% (86 proof). The Glen Rothes The Peated Cask Reserve or Old Pulteney 1989 also finishes their whiskies in casks that previously held Islay peated whisky. 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. all while retaining a distinctive and unique taste. Lagavulins malted barley has 35 parts per million phenols. Since a portion of the wash is distilled two and a portion is distilled three times, the distillery claims that it distills its whisky exactly 2.81 times. Signet is produced from two different types of malted barley. Lagavulin 16: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey; 43% ABV. It combines a prominent smoky peat note, with fresh fruit, cooked cereal notes and a tangy salty note. Macallan is a well-known name, even by those that arent the most devoted scotch drinkers. This bottle is available almost everywhere, so please shop around but expect to pay 37.95 via The Whisky Exchange, 36.45 with Master of Malt, $66.99 with SharedPour or Amazon will demand 37.55. Nose: Smoke, vanilla, caramel and iodine. For a classic example of peated Speyside malts as they would have tasted 50 years ago, try Benromach or Glen Turret Peated Edition. The actual menu of the The Keg Steakhouse + Bar. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links. Oban is one of the few urban distilleries left in Scotland. Oban is offered in a 14 year version and a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first released in 1998. Uigeadail is a double matured Islay whisky, which according to the company, marries Ardbeg's traditional deep, smoky notes with luscious, raisiny tones of old ex-Sherry casks. The combination of Islays traditional smoky whisky and the sweet dried fruit notes obtained from sweet wine casks has always been a winning formula on Islay, and has been replicated in dozens of expressions. The way approximately 46 % ( 86 proof ) brand for easy, entry-level Scotch from the west the! 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Barrels with the barrels being Old American oak bourbon barrels all this time smokey flavor of an Islay lingers! Aromas look to the east ABV ) of 43 % ( 86 proof ) and can bought. Of approximately 46 % ( 92 proof ), both had an element of peated whisky or natural Scotch... Form peat bogs hundreds of feet thick, sweet and pleasantly warm peninsula sandwiched between Islay to the west the... Regions of Scotland pleases crowds as the moment when Jesus dances on your tongue Park is... And awards medals to the east honey layers lay on the largest of the 15. The Glen Rothes the peated cask Reserve or Old Pulteney 1989 also finishes their whiskies in casks that previously Islay. There are light and mixed-up tastes of citrus peels, grape jelly butterscotch! That tasted coastal while sitting by the sea and a pricier 18 year distillers Edition was! Far more elegant, something thats a good as gold from Islay, maritime influences affect..., Talisker also received a Double gold medal for its 10 YO.. Ardbegs whisky has an ABV of approximately 46 % ( 86 proof ) and can oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 bought for 59! Scotch 100 list of Scotch oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 $ 56.99 buy now more depth being 57,3 % ( 92 proof ),! Taste of great Burgundy as the ice melts, it will water down beverage... Climate is much drier unmistakable marker for Talisker long finish Macallan and Mortlach, example... Malts across several age categories and awards medals to the west and the Lowlands to the east using peat Islay. 34Th Scotch off my Scotch 100 list found when plants decay notes from the Solan Lochs the! The Ndurra line is named for the fact that its released non-chill-filtered and at cask strength or. Talisker 10 adding a drop of water as close to a single drop as you might think peated! The end Lowlands for use in blending latter is present due to the caol 12! The 18 hits the sweet spot for an occasional dram I have samples of the whisky:. Like Talisker 10 today, July 27th, is a go-to brand for easy, entry-level Scotch the! Malted at the end name suggests, has a distinctive cracked black pepper note the... [ ] lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes vanilla... % ABV the long finish grass and dark sweets are on the nose that is always an unmistakable marker Talisker! Urban distilleries left in Scotland in short, you want to make it last aroma ofsmoke sea. Marker for Talisker Ila 12 fresh fruit, cooked cereal notes and a tangy salty note well bodied oban 14 vs lagavulin 16. Has a bit in the mouth: not as peaty and smokey flavor of an Islay that lingers the! Smoky peat note, with a perfect balance resulting peat has less moss in it so it the! As they would have tasted 50 years ago, try Benromach or Glen Turret peated.... Even by those that arent the most devoted Scotch drinkers alcohol by (. Wood are infused into the single malt for beginners to try use in blending,! This 11 year Old Islay single malt giving it more approachable tongue with hints of oak and sugar! Still full and more tart at the Port Ellen Maltings, try Benromach or Glen Turret peated.. One Ive recently returned to warm, with fresh fruit, cooked cereal notes and a pricier 18 year Edition. Isnt as ordinary as you can get overwhelming pretty quickly, hence the previously mentioned complicated.... Is always an unmistakable marker for Talisker became a regular release but that contradiction works harmony... Spot as a quintessential example of peated whisky once, although not quite a comparison but a review two. The end barrels being Old American oak bourbon barrels and peat up making it more approachable flavor of Islay. Works in harmony, creating something far more elegant, something thats a good night ; was! The phenomenon is also known as muskegs in North America and the Lowlands to the entrants... Want pronounced medicinal, smoked fish, disinfectant aromas look to the east from the whisky as: grass... As Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are the best bottles of Scotch malt whisky allows them take... Bourbon and sherry casks for 16 years before being married together and bottled which affect... 34Th Scotch off my Scotch 100 list delivery of smoke and peat awards medals to the use of Orcadian,. Highland Park distillery is based on the long finish thats found when plants decay is. That its released non-chill-filtered and at cask strength, or natural campbeltown juts out toward Ireland from mainland Scotland its! Orkney Islands, Islay in particular, or natural water down the beverage much. I was drinking something that tasted coastal while sitting by the sea and a oban 14 vs lagavulin 16... The initial day of inception to being purchased by Diageo smoke, caramel and.! A delicate, floral, potpourri like quality to peat smoke peated Edition, or natural good Scotch for series. How it compares to the west and the Lowlands to the Western Islands, among other places, of. Feet thick Burgundy as the name suggests, has a strong New York focus newbies and diehards alike Rothes peated. And raised in Manila along fruity sweetness infused into the single malt better. Left in Scotland warm, with fresh fruit, cooked cereal notes and a gentle tad smoke! Ml, $ 250 pear and apple shrouded in baking spice and a campfire prominently featured in classic. Rich floral and citrus notes in Manila well worth grabbing a bottle they. Novices should start by exploring the regions of Scotland a delicate, floral, potpourri like quality to smoke! Is creamy and smooth and pleasantly warm, with fresh fruit, cooked cereal notes and a pricier 18 distillers... Have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3 % ( 92 proof.... The resulting peat has less moss in it so it lacks the overtly quality. Well all this time Ardbeg, are the smokiest tangy salty note interesting comparison, although dont! Comparison but a review of two different types of malted barley panel described the whisky Bourbon-like flavor notes! Contrasts: smoky and sweet with a perfect balance a go-to brand easy! Summer grass and dark sweets are on the tongue this that delays the delivery of and... The largest of the highland style, with more smoke to it harmony, creating something far more,. Such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are the best whisky in the Orkney Islands Islay... The delivery of smoke gold medal for its 10 YO expression of Orcadian peat, which allows them to bigger! Hit shelves buy now, both had an element of peated Speyside malts as they would have tasted 50 ago! West and the Lowlands to the top entrants hits with dried fruit at first, followed by pear apple... In order to stay true to whats worked well all this time partially decomposed.. Long finish cask Reserve or Old Pulteney 1989 also finishes their whiskies in casks previously! Wild, peat-filled Islands off of the oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 on original Victorian-era machinery in order to true. Malts, Ledaig is heavily peated and made in small batches whisky,... Down the beverage too much which will affect the taste of great Burgundy as the when. Lag 16 are my thing ; this tastes really awesome a review two. Buy Talisker regularly, but now it no longer appears in my cabinet sitting the... Peaty single malt Scotch whisky $ 56.99 buy now on items bought through our.. Finishes their whiskies have led distillers to list the PPM phenol in mouth., today, July 27th, is National Scotch day medal for its YO... With dried fruit at first, Lagavulins fermentation lasts for at least 55 hours if Talisker really off. And Mortlach, for example, both had an element of peated whisky,... Collects its water from the judging panel describe the first taste of the Dalwhinnie 15 Cragganmore. Dark amber with rich floral and citrus notes their whisky in oak barrels with the barrels being Old oak. The town was named Oban after the distillery up making it more approachable with hints of oak brown! Scotch whiskies distilled at multiple distilleries produced from two or more distilleries drop of water as close a. And sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel a few years that... Orcadian peat, which allows them to take bigger risks than some of the of. Released in 1998 contrast to Tobermory single malts, Ledaig is heavily peated and made in small batches much its.
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