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. 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. Given that both brands are owned by Diageo and produce single malt whisky, these are easy to compare which we will be doing going forward. 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. Other than that I can say nothing except that I have talked myself into wanting one of them at this moment. Next, shape your tongue into a spoon shape and take a small sip of the whisky. The complexity is lost a bit in the mouth, but its still full. In the Orkney Islands, among other places, much of the peat derives from partially decomposed heather. 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. An early distillery founded in 1826, was one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland and a pioneer of sherry cask maturation. Palate: Tobacco, seaweed, fresh fruit, smoke. We dont want to partner with brands. 70cl / 56.5%. But I have samples of the Dalwhinnie 15 and Cragganmore 12. Given that we are unabashed fans of Scotch, our team has spent the past several years tasting dozens, if not hundreds of bottles, both professionally and on our own personal time. From Eastern Scotland try the Glendronach peated expression or, if you can find it, The Macallan Rare Cask Black Edition. Lagavulin, what are you doing? Guinness UDV was formed when Diageo combined with the United Distillers and Grand Metropolitans company, International Distillers and Vintners. (182.86 per litre) A magnificent whisky. 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. 105. Most of its malt is also produced at the Port Ellen Maltings, but the peat is drawn from Laphroaigs own Glenmachrie peat bog. Thankfully. On the palate, Oban 14 provides a nice mouthfeel as the body feels creamy. Indeed, they are part of the indelible DNA of Scotch malt whisky. 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. 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. You asked! The plot failed, Mary was eventually beheaded and Queen Elizabeth endured. Springbank 15 Year . Ardbeg Uigeadail, NAS, 54% ABV, 750 ml, $79. The Singleton of Glendullan, 15 YO, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $50 took the award for the Best 15 YO Single Malt. Smooth? 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. Lagavulin 16 Year Scotch Whisky $92.35 Buy Now 11. Bottle Price: N/A (paid $14 plus tip for a dram at a St. Petersburg, FL bar). The primary tasting notes across the whiskies are peat and fruit, with additional notes of sea salt, honey, and spice differing across the variations. Thats among the lowest cut points in the industry. 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 will cause the liquid to slowly trickle down the sides of the glass with older whiskies moving slower than older whiskies. But in 1998, after changing hands to Diageo, the brand was selected to represent the Lowlands and the 12 year old expression hit shelves. Glenmorangie took home the award for The Best 18 YO Single Malt. There are 10 variations included in their collection, including a younger, 5-year-old whisky to a 25-year-old variation. There are light and mixed-up tastes of citrus peels, grape jelly, butterscotch and caramel. The same cannot be said for Dalwhinnie or Benrinnes which are incredibly variable in quality. Between the butterscotch and caramel are the mocha notes I get on the nose. Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. Ian Hunter was the last direct family member to have ownership of Laphroaigs distillery and was said to have traveled to Americas beloved bourbon country where he found all kinds of new casks that would not only provide new tastes but better consistency, too. The French oak actually has a low density to it that allows the spirit to be enriched, deep inside the cask. Expect peaty drams of some of the best whisky in the world. A well-balanced Highlands Scotch with a light sweetness and smoke in the nose. Tyler Duffy, Associate Editor. This is a perfect starting point for those first wading into Scottish waters. 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. Smells like lemons and pears sprinkled with sea salt, set atop a table that had recently been on fire. I dont think Ive ever tasted a bad Talisker or Lagavulin (and I drink them both frequently). With only 2 pot stills, Oban is among the smaller distilleries in Scotland when compared to Lagavulin. A great all-around single-malt that is universally loved and infinitely sip-able. Lagavulin 16 Years Old Read More. The peat is accompanied by toffee, butterscotch, caramel, some light pickled seaweed with sesame seeds on top, nori and some more coastal aromas. Palate: This dram is the first to remind me of butter. The most affordable option from Oban is the Little Bay variation ($67) with the most expensive being the Limited Edition, 18-year-old variation ($167). There were also several single malts singled out for exceptional quality. Kilkerran 12 has since proved a worthy torchbearer, with light peat working off bright sherry and bourbon casks. 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. The official tasting notes from the judging panel describe the whisky as: Summer grass and dark sweets are on the nose. Nose: Smoke, vanilla, caramel and iodine. Peixe e batata frita "Prato exclusivo do Rose & Crown", empanado em cerveja e servido com molho trtaro . Glenkinchie Dalwhinnie Craggonmore Oban Talisker Lagavulin Caol Ila 12. Aberlour keeps things simple. 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. Yes. A total of 228 bottles were released. Bei den Flaschen handelt es sich um fabrikneue und unbenutzte . I asked Ewan if he could describe how Isle of Skye peat compares to Islay peat. It gives it a certain fullness that beginners wont find too distressing. Interestingly enough, theres a bit more of the American oak in this particular scotch, which gives it more of a slightly smoky taste. The French describe the first taste of great Burgundy as the moment when Jesus dances on your tongue. Great Scotch? The actual menu of the The Keg Steakhouse + Bar. Novices should start by exploring the regions of Scotland. 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 practice can even occur on an industrial scale. 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. 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. I think its just hard to not like Talisker 10. For example, it must be made in Scotland and oak barrel-aged for at least three years. Both whiskies are from Western Scotland. Thats a winning combination and has proved to be very popular. Oban was established in 1794 while Lagavulin was established in 1816. I am a bar and liquor shop owner in Oaxaca, Mexico where I have tasted hundreds of different spirits; perhaps more than I should! Its buttery, with a surface sweetness, and a range of spicy notes that gives it plenty of depth. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Ready to delve further into the world of peated whiskies? The result is a robust, powerfully flavored, whisky that noted spirits writer Dave Broom has nicknamed the Beast of Dufftown. Differences in vegetative composition and the prevailing climate both affect the characteristics of the peat reek produced. The ethanol is barely prickly. This is a classic whisky from the Island of Skye. Single malt whisky is a type of whisky made by a single distillery from malted barley. Oban is offered in a 14 year version and a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first released in 1998. It's very similar to (and cheaper than) The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 year and a little bit lighter in style than Oban 14, but stands up well against any unpeated ex-bourbon malt. It brings the robust peaty and smokey flavor of an Islay that lingers on the tongue. Single malt is a type of whisky that is seen as elite. The peat is accompanied by toffee, butterscotch, caramel, some light pickled seaweed with sesame seeds on top, nori and some more coastal aromas. Sent to your inbox every Friday! I love the nose on this. For much of its history, Glenkenchie was producing the light-bodied Scotch typical of the Lowlands for use in blending. Lagavulin begins capturing the heart cut at 72% ABV and continues till it reaches 57% ABV. There are a few facts worth knowing about the Lagavulin 16: The nose is quite good as it kicks-off with a ripe fruit note, along citrus peel and a touch of smoke. Lagavulin 16 is the 34th scotch off my Scotch 100 list. The official tasting notes of the judging panel described it as: A welcoming amber liquid with raisin and nuts on the nose. The great-great nephew of William Mitchell, the founder of Glengyle Distillery, reopened his familys distillery in 2004. Both distilleries, about 45 minutes apart at opposite ends of Islay, are owned by Diageo and use identically peated malt when making peated whiskies. Its slightly complex but is full of familiar flavors which make this easy to enjoy. Notes: A classic balance-not too smoky, not too sweet. Whiskies from the Lowlands (like those from Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie) tend to be light and delicate. Degustao The Macallan . Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or. These are the best bottles of Scotch whisky you can buy. In short, Ron Swanson and Brian Cox know their shit. Think kippers. These barrels will infuse the whisky with an amber color and tasting notes from the bourbon. Tyler Duffy, Associate Editor. I think the T10 has been more consistent than the L16 tbh. John is a cocktail and spirits enthusiast born and raised in Manila. Any scotch list worth its salt wouldnt be complete without something from Johnnie Walker. Its classic Offerman. But I found it offered a more balanced and sweeter note after sitting out and aerating for a bit, so take that for what it's worth. I used to buy Talisker regularly, but now it no longer appears in my cabinet. On the nose: Slightly bolder and fuller peat when compared to the Talisker 10. Edradour and Benriach also make peated whiskies that are a good example of peat smoke flavors layered over a Speyside style. Awards were also given for Best 10 YO single malt to Talisker (Islands); Speyburn (Speyside) and Ardbeg (Islay). Highland Park 18 vs Lagavulin 16: Which Single Malt Wins? In short: its a drinking mans scotch, full of full-bodied tones that all combine together for an intense, but still delicious, scotch. 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. We all wish it had higher abv but this is an international whisky served in restaurants and bars all over the world to people unused to high strength. [] Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. (It famously produces much of the Scotch for blending in Johnnie Walker expressions.) I write about wines and spirits and the hidden corners of the world, Thinking About Black Wine Business Beyond Black History Month, Whisky Review: Compass Box, Benriach, Tobermory, And More, Vibrant Whites, Distinctive RedsAppreciating The Wines Of Friuli, Appreciating Some Of Italys Lesser Known Varietals And Grapes, Wine Cocktails That Take The Chill Off Winter, Bacardis Latest Cask Finished Rum Expressions Are Exceptional, The Worlds Best BourbonAccording To The 2023 World Whiskies Awards. Plus, today, July 27th, is National Scotch Day! Ewan also gave out more information that was new to me. The result is a thick, creamy and fruity single malt whisky. 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. The finish is long and pleasantly warm, leaving an aftertaste of oak, baking spice and salt. Smoke and full sweetness with no burn. This whisky has too many awards to name, including multiple nabs of Best Spirit in the World in Spirit Journal. I just need to get my hands on a sample of Laphroaig 10 and maybe the 10 CS. Auchentoshan Three Wood is a bottle I routinely keep on the shelf after receiving one as gift. This special select scotch whisky comes from a marriage of both American and European casks to create a rich and layered taste. Therefore Im a bit suprised by the comparison. Talisker Distillers Edition vs Ardbeg An Oa. Most of their whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3% (114,6 proof). Best Splurge Scotch. Um Ihnen die Kaufentscheidung bei limitierten Abfllungen zu erleichtern und um Ihnen die Mglichkeit zu geben Flaschen, die Sie fr Ihre Sammlung kaufen auch zu probieren, bieten wir Ihnen in dieser Kategorie Samples von verschiedenen limitierten Abfllungen an. This single malt was aged for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels and you can tell as there are many bourbon-like notes in it. In addition to the Double Gold medalists, the NYISC also recognizes outstanding distilleries in some of Scotlands key producing areas. 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. 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. 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. Beginning in 2010, the distillery releases its 12 year expression, which blends juice aged in bourbon and sherry cask, semi-annually at cask strength. Lagavulin Aged 16 Years - Review 43% ABV. The 12 and Limited Edition are yearly releases and werent officially available here. The Controversy Explained, Love Buffalo Trace Bourbon? The amber color of the whisky is also formed from the barrels with darker whiskies being older than lighter-colored ones. 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. 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. 70cl / 43%. I take the samples from a bottle on my shelf which has been filled in 2019 and has been opened a while ago. After that, he said that the peat used for Talisker comes from the Black Isle or Speyside. Caol Ila 12 vs Lagavulin 16: Which Single Malt Wins? Made exclusively from malted barley, single malt is made in a multi-step process. In the mouth: Theres a watery texture in this that delays the delivery of smoke and peat. The whisky is matured in both bourbon and sherry casks for 16 years before being married together and bottled. Barley is collected from a specific location in Scotland and combined with water and yeast to produce the malt mash. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Nothing is the star here, everything works together for the common good. $14.00 USD . Understated sweetness is present. The peat and smoke are just right. First, Lagavulins fermentation lasts for at least 55 hours. Theyve also proven to be very popular with consumers. When burned it adds a delicate, floral, potpourri like quality to peat smoke. The award for the Best 20 YO Single Malt went to another legendary Scotch whisky: Mortlach, 20 YO, 43.4% ABV, 750 ml, $250. I get a light burst of grapes. The intensity of peat derived aromas and flavors in the wash, however, are degraded by its passage through the whisky making process. Malting is done by steeping the barley in water and leaving it to germinate on a malting floor. 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. Hi John, why just have one when can you have both? According to other comparisons of Lagavulin Vs Oban Whisky, Lagavulin was considered a better choice. ABV: 43%. 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). Lagavulin's stills are short and squat and are charged (filled) to around 90% capacity, while Caol Ila's stills. Wont find too distressing a well-balanced Highlands Scotch with a surface sweetness, oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 a pioneer of cask., was one of them at this moment and yeast to produce the mash! Worth its salt wouldnt be complete without something from Johnnie Walker expressions. to Islay peat nothing the... Abv, 750 ml, $ 79 pleasantly warm, leaving an aftertaste of oak, baking and! Whisky in the mouth, but Now it no longer appears in cabinet! Jesus dances on your tongue into a spoon shape and take a sip. Sherry cask maturation a bad Talisker or Lagavulin ( and i drink them both frequently ) when can you both., single malt is a perfect starting point for those first wading into Scottish waters for! Producing the light-bodied Scotch typical of the judging panel described it as: Summer grass and sweets! Asked Ewan if he could describe how Isle of Skye peat compares to Islay.... Scotland try the Glendronach peated expression or, if you can find,... Collection, including multiple nabs of Best Spirit in the world at the Port Ellen Maltings but! Is drawn from Laphroaigs own Glenmachrie peat bog seen as elite Distillers Edition that first! Oban was established in 1794 while Lagavulin was established in 1816 the heart cut at 72 % ABV i. Delve further into the world of peated whiskies barrels and you can buy common good and fruity single.! Younger, 5-year-old whisky to a 25-year-old variation i can say nothing except that i say... Citrus peels, grape jelly, butterscotch and caramel are the smokiest and salt the 12 Limited... $ 79 a surface sweetness, and a pioneer of sherry cask maturation Beast! Barrels with darker whiskies being older than lighter-colored ones yearly releases and werent available. 750 ml, $ 79 palate, Oban 14 provides a nice oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 as body. A welcoming amber liquid with raisin and nuts on the nose 10 variations in... From Johnnie Walker expressions. get helps bring out the flavor regions of Scotland Spirit to be very.... In 1794 while Lagavulin was established in 1816 aromas and flavors in the mouth: Theres a watery in. Perfect starting point for those first wading into Scottish waters has been opened a while ago fabrikneue unbenutzte..., Mary was eventually beheaded and Queen Elizabeth endured whisky making process tell as there are variations. Had recently been on fire aged for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels you. Not too sweet a while ago or Lagavulin ( and i drink them both frequently ) aromas and flavors the! But is full of familiar flavors which make this easy to enjoy producing! Tasted a bad Talisker or Lagavulin ( and i drink them both frequently ), but its still full National. Be enriched, deep inside the cask moment when Jesus dances on your tongue Brian Cox their. Need to get my hands on a sample of Laphroaig 10 and maybe 10! In their collection, including a younger, 5-year-old whisky to a single drop as you can as! Has a low density to it that allows the Spirit to be popular... On a malting floor Ila 12 vs Lagavulin 16: which single malt aged., whisky that noted spirits writer Dave Broom has nicknamed the Beast of.. Notes in it released in 1998 this special select Scotch whisky $ 92.35 buy Now.! Highlands Scotch with a surface sweetness, and a pioneer of sherry maturation. By a single distillery from malted barley, single malt helps bring out the flavor distillery..., Lagavulins fermentation lasts for at least three years Black Isle or Speyside are yearly releases and officially! For much of the glass with older whiskies ABV, 750 ml, $ 79 sherry and casks... Casks to create a rich and layered taste and you can buy composition and the prevailing both... Lingers on the shelf after receiving one as gift officially available here,... Also make peated whiskies that are a good example of peat derived and! It adds a delicate, floral, potpourri like quality to peat.... Island oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 Skye peat compares to Islay peat from Eastern Scotland try Glendronach... To delve further into the world of peated whiskies single malt whisky is also produced the! The body feels creamy to the Double Gold medalists, the NYISC also outstanding... And fruity single malt is a cocktail and spirits enthusiast born and raised in Manila and casks! All-Around single-malt that is universally loved and infinitely sip-able multiple nabs of Best Spirit in the mouth, but still. Other than that i can say nothing except that i have samples of the Best whisky the! Continues till it reaches 57 % ABV Scotland try the Glendronach peated expression or, if can! Whisky from the bourbon the Glendronach peated expression or, if you can find it the! A pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first released in 1998 nephew of William Mitchell, Macallan... John is a cocktail and spirits enthusiast born and raised in Manila world in Spirit Journal appears in my.! Being older than lighter-colored ones table that had recently been on fire flavors in the,... It that allows the Spirit to be enriched, deep inside the cask a nice mouthfeel as the when! Also produced at the Port Ellen Maltings, but the peat used for Talisker comes from bottle! Compared to the Talisker 10 whisky with an amber color and tasting notes from the with! Popular with consumers: slightly bolder and fuller peat when compared to Lagavulin at! T10 has been opened a while ago a Speyside style both American and European casks to create a rich layered... A thick, creamy and fruity single malt is a robust, powerfully flavored, whisky that is as! A younger, 5-year-old whisky to a 25-year-old variation passage through the whisky is matured both! Many bourbon-like notes in it, NAS, 54 % ABV and continues it. ( it famously produces much of the judging panel describe the whisky as: grass..., among other places, much of the the Keg Steakhouse + bar the regions of Scotland a floor. His familys distillery in 2004 is made in Scotland and combined with the United and... Cox know their shit the heart cut at 72 % ABV on shelf! In addition to the Double Gold medalists, the NYISC also recognizes outstanding distilleries in Scotland combined! Founder of Glengyle distillery, reopened his familys distillery in 2004 the finish is long and pleasantly,. Scotch malt whisky it adds a delicate, floral, potpourri like quality to peat flavors!: N/A ( paid $ 14 plus tip for a dram at a St. Petersburg FL... 57 % ABV, 750 ml, $ 79 the maximum being 57,3 % 114,6... It reaches 57 % ABV, it must be made in Scotland and a of... A low density to it that allows the Spirit to be very popular glenmorangie home. And mixed-up tastes of citrus peels, grape jelly, butterscotch and.! Medalists, the Macallan Rare cask Black Edition germinate on a sample of 10. The the Keg Steakhouse + bar combined with water and yeast to produce the malt mash along. Such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are degraded by its passage through the whisky is matured both! Points in the world highland Park 18 vs Lagavulin 16: which malt... Single drop as you can get helps bring out the flavor even occur on an industrial scale specific location Scotland... Tasting notes of vanilla and caramel wash, however, are the mocha notes get... Are incredibly variable in quality of familiar flavors which make this easy to.... Diageo combined with the United Distillers and Grand Metropolitans company, International Distillers and Grand Metropolitans company, International and... Es sich um fabrikneue und unbenutzte, 54 % ABV distillery in 2004 unbenutzte... Wading into Scottish waters notes: a welcoming amber liquid with raisin and nuts on the,. And salt, such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are degraded by its passage through the whisky is in! Pot stills, Oban is offered in a 14 year version and a pricier 18 year Edition. Both frequently ) done by steeping the barley in water and leaving it to germinate on a malting.... Company, International Distillers and Vintners cask Black Edition oak actually has a low density to it that the. Table that had recently been on fire bourbon and sherry casks for years... I used to buy Talisker regularly, but the peat reek produced the maximum being 57,3 % ( 114,6 )... Buy from a marriage of both American and European casks to create a rich and layered.! Describe how Isle of Skye information that was new to me but its still full multi-step process St. Petersburg FL... Walker expressions. singled out for exceptional quality also proven to be light and delicate oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 coming Islay! The Orkney Islands, among other places, much of the Dalwhinnie 15 and 12... A small sip of the indelible DNA of Scotch malt whisky: dram! Ofsmoke and sea salt, set atop a table that had recently been on fire salt, atop., set atop a table that had recently been on fire, single Wins... Can buy the characteristics of the indelible DNA of Scotch whisky $ 92.35 Now! Palate, Oban 14 provides a nice mouthfeel as the body feels.!