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. Its a very well made whisky. Laphroaig, its Islay neighbor, just 10 minutes down the road, comes in at around 45 ppm phenol. While every distillery is unique, there are unofficial regional styles that can help cut out some of the noise when browsing a liquor store. On the cheaper end, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask is somewhat similar. In short: its a drinking mans scotch, full of full-bodied tones that all combine together for an intense, but still delicious, scotch. It was love at first taste. Read more about our new Patron offering, or hit the button below to contribute. Lagavulin distillery is a malt whisky distillery in the village of Lagavulin on the south of the island of Islay, Scotland. An early distillery founded in 1826, was one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland and a pioneer of sherry cask maturation. Its a great whisky. Its a great smokey and peaty single malt for beginners to try. The competition, as the name suggests, has a strong New York focus. The great-great nephew of William Mitchell, the founder of Glengyle Distillery, reopened his familys distillery in 2004. $14.00 USD . They slowly weaken as I go deeper on the nose. 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. The Best Scotches Recommended by Bartenders. I first tasted Talisker 10 in the early 90s and Lagavullin 16 not long after. Lagavulin 16 Years Old Read More. 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). 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. Typically, this would add about 3-5 ppm phenol or so. 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. During the aging process, the flavors captured in the wood are infused into the single malt giving it more depth. For example, it must be made in Scotland and oak barrel-aged for at least three years. If you are new to peaty whisky I suggest to, If you are an experienced aficionado who have already tried some good peaty whiskies like. 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. Perhaps more than any other spirit, theres an inherently complicated nature to scotch whisky. The peatiness is incredibly well balanced against some caramel sweetness, rich, smooth and delicious. Not all of Caol Ilas whiskies are peated, however. I just need to get my hands on a sample of Laphroaig 10 and maybe the 10 CS. Think kippers. The 12 and Limited Edition are yearly releases and werent officially available here. 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). 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 heavier single malt is instantly flavorful, strong in proof, and inherently drinkable all while retaining a distinctive and unique taste. Caol Ila 12 vs Lagavulin 16: Which Single Malt Wins? Lagavulin 16: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey; 43% ABV. At the tasting, it was nice to finally learn more about them after being a casual fan for so long. I asked Ewan if he could describe how Isle of Skye peat compares to Islay peat. It combines a prominent smoky peat note, with fresh fruit, cooked cereal notes and a tangy salty note. In general, expect Campbeltown whisky to be dry and pungent, with a peatiness thats less smokey and meaty, like that found in Islay, and more earthy decay and fantastic funk. Price is (usually) a better indicator of quality. In general, bottles coming from Islay, such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are the smokiest. Those who love a unique blend of tastes in their scotch will be extremely taken with GlenDronachs Single Malt 12-Year Scotch Whisky. Or it could be this has really become more watery due to the higher demand. I've heard good things about Bowmore, but haven't tried it myself. I've found that adding a drop of water as close to a single drop as you can get helps bring out the flavor. This will cause the liquid to slowly trickle down the sides of the glass with older whiskies moving slower than older whiskies. Highland Park 18 Year. The only common denominator is peat and different peat at that. The resulting whisky would have more medicinal aromas and less of the smoked fish or bacon aromas you sometimes find in peated whisky. Lagavulin 16 pleases crowds as the default good Scotch for a reason. Vital Stats: 86 proof, 14 years old, single malt. There was a second distillery already sharing the site with Lagavulin which was absorbed by the company in 1837. On the nose, this is a classic Lagavulin. 128. Most of its malt is also produced at the Port Ellen Maltings, but the peat is drawn from Laphroaigs own Glenmachrie peat bog. $92 AT DUBAIDUTYFREE.COM. Theyre both sufficiently different to be judged differently. Bei den Flaschen handelt es sich um fabrikneue und unbenutzte . If you want an intense blast of flavor then opt for a younger whisky, whereas if you want those medicinal flavors to be less pronounced, better integrated but still discernible, then opt for an older whisky. Loch Lomond was established in 1814 and produces various single-malt whiskies of different ages. The line-up of the tasting consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10, and Lagavulin 16. I have watched with mild dismay over the years as my two favorites eventually became vastly popular. Oban is offered in a 14 year version and a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first released in 1998. I dont like that theyre massive and tend to focus on efficiency. Thankfully. 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. I take the samples from a bottle on my shelf which has been filled in 2019 and has been opened a while ago. The Macallan and Mortlach, for example, both had an element of peated whisky once, although they dont today. Scotch whisky is produced in one of the five areas in Scotland. all while retaining a distinctive and unique taste. Made exclusively from malted barley, single malt is made in a multi-step process. Ardbeg was chosen as the Islay Distillery of the Year; Glenkinchie was picked the Lowland Distillery of the year and Glen Moray, received the Speyside honors as Cask Finish Distillery of the Year. Both whisky brands are situated in Scotland, with Lagavulin established on the isle of Islay while Oban was established in the Kintyre Peninsula. Macallan is a well-known name, even by those that arent the most devoted scotch drinkers. This is one of thebest peaty single maltsin the market. We encourage responsible drinking and nothing on this website should be considered professional or medical advice. 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 anos . Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. 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. 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). This is exemplified by their Islay Barley Scotch Whisky, which feels (and tastes!) We dont want to partner with brands. But unlike some Islay competitors, it does so in an intricately balanced way that doesnt punch you in the face. 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. Monkey Shoulder bills itself as a premium blended Scotch, and they aren't lying. I used to buy Talisker regularly, but now it no longer appears in my cabinet. These distilleries contributes with malts to Johnnie Walkers blended whiskies. Core Offering: Oban 14 Year Old. Its seaside maturation imparts a slightly maritime savoriness. This gets slightly pricklier and more tart at the end. Particularly with Scottish single malts, some criteria must be considered that lead to this being a superior whisky. The nose is filled with a hearty mix of tobacco and leather. Bladnoch Distillery produces a fine lowland single malt whisky and was established in 1817. If you can, try to match the tasting notes with the aromas and ingredients you recognized earlier. Hi PB, thanks for the compliment. Peixe e batata frita "Prato exclusivo do Rose & Crown", empanado em cerveja e servido com molho trtaro . 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. 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. Both Lagavulin and Oban have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43% (86 proof). The 100% malt whiskey is a blend of three Speyside single malts (they don't tell you which ones) and is specifically designed for cocktail mixing, though it's still palatable on its own. Hi WT, i just went along with the line up of the Diageo tasting. The name is a reference to the Catholic Insurrection in England in the early sixteenth century that attempted to topple Queen Elizabeth I and replace her with her half-sister, Mary Queen of Scots. 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. Read More: The Dalmore Releases Sherry-Cask Finish 12-Year Scotch. Aberlour A'Bunadh Scotch Whisky $99.99 Buy Now. The Glenlivet is a name known everywhere. Veterans wont also find it too light. Unlike on the nose, the peat and smoke are more consistent all the way. For our money, the 18 hits the sweet spot for an occasional dram. The Oban Core Range at the Oban Distillery. You clearly have very little understanding of whisky, Your email address will not be published. Color: Apple juice from concentrate (Yes, again. Peated whiskies are quintessentially Scottish. 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. Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. Talisker Storm $55.49 Buy Now. Oban Little Bay Small Cask Scotch Whisky $71.99 Buy Now. Overpriced? A 750ml bottle will run you around $60. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Scotch Whisky $94.99 Buy Now. This means that Oban came first by approximately 22 years. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. . The phenomenon is also known as muskegs in North America. Nose: Honestly, it smells like Aberlour and Laphroaig had very quiet babies; light smoke and vinous notes, accompanied by some slight dark fruits. Sent to your inbox every Friday! Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Whisky reviews with objectivity and transparency. . The Speyburn 10 was described by the judging panel as: A fine medley of baked apple and orange on the nose. Peated whiskies that are finished in sweet wine casks add sweetness and dried fruit flavors over the smoke and medicinal character imparted by peat. John is a cocktail and spirits enthusiast born and raised in Manila. 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. The process allows for a series of interesting contrasts: smoky and sweet with a perfect balance. A 12 year-old Glenlivet costs around $25 a bottle, while a 12 year-old Lagavulin costs $99 a bottle! This is a Scotch to enjoy neat with a few drops of water to open it up making it more approachable. Diageo is a multinational alcohol company that now owns more than 200 brands of alcohol with Oban being the second smallest distillery under their umbrella. The brands scotches are produced on original Victorian-era machinery in order to stay true to whats worked well all this time. The distillery had remained quiet since 1925, when it closed following an economic downturn, and August 2016 was the first time Glengyles new flagship hit shelves. So, despite its small size, the area carries an outsized distilling resume, with heavies like Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg residing there. Get our FREE weekly email In those parts of the world where there is an absence of trees, peat has often been utilized as a source of heat. Taste: Chocolate covered bacon. 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). Winter spices with sherry notes and walnut coat the tongue with a balanced finish and hints of the sea. But that contradiction works in harmony, creating something far more elegant, something thats a good as gold. GlenAllachie, 15 YO, 46% ABV, 750 ml, $95 took similar honors as the Best Single Malt from Speyside. The latter is present due to the use of Orcadian peat, which is an organic material thats found when plants decay. The result is a thick, creamy and fruity single malt whisky. Sherry-cask aged, ex-bourbon cask aged or some combination of the two? 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. Be the first to know when we publish new content on the blog and get exclusive Members Only content & giveaways. The distillery uses some of the smallest stills in Scotland, meaning that the 18-year release is a hard-to-find, limited-release, despite being a flagship product. Flavor is rich, with a deliciousblast of smoke, caramel, along fruity sweetness. Finish: Very slight smoke pairs a very slight sense of fruit wine. The official tasting notes of the judging panel describe the Lagavulin 16 YO as. Single malt is a type of whisky that is seen as elite. Oban is one of the few urban distilleries left in Scotland. Notes: A classic balance-not too smoky, not too sweet. These include whiskies aged between 7 and 37 years, with a minimum price point of $50 and a maximum of $3000. Plus, today, July 27th, is National Scotch Day! He is Diageos senior global brand ambassador for Scotch. Many of the spirits judged are already being distributed on the East Coast, although according to Levy, the competition has increasingly been used by beverage companies to evaluate the pricing, packaging and positioning of spirit expressions they are planning to introduce into the US market. Highland Parks 18 YO (Orkney) expression is peated but the aroma and flavor profile is more dried heather with a bit of cold smoke in the background. But in 1998, after changing hands to Diageo, the brand was selected to represent the Lowlands and the 12 year old expression hit shelves. This Speyside distillery has an excellent lineup, with the 16-year-old landing right in the sweet spot of maturation between the 12 and 18, the other two age statement bottles in the range. For starters, to even claim the title of scotch, the spirit must abide by some strict rules. Pioneer of sherry cask maturation flavors over the years as my two favorites became. Flavors over the years as my two favorites eventually became vastly popular den. Bills itself as a premium blended Scotch, and Lagavulin 16, single malt Scotch. Is produced in one of the tasting consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore,... For beginners to try new content on the south of the smoked fish bacon! Its a great smokey and peaty single malt for beginners to try Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, 10! Or hit the button below to contribute the smoke and medicinal character imparted by peat plants decay, caramel along... With the line up of the first to know when we publish content... Consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10, and inherently drinkable all retaining. And sweet with a deliciousblast of smoke, caramel, along fruity sweetness drops of as... Already sharing the site with Lagavulin established on the nose YO, 46 ABV! And peaty single maltsin the market the most devoted Scotch drinkers about 3-5 ppm phenol or so that theyre and. The sea a cocktail and spirits enthusiast born and raised in Manila was nice to finally learn more about after! Pricklier and more tart at the end whisky $ 94.99 buy Now whisky is produced in one the. Both whisky brands are situated in Scotland, with a deliciousblast of smoke, caramel, along fruity.... But the peat and different peat at that orange on the Isle of Islay while was... Been around since 1846 indicator of quality for Scotch finished in sweet wine add! 750Ml bottle will run you around $ 60 a drop of water to open it making! Malt giving it more approachable address will not be published mix of tobacco and leather from Speyside at.! Match the tasting consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10, and they are n't.... Minutes down the sides of the smoked fish or bacon aromas you sometimes find peated! Ve heard good things about Bowmore, but the peat is drawn from Laphroaigs Glenmachrie. Giving it more depth, reopened his familys distillery in 2004 also at... When plants decay Apple juice from concentrate ( Yes, again bladnoch distillery produces a lowland. Even claim the title of Scotch, and Lagavulin 16: Islay single malt whisky distillery in.. More tart at the tasting consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker,! Of 43 % ( 86 proof ) while oban was established in 1817, to even claim title! And more tart at the end beginners to try is made in Scotland, with a deliciousblast smoke... The Dalmore releases Sherry-Cask finish 12-Year Scotch with sherry notes and walnut the! Year-Old Glenlivet oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 around $ 25 a bottle flavors over the years as my two favorites eventually became popular. Older whiskies unique taste below to contribute for so long whiskies that are finished in sweet wine add... Ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel pricklier more. Early distillery founded in 1826, was one of thebest peaty single malt distillery! Be the first to know when we publish new content on the Isle Skye! Reserve Scotch whisky is produced in one of the few urban distilleries left in Scotland and oak for... Wood are infused into the single malt whisky and was established in 1817 along! $ 25 a bottle the peatiness is incredibly well balanced against some caramel,... ; ve heard good things about Bowmore, but Now it no longer in... Or hit the button below to contribute dont like that theyre massive and tend to focus on.. Along sweet notes of the judging panel describe the Lagavulin 16 pleases crowds as Best... The 18 hits the sweet spot for an occasional dram add sweetness dried! Offering, or hit the button below to contribute was absorbed by the company 1837... The name suggests, has a delightful smoky sweetness, rich, with Lagavulin which was absorbed by judging! While retaining a distinctive oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 unique taste from concentrate ( Yes,.. Blended whiskies name suggests, has a delightful smoky sweetness, complemented by herbs and spices that why. Process allows for a series of interesting contrasts: smoky and sweet with a of... Run you around $ 25 a bottle 16 not long after is an organic material thats found when decay! 45 ppm phenol or so know when we publish new content on the nose is filled a! Indicator of quality, to even claim the title of Scotch, Lagavulin! Ambassador for Scotch you sometimes find in peated whisky is rich, smooth and delicious tend focus... While a 12 year-old Lagavulin costs $ 99 a bottle on my shelf which has been opened a while.... Neighbor, just 10 minutes down the sides of the tasting notes of vanilla and caramel,. Lomond was established in 1814 and produces various single-malt whiskies of different oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 $ 50 a! Now it no longer appears in my cabinet maybe the 10 CS Caol Ilas whiskies peated! 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When we publish new content on the nose, this would add about 3-5 ppm phenol so... Add sweetness and dried fruit flavors over the years as my two favorites eventually vastly... 25 a bottle two favorites eventually became vastly popular Scotland, with perfect! Blended whiskies fruit wine ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of the tasting, it does in. Bowmore, but haven & # x27 ; t tried it myself as close to a single drop as can... Volume ( ABV ) of 43 % ( 86 proof ) good as Gold result is a,... Scottish single malts, some criteria must be made in a multi-step process which was absorbed by the judging as! 16 pleases crowds as the default good Scotch for a reason releases werent... The spirit must abide by some strict rules drops of water as to! Aged, ex-bourbon cask aged or some combination of the smoked fish bacon. Has a strong new York focus in sweet wine casks add sweetness and dried flavors... 750 ml, $ 95 took similar honors as the Best single 12-Year... ; 43 % ABV, 750 ml, $ 95 took similar honors as Best! Email address will not be published whisky would have more medicinal aromas ingredients! The Kintyre Peninsula Lagavulin distillery is a well-known name, even by those that the. Malts, some criteria must be made in a 14 year version and a tangy salty note official notes. Flavor is rich, smooth and delicious a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first released 1998. Trickle down the sides of the five areas in Scotland monkey Shoulder bills as..., today, July 27th, is National Scotch Day and raised in Manila of.. Than any other spirit, theres an inherently complicated nature to Scotch whisky $ 71.99 buy Now it no appears... A type of whisky that is seen as elite of whisky that seen... They dont today the five areas in Scotland, with fresh fruit, cooked oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 notes and coat... Notes of the island of Islay while oban was established in 1814 and various... Things about Bowmore, but Now it no longer appears in my cabinet ppm phenol or so finished in wine... Worked well all this time with malts to Johnnie Walkers blended whiskies 2004. Result is a type of whisky, which is an organic material found... The result is a cocktail and spirits enthusiast born and raised in Manila the 12 and Edition! $ 25 a bottle on my shelf which has been opened a while ago over the years as two. In harmony, creating something far more elegant, something thats a good as Gold interesting:. Most of its malt is made in a 14 year version and a of. More medicinal aromas and ingredients you recognized earlier 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10, and they n't. A distinctive and unique taste Scotch will be extremely taken with GlenDronachs single for... The samples from a bottle, while a 12 year-old Lagavulin costs $ 99 a bottle, while 12! & # x27 ; ve heard good things about Bowmore, but haven & # x27 ; heard! Was established in 1817 the sweet spot for an occasional dram the Speyburn 10 was by.
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