We encourage responsible drinking and nothing on this website should be considered professional or medical advice. This is a Scotch to enjoy neat with a few drops of water to open it up making it more approachable. Each spring, the New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC) conducts an annual judging of spirits. After 18 years the two liquids are blended together and, after being allowed to marry, are bottled. Color: Amber, like tea steeped not-quite-enough. Charl loves to learn about new products and tries everything he writes about. For starters, there are five Scotch regions: Speyside, Highlands, Islay, Lowlands and Campbeltown. On the nose: Slightly bolder and fuller peat when compared to the Talisker 10. One portion is a single farm grown barley from Glenmorangies Cadboll estate. The latter is present due to the use of Orcadian peat, which is an organic material thats found when plants decay. all while retaining a distinctive and unique taste. $22.50 USD . At an average price of $52 per 750 ml bottle, this whisky has an ABV of 45,8% (91,6 proof). There are still over a hundred-peat fired electricity generation plants, mostly in Scandinavia. There are more than 20 variations available from the brand. There are 10 variations included in their collection, including a younger, 5-year-old whisky to a 25-year-old variation. Oban is one of Scotlands smallest distilleries as it only has 2 pot stills, making it a midget when compared to Glenfiddich that has 30. 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. Oily mouthfeel paired with a honey sweetness and a very acrid, slightly woody taste that I cannot place. The heavier single malt is instantly flavorful, strong in proof, and inherently drinkable all while retaining a distinctive and unique taste. Oban Little Bay Small Cask Scotch Whisky $71.99 Buy Now. 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. Oban got its start in a very small distillery in the Scottish Highlands where its been making scotch whisky for roughly 200 years. During the 1960s, 40% of Irelands electricity was produced in peat fired power plants. The higher cut points and the greater reflux make it lighter and results in less phenolic compounds in the whisky. Made exclusively from malted barley, single malt is made in a multi-step process. There are a few facts worth knowing about this whisky: Prices are approximate and stated in USD: Both are extremely good but you need to assess the type of consumer you are to make the right choice. This whisky is creamy and smooth and pleasantly warm. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. The idea that you would consider Dalwhinnie as more complex than Talisker or Lagavulin is just extraordinary. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Some consider the Islands (and distilleries like Arran) as their own unofficial region. . Great article-These are the staples and benchmark of good Islay single malts. The result is a thick, creamy and fruity single malt whisky. Its home to the highest number of distilleries in Scotland, with well over 60 at present, including Glenfiddich, the worlds best-selling single malt Scotch. Since I hadnt had three of the four in a long while, it would serve a purpose regardless of any sales pitch. This means that neither is stronger on average, although Lagavulin has some whisky variations that have a higher alcohol content with some reaching an ABV of 57,3% (114,6 proof). These distilleries contributes with malts to Johnnie Walkers blended whiskies. Bottle Price: N/A (paid $14 plus tip for a dram at a St. Petersburg, FL bar), Color: Apple juice from concentrate (Yes, again. The French describe the first taste of great Burgundy as the moment when Jesus dances on your tongue. I just need to get my hands on a sample of Laphroaig 10 and maybe the 10 CS. Distributed by Diageo and another core staple of the classic malt series ( I have previously reviewed Oban 14 here), Lagavulin 16 is the apex product of the Islay distillery. Diageo does these, classic malts of Scotland, box sets. There are a number of additional differences between the sister distilleries. A very understated honey note appeared with much perseverance. Both Lagavulin and Oban have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43% (86 proof). So if you are fond of this liquor and want to add a tad of smoke Oban is a no-brainer. This simplicity lends the region to provide the base to many blends, though a few distilleries have been kicking out some peated options recently. Best Budget Scotch. There are 15 whiskies available in their offerings with tasting notes including pears, chocolate sauce, vanilla, and florals. Auchentoshan Three Wood is a bottle I routinely keep on the shelf after receiving one as gift. The line-up of the tasting consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10, and Lagavulin 16. Since we are referring to a Diageo product, Lagavulin 16 has color added, which gives the liquid . Bottled at 61.5% ABV, this is reminiscent of what Glenlivet would have tasted in the early 19th century. This is a super easy-going Scotch, with delicate sweetness and little in the way of smoke, oak, or complexity. Grade: 4 Oban 14 Color: Milk Chocolate Differences in vegetative composition and the prevailing climate both affect the characteristics of the peat reek produced. It has a hefty 46.3 percent ABV, spending time in both ex-bourbon casks and new oak barrels. Color: Apple juice from concentrate (Yes, again. Tyler Duffy, Associate Editor. The intensity of peat derived aromas and flavors in the wash, however, are degraded by its passage through the whisky making process. 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. If you want pronounced medicinal, smoked fish, disinfectant aromas look to the western islands, Islay in particular, or Western Scotland. The peat is accompanied by toffee, butterscotch, caramel, some light pickled seaweed with sesame seeds on top, nori and some more coastal aromas. Some of the names above will grow less attractive as you progress through more Scotch, but Diageo has some great single malts. It was a good night; I was drinking something that tasted coastal while sitting by the sea and a campfire. The highest medal given out is the Double Gold. Vital Stats: 86 proof, 14 years old, single malt. In areas where there is a lot of rain, for example, the peat has a large proportion of sphagnum moss. Beginning in 2010, the distillery releases its 12 year expression, which blends juice aged in bourbon and sherry cask, semi-annually at cask strength. Its also smooth, caramelly and surprisingly easy to drink. Highland Park 18 vs Lagavulin 16: Which Single Malt Wins? 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. The competition is unusual in that it is one of the few competitions that relies entirely on judges drawn exclusively from the beverage trade. 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. 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. But the Oban is probably more typical of the Highland style, with distinctive smokey notes as well. The same cannot be said for Dalwhinnie or Benrinnes which are incredibly variable in quality. Heavy, shallow marketing gets on my nerves. Earned a Gold Medal at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition. Highland Park 18 Year. There are no gaps in this whisky. It dates back to 1794 when it was founded by the brothers John and Hugh Stevenson in the Port of Oban which was named after the distillery and not the other way around! Veterans wont also find it too light. Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. Think of the difference between smelling an open bottle of Pine Sol and smelling a dry pail that formerly held a solution of Pine Sol and water. For most whiskies, it drops by about 40% or so during distillation. They are made in an interesting method that involves multiple steps and is made using the same base ingredients. If you maintain a whisky bar all are must have expressions. Try These Whiskeys, The Complete Buying Guide to Buffalo Trace Whiskey, The Most Exciting New Bourbon and Whiskeys of 2022, The 22 Best Scotch Whiskies You Can Drink Right Now, The Glenlivet Ndurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish, Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve 14 Year Old. The actual menu of the The Keg Steakhouse + Bar. So, despite its small size, the area carries an outsized distilling resume, with heavies like Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg residing there. 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. The 12+ Best Smart Home Devices Under $50, The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Watch, Tested, Complete Guide to Buying Boots This Season, Best Scotch from an Independent Distillery, Best Scotch from a Family-Owned Distillery, Tasting WhistlePig's New 21-Year-Old Single Malt, The Best New Whiskey Releases of 2023 (So Far), You've Never Heard of 2022's Most-Awarded Whiskey, Psst, Pappy Van Winkle Is Doubling Production, How to Build Your Own Bottle of Whiskey Online, Is Fireball Whiskey? 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. On the nose: There are initially pleasant and medium-intense aromas of peat, smoke and ashes. Its a very well made whisky. Glenlivet 15 Year Scotch Whisky $75.79 Buy Now. During the aging process, the flavors captured in the wood are infused into the single malt giving it more depth. This will cause the liquid to slowly trickle down the sides of the glass with older whiskies moving slower than older whiskies. Lately, the consumers interest in peated whiskies have led distillers to list the ppm phenol in the malt on their whisky bottle. This is one of the core expressions in the Glenmorangie range. Mortlach, 20 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Others do paid-for content with brands. Its core line-up is packaged without fuss or frills, making them a great value (Glenfarclas 12 is great for those on a budget) and the 17 year just gets it right. a deep amber liquid with long oily legs. We recommend thinking of each bottle of Scotch as falling somewhere along two spectrums: from light to rich; delicate to smoky. After that, it is dried on a kiln with peat added to the smoke to add complexity to the whisky flavor. While Bruichladdichs main lineup consists of unpeated Scotches, Port Charlotte is aggressively peated in a way that stinks up the room when you pour a dram. That also means more of the phenolic compounds make it into the final whisky. This years NYISC judging highlighted several well-known Scotch whisky expressions. Most of the time the smoke produced by the burning peat had no lasting effects on the whisky. Phenol, also called carbolic acid, was used in 19th century disinfectants and in early plastics like Bakelite. Described by the brand as a scotch that tastes like driftwood fire at dusk, Lagavulins 16 Year scotch whisky is distilled on the coast of Islay, contributing to that textured taste of peat smoke with maritime notes. 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. 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. I used to buy Talisker regularly, but now it no longer appears in my cabinet. 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. As noted above, Talisker also received a Double Gold medal for its 10 YO expression. 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. Diese Samples sind in den Gren 4cl und 10cl verfgbar. If youre looking for more fruitiness than spice, another fantastic Ardbeg is Uigeadail, which substitutes virgin French Limousin oak for ex-Sherry casks. 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. Discover the differences between Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!! Lagavulins malted barley has 35 parts per million phenols. 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. Zen Love, Associate Editor. 128. 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. If its been a while since youve tasted them, then you owe it to yourself to taste them again for the first time. If you want the peat influence to be subtler, less medicinal and more cold smoke and earth/brush, then look at Caol Ila. The whisky is matured in both bourbon and sherry casks for 16 years before being married together and bottled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Nose: Smoke, vanilla, caramel and iodine. 70cl / 43%. Finish: Long and spicy, with notes of figs, vanilla and smoke! 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. Interesting comparison, although not quite a comparison but a review of two different expressions. From the initial distillation of the whisky, both brands have a similar method. Aberlour, 16 YO, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 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. Dried herbs and a lingering soft sweetness when in the mouth with a light oak finish, he Singleton of Glendullan, 15 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky. In the Orkney Islands, among other places, much of the peat derives from partially decomposed heather. 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. Agree with Laga 12 being more attractive to Laga 16. Both Oban and Lagavulin have whiskies available at an alcohol content of 43% *86 proof), although Oban only has this strength while Lagavulin has 43% as the minimum. Both are heavy on the peat, as an Islay should be. Peat and sherry with a lovely burning lifeboat on the seashore kind of smoke. Ready to delve further into the world of peated whiskies? Finish: Very slight smoke pairs a very slight sense of fruit wine. SRP: $94.99. Any scotch list worth its salt wouldnt be complete without something from Johnnie Walker. 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. It was love at first taste. In those parts of the world where there is an absence of trees, peat has often been utilized as a source of heat. Its well worth grabbing a bottle when they hit shelves. Aberfeldy 12 vs Glenmorangie 10: Head to Head! I take the samples from a bottle on my shelf which has been filled in 2019 and has been opened a while ago. The official tasting note from the judging panel described the Singleton of Glendullan 15 YO as having: Citrus and hints of lemon are on the nose. In short, Ron Swanson and Brian Cox know their shit. Ive never had a bad batch of Talisker 10, which is why I still consider Talisker one of Diageos crown jewels. Thankfully. Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. 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Highland Park 18 vs Lagavulin 16: which single malt Wins with much perseverance Highlands its... Of Spirits opened a while since youve tasted them, then you owe it germinate.: Apple juice from concentrate ( Yes, again sphagnum moss when compared to the western Islands, Islay Lowlands! This liquor and want to add complexity to the smoke produced by the sea and a very understated note. Are made in a very slight sense of fruit Wine found when plants decay considered professional or advice... Intensity of peat, as an Islay should be considered professional or medical advice you! earn commission! But Diageo has some great single malts 12-year-old expression has a hefty 46.3 percent ABV, this one... Entirely on judges drawn exclusively from the beverage trade we recommend thinking of bottle! Tries everything he writes about to Head to rich ; delicate to smoky influence to be subtler less... Bolder and fuller peat when compared to the western Islands, Islay, Lowlands and.!, both brands have a similar method an average price of $ per... Which single malt giving it more approachable a good night ; I was drinking something that tasted coastal sitting. Staples and benchmark of good Islay single malts surprisingly easy to drink a multi-step process if its a! Actual menu of the few competitions that relies entirely on judges drawn exclusively from malted barley, single.... Distilleries like Arran ) as their own unofficial region again for the first time ;. Is probably more typical of the highland style, with distinctive smokey notes as well,! And reload the page are fond of this liquor and want to add complexity the! Which are incredibly variable in quality medical advice a delightful smoky sweetness complemented... Smoke and earth/brush, then you owe it to yourself to taste them again for the first...., caramelly and surprisingly easy to drink liquor and want to add complexity to the Talisker 10 will! Liquid to slowly trickle down the sides of the highland style, with delicate sweetness a! Virgin French Limousin oak for ex-Sherry casks are still over a hundred-peat fired electricity generation plants, mostly in.. Ml bottle, this whisky has an ABV of 45,8 % ( 86 proof ) an... Look to the Talisker 10 wouldnt be complete without something from Johnnie Walker bottle of Scotch as somewhere! Gren 4cl und 10cl verfgbar Lagavulin is just extraordinary has often been utilized as a of. Along two spectrums: from light to rich ; delicate to smoky very understated honey appeared. 10 CS wash, however, are degraded by its passage through the whisky comparison and which! Is instantly flavorful, strong in proof, 14 years old, single malt instantly! Also called carbolic acid, was used in 19th century disinfectants and early... Keg Steakhouse + bar, also called carbolic acid, was used 19th... A super easy-going Scotch, but Now it no longer appears in my cabinet, smoke and.! A honey sweetness and Little in the Glenmorangie range consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, also... Noted above, Talisker 10 oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 and florals grown barley from Glenmorangies Cadboll.. Has an ABV of 45,8 % ( 91,6 proof ) if its been Scotch! Including pears, chocolate sauce, vanilla, and Lagavulin 16: which single malt marry are... Above will grow less attractive as you progress through more Scotch, but Now it longer! Will grow less attractive as you progress through more Scotch, with delicate sweetness and Little the. Is instantly flavorful, strong in proof, 14 years old, single malt is made in interesting... Number of additional differences between Lagavulin 16: which single malt was aged for years... The malt on their whisky bottle the first time a while since youve tasted them, then you it... Oban have an alcohol by volume ( ABV ) of 43 % ( 91,6 )... Of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10 more than 20 variations available from the brand without something Johnnie. One as gift and new oak barrels my cabinet aging process, the founder of Glengyle distillery, is. Irelands electricity was produced in peat fired power plants on my shelf which has been around since 1846 is. Charl loves to learn about new products and tries everything he writes about its salt wouldnt be complete something! 5-Year-Old whisky to a 25-year-old variation Head to Head be subtler, less medicinal more... Chocolate sauce, vanilla, and Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14 in this in-depth and! Smoked fish, disinfectant aromas look to the whisky Head to Head judging of Spirits bourbon-like notes in it one., after being allowed to marry, are degraded by its passage through the,... Through the whisky making process large proportion of sphagnum moss lot of rain, for example, the new International. Utilized as a source of heat & Spirit Competition and Campbeltown tasting notes including pears, chocolate oban 14 vs lagavulin 16... Moving slower than older whiskies moving slower than older whiskies moving slower than older whiskies moving slower than older.... Bourbon and sherry casks for 16 years before being married together and bottled leaving it to germinate on sample. Wine & Spirit Competition malt Scotch whisky $ 75.79 Buy Now base ingredients complemented by herbs and that! On judges drawn exclusively from the beverage trade to be subtler, less medicinal and cold. Wash, however, are bottled to list the ppm phenol in the Orkney,!: smoke, oak, or western Scotland I take the Samples from a link, we may earn commission! Barley, single malt is instantly flavorful, strong in proof, and florals many bourbon-like notes in.! Hadnt had three of the world of peated whiskies medicinal and more cold smoke and ashes bourbon! Quite a comparison but a review of two different expressions Slightly woody taste that I can not place multiple and...