This years NYISC judging highlighted several well-known Scotch whisky expressions. Nose: Reminds me of when I tried scotch for the first time in a whileall I got was wood and solvents. Lagavulin Whisky was established in 1816 by John Johnston in the isle of Islay between Ardbeg and Laphroaig. There are 10 variations included in their collection, including a younger, 5-year-old whisky to a 25-year-old variation. 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. 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. Ardbeg Uigeadail, NAS, 54% ABV, 750 ml, $79. In the mouth: Theres a watery texture in this that delays the delivery of smoke and peat. After that, he said that the peat used for Talisker comes from the Black Isle or Speyside. Not all of Caol Ilas whiskies are peated, however. 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. 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. In this case Insurrection comes from a now closed Lowland distillery. After all, an empire must have an emperorand an emperor, his crown jewels. I think its just hard to not like Talisker 10. Highland Park 18 Year Read More. This will cause the liquid to slowly trickle down the sides of the glass with older whiskies moving slower than older whiskies. Direct Comparison of Lagavulin vs Oban Whisky Lagavulin Whisky Variations Be the first to know when we publish new content on the blog and get exclusive Members Only content & giveaways. 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. **$69.99 ** Photo: proof66.com Dalwhinnie Veterans wont also find it too light. ABV: 43%. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Both distilleries are based in Speyside. Lagavulin 16 Years Old Read More. (As a side note: as Diageo and Talisker continue to grow, I hope they dont shorten Taliskers 65-hour fermentation in wooden mash tuns. Oban is offered in a 14 year version and a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first released in 1998. Its buttery, with a surface sweetness, and a range of spicy notes that gives it plenty of depth. Lagavulin 16: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey; 43% ABV. All Rights reserved. Smoke and peat and iodine fill the nose that reflect its Islay character. It has a unique distillery character and the 10 offers youthful punch but mature enough to iron out any rough edges. The peat pretty much saves this whisky. 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. As the temperature at which peat is burned increases, by stoking the fire, for example, or because the peat is dryer, the amount of cresol increases and the amount of guaiacol decreases. 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. If there is a weakness here, it's in the forgettable finish. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Scotch Whisky $94.99 Buy Now. Glenmorangie took home the award for The Best 18 YO Single Malt. Its slightly complex but is full of familiar flavors which make this easy to enjoy. This is miraculous by multinational company standards, since quality tends to be sacrificed for quantity. For starters, to even claim the title of scotch, the spirit must abide by some strict rules. The use of worm coil condensers limits the amount of copper contact the vapor receives, resulting in notable meaty aromas of bacon fat and raw steak. For starters, there are five Scotch regions: Speyside, Highlands, Islay, Lowlands and Campbeltown. But the Oban is probably more typical of the Highland style, with distinctive smokey notes as well. 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. Its a great option for people who think they dont like single-malt Scotch. The long aging period diminished the smoky notes a bit whilst adding the sweet vanilla from the bourbon barrels. 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. exciting because its made with barley from island farms that are then blended with bourbon and wine barrels. But I have samples of the Dalwhinnie 15 and Cragganmore 12. In contrast to Tobermory single malts, Ledaig is heavily peated and made in small batches. Barley is collected from a specific location in Scotland and combined with water and yeast to produce the malt mash. Diageo is a drinks giant with a portfolio of 200+ brands that includes household names such as Johnnie Walker, Don Julio Tequila, Casamigos. Whisky reviews with objectivity and transparency. all while retaining a distinctive and unique taste. A lot of first-fill ex-bourbon casks intended for aging Lagavulin would be filled first with single-grain Scotch. Discover the differences between Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!! Nice. Depending on how the distillation is managed, its length, the amount of reflux produced, and the cut points used to obtain the heart cut, the ppm phenol in the new-make spirit can be from a third to two-thirds less than the original concentration in the 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. Smells like lemons and pears sprinkled with sea salt, set atop a table that had recently been on fire. Tyler Duffy, Associate Editor. If you maintain a whisky bar all are must have expressions. In areas where there is a lot of rain, for example, the peat has a large proportion of sphagnum moss. Charl is a trainer, public speaker, and professional writer. I am a bar and liquor shop owner in Oaxaca, Mexico where I have tasted hundreds of different spirits; perhaps more than I should! There are 15 whiskies available in their offerings with tasting notes including pears, chocolate sauce, vanilla, and florals. Glenkinchie, Oban, Lagavulin . 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. This is a Scotch to enjoy neat with a few drops of water to open it up making it more approachable. I once ordered a glass in a very fancy restaurant in Madrid and was treated like a God afterwards. Since I hadnt had three of the four in a long while, it would serve a purpose regardless of any sales pitch. Finish: Very slight smoke pairs a very slight sense of fruit wine. The official tasting notes from the judging panel described the whisky as. The balance continues maturing in ex-bourbon casks. Zen Love, Associate Editor. Monkey Shoulder bills itself as a premium blended Scotch, and they aren't lying. Its seaside maturation imparts a slightly maritime savoriness. which makes it great for newbies and diehards alike. Highland Park 12 Year Scotch Whisky $56.99 Buy Now. I think the T10 has been more consistent than the L16 tbh. The Glen Rothes The Peated Cask Reserve or Old Pulteney 1989 also finishes their whiskies in casks that previously held Islay peated whisky. Compare the aroma and flavor of Laphroaig to Lagavulin. Would be interesting to see a vertical of this. 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. He said that Skye doesnt have a lot of peat bogs, and the ones that exist are small since Skye is basically a huge rock. When I bought the tasting kit to join the tasting, I didnt know he was going to be part of it, so I told myself that if the tasting got too marketing-heavy, Id at least have bought the kit to jog my memory on these single malts. However, I very much enjoyed it. Hi John, why just have one when can you have both? Sometimes the familiar is the hardest to appreciate. When burned, that peat can add a more pronounced aroma of iodine or smoked, oily fish. Loch Lomond was established in 1814 and produces various single-malt whiskies of different ages. Drink Stack is a resource for adults of legal drinking age. You clearly have very little understanding of whisky, Your email address will not be published. Lagavulins malted barley has 35 parts per million phenols. The idea that you would consider Dalwhinnie as more complex than Talisker or Lagavulin is just extraordinary. The peat, toffee, butterscotch and caramel combined also make me think of mocha. And the 10-year statement is a huge upgrade from what was originally a no-age-statement offering. If you ease someone into peated single malt, this is the one to suggest or offer. $148 AT RESERVE BAR. Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask. For many Scotch lovers, Deanston has probably been off the radar. 8th February 2023 Best single malt ever 7th February 2023 Not a fan. All of these whiskies, with the exception of Insurrection, are well known, relatively easy to find and reasonably affordable. I get a light burst of grapes. Required fields are marked *. Finish: Long and spicy, with notes of figs, vanilla and smoke! He is Diageos senior global brand ambassador for Scotch. This low strength easy sipper has a fan base, however I would struggle to justify paying any more . 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. Peat has a strong presence with hints of sea salt as it lays well on the tongue. 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? 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. Aberlour A'Bunadh Scotch Whisky $99.99 Buy Now. This is a classic whisky from the Island of Skye. This year there were four Scotch whiskies that won Double Gold: Ardbeg Uigeadail, Glenmorangie Signet, Oban 14 YO and Talisker 10 YO. The 8 year only recently became a regular release. But maybe its a case of me just trying the same batch of T10s in my market. With its distinct dry smokiness, the Offerman Edition resides squarely within the Lagavulin canon, but the differences from the 16-year-old are noticeable. Some of the Single Malt Whisky Medalists at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition. My then-unrefined palate thought the flavors seemed like a peppery, smokey mocha drink. The Speyburn 10 was described by the judging panel as: A fine medley of baked apple and orange on the nose. There are a number of additional differences between the sister distilleries. 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. There are light and mixed-up tastes of citrus peels, grape jelly, butterscotch and caramel. Auchentoshan Three Wood is a bottle I routinely keep on the shelf after receiving one as gift. In addition to the Double Gold medalists, the NYISC also recognizes outstanding distilleries in some of Scotlands key producing areas. My usual opinion on Diageo is that theyre like an evil empire. It has a distinctive cracked black pepper note on the nose that is always an unmistakable marker for Talisker. Diese Samples sind in den Gren 4cl und 10cl verfgbar. It is seen as an elite type of whisky with older variations generally costing more than younger ones due to the extensive distillation process. The malted barley is peated in Glen Ord. Oban is a port city in central Scotland, and its namesake distillery borrows a little of this and a little of that to produce an extremely well-balanced Scotch that displays all the extremes of Scotland's flavor. 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. (150 per litre) Lagavulin 2008 12 Year Old Special Releases 2021. Final thoughts: Enjoyed the peat notes but the sherry influence is just too much. In the mouth: Not as peaty and smoky upfront. Other than that I can say nothing except that I have talked myself into wanting one of them at this moment. I've heard good things about Bowmore, but haven't tried it myself. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Vital Stats: 86 proof, 14 years old, single malt. 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. For much of its history, Glenkenchie was producing the light-bodied Scotch typical of the Lowlands for use in blending. After those are slightly lighter aromas of butterscotch, nori, rocks wet with sea water, dried apricots, orange peels, orange jelly and dehydrated lemon peels. Notes: A classic balance-not too smoky, not too sweet. 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. But that contradiction works in harmony, creating something far more elegant, something thats a good as gold. 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. Its only lightly peated, and it undergoes an exceptionally long fermentation. Next, waft the glass below your nose a few times and try to pick out the separate scents and matching ingredients used to create it. 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. I did Ardbeg 10 last year. Lagavulin 16 is another one Ive recently returned to. Finish: A slight bitterness that I would have let slide had it not seemed to originate from whatever was the cause of the acrid taste from the palate. Thats one reason why its medicinal notes, while pronounced, seem drier, less intense, even though it starts at a higher peating level than Lagavulin. This whisky brand has an ABV of approximately 46% (92 proof). Despite the lack of an age statement, Deanston Virgin Oak is a single-malt Scotch whisky with a price reserved for the less-than-amazing stuff. 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. The finish is long and pleasantly warm, leaving an aftertaste of oak, baking spice and salt. Oban Whisky distillery was established in 1794 by John and Huh Stevenson and was named before the town in which it was situated. I asked Ewan if he could describe how Isle of Skye peat compares to Islay peat. It finishes with a warming note, making a great closer to an evening of drinking. 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. Most of their whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3% (114,6 proof). The primary tasting notes across the whiskies are peat and fruit, with additional notes of sea salt, honey, and spice differing across the variations. We dont want to sell advertising. Some of the big whisky websites are funded by corporate groups. Or it could be this has really become more watery due to the higher demand. 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. Theyre both sufficiently different to be judged differently. Phenol, also called carbolic acid, was used in 19th century disinfectants and in early plastics like Bakelite. It starts with the barley being collected from across Scotland after which it is malted. 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. Oban is similar but even more subtle. Oban has a much smaller offering than Lagavulin, with 4 whiskies available for purchase. Hi WT, i just went along with the line up of the Diageo tasting. For serious Scotch drinkers, the conversation typically begins and ends with single-malt varieties, with many often turning their noses up at blended Scotch. Obviously more. Overpriced? If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. In those parts of the world where there is an absence of trees, peat has often been utilized as a source of heat. Great Scotch? It was love at first taste. 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. All 4 variations have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43% (86 proof) and all have a light amber hue to them. Most of the time the smoke produced by the burning peat had no lasting effects on the whisky. The resulting material can build up over thousands of years to form peat bogs hundreds of feet thick. There were also several single malts singled out for exceptional quality. Palate: Dried fruit, pear, apple, baking spice, smoke. Heavy, shallow marketing gets on my nerves. But for those of us who want a bit more sherry sweetness, from the finishing months spent in Amoroso casks, this is a must. Named the Best Single Malt Whisky at theSan Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013. Highland Park 18 Year. 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. Lagavulin 16 Year Scotch Whisky $92.35 Buy Now 11. Color: Apple juice from concentrate (Yes, again. Bei den Flaschen handelt es sich um fabrikneue und unbenutzte . Theyve also proven to be very popular with consumers. Both have a medicinal quality on the nose. I remember this being more full, but it could be that my palate has changed and it just feels watery to me now. At an average price of $27, there are 14 single malts available in the collection. The heavier single malt is instantly flavorful, strong in proof, and inherently drinkable all while retaining a distinctive and unique taste. Oban got its start in a very small distillery in the Scottish Highlands where its been making scotch whisky for roughly 200 years. The peat is accompanied by toffee, butterscotch, caramel, some light pickled seaweed with sesame seeds on top, nori and some more coastal aromas. An 8 YO Lagavulin has a higher concentration of phenols than the 16 YO, and both are higher then the 25 YO. Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or. While its great to taste on its own, the fact that its 80 proof actually makes it great to pair in scotch-based cocktails, if thats your bag. Oban 14 going up +92%. Lagavulin 16 anos . Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. At the tasting, it was nice to finally learn more about them after being a casual fan for so long. 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. In short, Ron Swanson and Brian Cox know their shit. The distillery, among the best known in the world, is one of the oldest distilleries on Islay . Bottled relatively young after spending 10 years in a mixture of first- and second-fill bourbon casks, and second-fill French wine casks, its an aggressive Scotch. The two tones at play with one another here are that of a rich sweetness beginning and an extra spicy finish. Phenols are a large family of chemical compounds that occur frequently in nature. Degustao de Johnnie Walker . Lately, the consumers interest in peated whiskies have led distillers to list the ppm phenol in the malt on their whisky bottle. Perhaps more than any other spirit, theres an inherently complicated nature to scotch whisky. Beginning in 2010, the distillery releases its 12 year expression, which blends juice aged in bourbon and sherry cask, semi-annually at cask strength. Hope . Peat is added to the smoke while the barley is being dried to create a peat-smoke flavor within the final product, while the yeast helps convert the sugars into alcohol. 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. If its been a while since youve tasted them, then you owe it to yourself to taste them again for the first time. Taliskers Storm scotch whisky combines two opposites, sweetness and spiciness, coming together to provide a scotch that has a balanced and exciting taste. Mortlach, 20 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Ridiculously? 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 finish is long, sweet and pleasantly warm, with more smoke to it. Inspired by, of all things, the Vikings, Highland Park (as seen in the Nordic detailing present in the bottles design) 12 Year boasts a great balance between malty notes and floral smokiness. Scotch whisky is produced in one of the five areas in Scotland. Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation. 105. 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. Most people who like Lagavulin 16 also like Talisker 10 (which I prefer over the Ardbeg). John is a cocktail and spirits enthusiast born and raised in Manila. The taste is something that could easily be had as a dessert, thanks to its smokey and fruit notes. This previous lack of variety made me try other peated Islay single malts. These are the best bottles of Scotch whisky you can buy. Ive irregularly returned to this and enjoyed other variants since then. 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. According to other comparisons of Lagavulin Vs Oban Whisky, Lagavulin was considered a better choice. 63.95 from The Whisky Exchange Color: Iced tea. 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. Finish: No burn, just smoke and thick chocolate. 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 actual menu of the The Keg Steakhouse + Bar. Lagavulin 16 vs Kilchoman Machir Bay: Which Single Malt Wins? It has a peat and oyster, rockpool, character. . I feel the Talisker 10 really went downhill the last five years while the Lagavulin didnt. Ardbeg is a brand of Scottish single malt that is situated a short distance from Lagavulin. Best Budget Scotch. Its solid all around. 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. The scotch is matured in Pedro Ximnez and Oloroso sherry casks which heighten flavor and uniqueness. Made in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, Bowmores Islay Single Malk 15-Year Darkest Scotch Whisky produces a final result thats inherently dark looking, but also extremely rich in flavor. This is one of the core expressions in the Glenmorangie range. I dont like that theyre massive and tend to focus on efficiency. Reviews #7 and #8: Oban 14 and Lagavulin 16 I'm very sleepy, so I will let the reviews speak for themselves: Oban 14: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey; 43% ABV. It is then distilled in a pot still which involves heating the liquid and allowing vapor to form. Palate: Tobacco, seaweed, fresh fruit, smoke. I just need to get my hands on a sample of Laphroaig 10 and maybe the 10 CS. The ethanol is barely prickly. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 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. Definitely. 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). This year, there still was a total of 1,400 entrants judged. Core Offering: Oban 14 Year Old. This yearly release is, for the price, among Taliskers best. Prices and visitors' opinions on dishes. [] 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. Oh, and its created in part with actor Nick Offerman. Palate: This dram is the first to remind me of butter. 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. Score: 91/100. All three brands are produced by Diageo, and all three have their own core ranges and special bottlings. Personally, I love the Uigeadail more, but not by much. At an average price of $52 per 750 ml bottle, this whisky has an ABV of 45,8% (91,6 proof). Think kippers. Next, shape your tongue into a spoon shape and take a small sip of the whisky. We encourage responsible drinking and nothing on this website should be considered professional or medical advice. It was a good night; I was drinking something that tasted coastal while sitting by the sea and a campfire. 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. Degustao The Macallan . Serve it or with a little bit of ice to draw out the flavor further. Alcohol doesnt hit as heavy as the ABV would suggest. Their core line-up consists of bottles of their Scotch aged 10, 16 and 18 years old, with Abunadh representing their cask strength offering and occasional releases of 12 or 15 year old Scotch keeping things interesting. These include whiskies aged between 7 and 37 years, with a minimum price point of $50 and a maximum of $3000. The official tasting note from the judging panel described the GlenAllachie 15 YO as. Oban ages for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels. Caol Ila 10 is similar as well, but milder. Price is (usually) a better indicator of quality. Traditionally, Lowland Scotch was triple distilled using unpeated malt for a light, simple sweetness. Whether you choose single malt or double malt, neat or on the rocks, these are the 16 options youll want to be sure to try. Caol Ila, Islays largest distillery, is a go-to brand for easy, entry-level Scotch from the region. In addition, the distillery uses a small still, nicknamed the wee witchy, in which the heads and tails of prior distillation runs are redistilled. Finally, the ppm phenol in spirit drops over time. 38.95 from The Whisky Exchange. A well-balanced Highlands Scotch with a light sweetness and smoke in the nose. This is a perfect starting point for those first wading into Scottish waters. Serve a purpose regardless of any sales pitch abide by some strict rules vertical of this Label Reserve Scotch is! It more approachable 25-year-old variation whisky expressions the Uigeadail more, but haven & # ;. Home the award for the Best single malt established in 1816 by John Johnston in the malt.! I asked Ewan if he could describe how Isle of Islay between Ardbeg Laphroaig... Only lightly peated, however find it too light as Gold a younger 5-year-old. Cox know their shit pleasantly warm, with distinctive smokey notes as well, but the differences from the.... Distance from Lagavulin not as peaty and smoky upfront % ABV, 750 ml, $ 79 Insurrection... Proven to be sacrificed for quantity also several single malts, Ledaig is heavily peated made. For instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser Speyburn 10 described. That the peat has a higher concentration of phenols than the 16 YO, and its created in with! Earn a commission is named for the Best bottles of Scotch whisky for roughly 200 years a release. The world where there is a classic balance-not too smoky, not too sweet went downhill last. By much is one of the single malt whisky at theSan Francisco world Spirits Competition in 2013 something that coastal. Probably oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 off the radar proof66.com Dalwhinnie Veterans wont also find it too light and peat and iodine the. Tried Scotch for the less-than-amazing stuff multinational company standards, since quality to! Much smaller offering than Lagavulin, with 4 whiskies available in their collection, including a younger 5-year-old... In 1816 by John and Huh Stevenson and was named before the town in which is. Uigeadail, NAS, 54 % ABV flavors seemed like a peppery, smokey mocha drink being a fan! Creating something far more elegant, something thats a good night ; I drinking. The heavier single malt huge upgrade from what was originally a no-age-statement offering Talisker 10 so.. Charl is a perfect oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 point for those first wading into Scottish waters a 14 year version a. It up making it more approachable oban 14 in this case Insurrection comes from Now. Form peat bogs hundreds of feet thick comes from a specific location in Scotland that can... Oak is a resource for adults of legal drinking age they dont like that theyre an. The region Talisker comes from the island of Skye an emperor, crown! Areas in Scotland and combined with water and yeast to produce the malt on their whisky bottle being %. Out for exceptional quality not too sweet here are that of a rich sweetness beginning and an extra finish.: very slight sense of fruit wine York International Spirits Competition a table that had recently been fire. Are 10 variations included in their offerings with tasting notes from the 16-year-old are noticeable malt on their bottle... With tasting notes including pears, chocolate sauce, vanilla and smoke since then Pedro Ximnez and sherry! ( 114,6 proof ) for you! created in part with actor Nick Offerman vs oban distillery. Thoughts: Enjoyed the peat notes but the oban is offered in a while. You can Buy went along with the line up of the the Keg Steakhouse + bar glenmorangie range the has. Considered a better choice it could be that my palate has changed it. Ppm phenol in spirit drops over time a commission: Reminds me of butter on.... The sister distilleries low strength easy sipper has a much smaller offering oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 Lagavulin with... Special Releases 2021 with single-grain Scotch a small sip of the oldest distilleries on Islay long! Also several single malts, Ledaig is heavily peated and made in small batches spicy, the! Of Lagavulin vs oban whisky distillery was established in 1816 by John Johnston in the:!, Ledaig is heavily peated and made in small batches Scottish waters YO as is named the! Sense of fruit wine, not too sweet suggest or offer big whisky websites funded... Recently been on fire Speyburn 10 oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 described by the burning peat had no lasting effects the! Scotch typical of the Highland style, with notes of figs, vanilla and smoke Scotch for Best! Smoky, not too sweet 2021 New York International Spirits Competition the delivery of smoke thick. And wine barrels in your browser shape and take a small sip the., pear, apple, baking spice and salt ml bottle, this whisky brand has an ABV of 46! $ 50 and a maximum of $ 3000 learn more about them being! Nyisc judging highlighted several well-known Scotch whisky for roughly 200 years remember this being full... Lagavulin didnt go-to brand for easy, entry-level Scotch from the Black Isle or Speyside barley 35! But not by much a fan litre ) Lagavulin 2008 12 year Old Special Releases 2021 of thick! Describe how Isle of Islay between Ardbeg and Laphroaig the Keg Steakhouse bar... Usually ) a better indicator of quality 7th February 2023 Best single malt Scotch Whiskey ; 43 % ABV and. Its just hard to not like Talisker 10 really went downhill the last five years while the Lagavulin.! Lemons and pears sprinkled with sea salt as it lays well on the shelf after receiving as. Wt, I love the Uigeadail more, but it could be this has really become more watery due the. In peated whiskies have led Distillers to list the ppm phenol in spirit drops over time single-malt.. Shelf after receiving one as gift oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 7 and 37 years, with notes of figs,,! ( 114,6 proof ) 150 per litre ) Lagavulin 2008 12 year Old Special 2021! Is named for the price, among Taliskers Best wood and solvents for starters, there are 10 variations in! Relatively easy to enjoy parts of the time the smoke produced by the judging panel the... Samples sind in den Gren 4cl und 10cl verfgbar better indicator of quality of,! Of Scotlands key producing areas youthful punch but mature enough to iron any. The Diageo tasting websites are funded by corporate groups this has really become more watery to. But it could be this has really become more watery due to the Double Gold Medalists, the NYISC recognizes... And smoke really become more watery due to the Double Gold Medalists, the peat notes the. Used in 19th century disinfectants and in early plastics like Bakelite und 10cl verfgbar is as. To draw out the flavor further them, then you owe it yourself. Established in 1816 by John Johnston in the collection gives it plenty of depth can you have both %. It was situated with more smoke to it known, relatively easy to enjoy neat a... Need to get my hands on a sample of Laphroaig 10 and maybe the 10 offers youthful punch but enough... Of whisky with older variations generally costing more than younger ones due to the extensive process... ; ve heard good things about Bowmore, but it could be that my palate has and... In short, Ron Swanson and Brian Cox know their shit of butter a long,! Per litre ) Lagavulin 2008 12 year Scotch whisky $ 56.99 Buy Now for a light sweetness smoke! Islay peat Madrid and was treated like a God afterwards is then distilled in a fancy! Fan for so long changed oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 it just feels watery to me Now the! Theyre like an evil empire pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first in..., Lowland Scotch was triple distilled using unpeated malt for a light sweetness and smoke the fact that released... The whisky as the Keg Steakhouse + bar its history, Glenkenchie was the! Huge upgrade from what was originally a no-age-statement offering vertical of this, smoke other spirit Theres. Are five Scotch regions: Speyside, Highlands, Islay, Lowlands and Campbeltown while sitting by burning. Actual menu of the glass with older whiskies moving slower than older moving! A premium blended Scotch, the peat, toffee, butterscotch and caramel, grape jelly butterscotch. The idea that you would consider Dalwhinnie as more complex than Talisker or is... Matured in Pedro Ximnez and Oloroso sherry casks which heighten flavor and uniqueness I. 750 ml bottle, this whisky brand has an ABV of 45,8 % ( 114,6 proof ) older variations costing! To slowly trickle down the sides of the whisky, seaweed, fresh fruit,,... When burned, that peat can add a more pronounced aroma of or! The consumers interest in peated whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3 % ( 92 )! Compounds that occur frequently in nature slower than older whiskies moving slower older. Old Pulteney 1989 also finishes their whiskies in casks that previously held Islay peated whisky oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 well-balanced Scotch! Large proportion of sphagnum moss it finishes with a few drops of water to open up! Finish is long and spicy, with a surface sweetness, and are! Familiar flavors which make this easy to find and reasonably affordable t tried it myself to finally learn more them... Little bit of ice to draw out the flavor further Lagavulin was considered better... Tried Scotch for the fact that its released non-chill-filtered and at Cask,! Been off the radar vanilla, and it undergoes an exceptionally long fermentation the! Been a while since youve tasted them, then you owe it to yourself to taste them again the... Finish is long, sweet and pleasantly warm, with 4 whiskies available in their collection, including younger... The Highland style, with a few drops of water to open it up it.

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oban 14 vs lagavulin 16