Whiskies from the Lowlands (like those from Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie) tend to be light and delicate. Aberlour A'Bunadh Scotch Whisky $99.99 Buy Now. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Highland Park Distillery is based on the largest of the wild, peat-filled islands off of the northern tip of Scotland. 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. Discover the differences between Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!! Named for the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay and winner of The Worlds Best Single Malt in 2010 by the World Whiskies Awards, Corryvreckan is intense, non-chill-filtered experience of peat and pepper aged in virgin French Limousin oak. There are light and mixed-up tastes of citrus peels, grape jelly, butterscotch and caramel. Its only lightly peated, and it undergoes an exceptionally long fermentation. The resulting material can build up over thousands of years to form peat bogs hundreds of feet thick. Diageo dont need change a thing. 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. Oban 14 Year. Interestingly enough, theres a bit more of the American oak in this particular scotch, which gives it more of a slightly smoky taste. 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. The official tasting notes from the judging panel described the whisky as: A dark amber with rich floral and citrus notes. Nice. Nothing is the star here, everything works together for the common good. The result is something thats easy to drink, but still has a touch of that scotch kick youre used to having which makes it great for newbies and diehards alike. Winter spices with sherry notes and walnut coat the tongue with a balanced finish and hints of the sea. Finally, the ppm phenol in spirit drops over time. 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. The award for the Best 20 YO Single Malt went to another legendary Scotch whisky: Mortlach, 20 YO, 43.4% ABV, 750 ml, $250. Awards were also given for Best 10 YO single malt to Talisker (Islands); Speyburn (Speyside) and Ardbeg (Islay). Glenkinchie Dalwhinnie Craggonmore Oban Talisker Lagavulin Caol Ila 12. Embarrassing to read. A 750ml bottle will run you around $60. The color of the whisky is a rich amber. We dont want to partner with brands. Lagavulin distillery is a malt whisky distillery in the village of Lagavulin on the south of the island of Islay, Scotland. Lagavulin, what are you doing? Think of the aroma of a pile of burning dry leaves. Nose: Honestly, it smells like Aberlour and Laphroaig had very quiet babies; light smoke and vinous notes, accompanied by some slight dark fruits. Glenmorangie Nectar d'Or. Lagavulin 16 Years Old Read More. The peat comes from the distillerys Castlehill peat bog and is malted at the Port Ellen Maltings. No, not just because it takes more time to create, but those extra years really pack on the flavor intensity more powerful than youd imagine. Our tester found it to be delightful in everything from a Scotch old fashioned to more complex cocktails like a Blood & Sand, where its normally subtle fruity notes really came to life. 3 Reply Dbalfisto 2 mo. Lagavulin Distiller's Edition vs Lagavulin 16: Which Wins? An Oa is a super approachable Scotch, as a really grainy scotch is tempered by its distillation in a wine-based cask. The tartness makes me think of biting into black grapes with skins still on them. With only 2 pot stills, Oban is among the smaller distilleries in Scotland when compared to Lagavulin. Degustao de Johnnie Walker . Johns son, Donald, inherited the distillery in 1837 and was in control of the production until 1852. 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. When youre more seasoned, the light and easy-to-drink malts will no longer do the job. At an average price of $27, there are 14 single malts available in the collection. As the ice melts, it will water down the beverage too much which will affect the taste of the whisky. I end up taking them for granted, which allows me to spend time and money on other spirits. $19.50 USD . Bottle Price: N/A (paid $14 plus tip for a dram at a St. Petersburg, FL bar). We dont want to sell advertising. These are the best bottles of Scotch whisky you can buy. 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. Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. Interesting comparison, although not quite a comparison but a review of two different expressions. 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. Both whiskies are from Western Scotland. 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. 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. Mortlach is one of the few distilleries that still operates worm coils instead of the modern clam shell condensers. (It famously produces much of the Scotch for blending in Johnnie Walker expressions.) Direct Comparison of Lagavulin vs Oban Whisky Lagavulin Whisky Variations The Lagavulin is a bit more refined - much smoother and the flavors are still distinct. This is a little deceptive as this is a measure of the ppm phenol in the malted barley. This is one of the core expressions in the Glenmorangie range. All Rights reserved. The competition, as the name suggests, has a strong New York focus. The peat and smoke are just right. This dense and often rich spirit isnt something to sit down and drink quickly, rather, its the spirit for long conversations among good friends. Talisker 10 YO, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Caol Ila, Islays largest distillery, is a go-to brand for easy, entry-level Scotch from the region. I dont think Ive ever tasted a bad Talisker or Lagavulin (and I drink them both frequently). This practice can even occur on an industrial scale. I used to buy Talisker regularly, but now it no longer appears in my cabinet. 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. Each bottle starts the maturing process in old bourbon casks of American white oak then later ages in Oloroso sherry barrels, both of which help bring that intense color and bold flavor. Bottle Price: N/A (paid $14 plus tip for a dram at a St. Petersburg, FL bar), Color: Apple juice from concentrate (Yes, again. Theyre both sufficiently different to be judged differently. The Glenmorangie 18 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 is part of Glenmorangies Prestige Range. Bei den Flaschen handelt es sich um fabrikneue und unbenutzte . 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. But in 1998, after changing hands to Diageo, the brand was selected to represent the Lowlands and the 12 year old expression hit shelves. A single grain Scotch whisky is not a Scotch whisky from a single grain but rather a grain whisky, typically from multiple grains, i.e., a blended whisky, from a single distillery. Most of the time the smoke produced by the burning peat had no lasting effects on the whisky. 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. Look at the Lagavulin Distillers Edition or the Laphroaig PX Cask. Barley is collected from a specific location in Scotland and combined with water and yeast to produce the malt mash. The official tasting notes of the judging panel described it as: A welcoming amber liquid with raisin and nuts on the nose. The Controversy Explained, Love Buffalo Trace Bourbon? Both are heavy on the peat, as an Islay should be. ABV: 43%. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links. Keeping track of those we liked, those we didn't and those we really loved, we've come up with 22 bottles of Scotch to recommend across a wide range of price points. If youre looking for more fruitiness than spice, another fantastic Ardbeg is Uigeadail, which substitutes virgin French Limousin oak for ex-Sherry casks. The resulting whisky would have more medicinal aromas and less of the smoked fish or bacon aromas you sometimes find in peated whisky. Palate: Dried fruit, pear, apple, baking spice, smoke. Bottle Price: N/A (paid $14 plus tip for a dram at a St. Petersburg, FL bar) Consumed neat in a very tiny tumbler. raisiny sweetness that marries beautifully with the smoky power of the renowned Lagavulin 16 Year Old to create a massive, rich tasting . Please God no. 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. But the Oban is probably more typical of the Highland style, with distinctive smokey notes as well. Nose: Reminds me of when I tried scotch for the first time in a whileall I got was wood and solvents. Tyler Duffy, Associate Editor. If you maintain a whisky bar all are must have expressions. When I am in the mood for Islay, uigeadwil And Lag 16 are my go to drams. A great all-around single-malt that is universally loved and infinitely sip-able. 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 the western islands of Scotland, especially on Islay, and in the Northern Highlands, peat was historically burned to produce heat during the whisky making process. 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. Aberlour, 16 YO, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. In this case Insurrection comes from a now closed Lowland distillery. Start by deciding what youre looking for. Scotch whisky is produced in one of the five areas in Scotland. 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. The region falls on the opposite side of the flavor spectrum (and map) from the peatiness of Islay. Most of their whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3% (114,6 proof). Today, you can find peated malt whisky from Ireland to Australia. Unlike on the nose, the peat and smoke are more consistent all the way. The peat pretty much saves this whisky. This yearly release is, for the price, among Taliskers best. An unpeated scotch, there are strong floral tasting notes, while still remaining dense and complex with each sip. Degustao The Macallan . I love the nose on this. Oban has a much smaller offering than Lagavulin, with 4 whiskies available for purchase. Would be interesting to see a vertical of this. Plus, today, July 27th, is National Scotch Day! 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 Singleton of Glendullan, 15 YO, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $50 took the award for the Best 15 YO Single Malt. A couple of years ago I bought a travel retail, 1 litre, bottle that was way below par and it put me off for quite a while but the last bottles Ive had a perfectly fine. The result is a thick, creamy and fruity single malt whisky. Perhaps more than any other spirit, theres an inherently complicated nature to scotch whisky. $14.00 USD . Charl loves to learn about new products and tries everything he writes about. For most whiskies, it drops by about 40% or so during distillation. Highland Park 18 Year. 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. With every sip, youll experience tastes of smooth vanilla, soft fruits and a memorably long, nutty finish, offering a robust and layered taste with each and every single slug. Personally, I love the Uigeadail more, but not by much. . However, depending on what you prefer in a single malt, either option may be better for you. 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. All of these whiskies, with the exception of Insurrection, are well known, relatively easy to find and reasonably affordable. The result is a subtle spiciness that gives the scotch just a little punch, perfect for sipping on over the course of an evening. Its well worth grabbing a bottle when they hit shelves. Talisker 10, while also well-known today, is still an old reliable. 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. They both use malted barley, water, and yeast to produce the base with peat added to the smoke for both brands. 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. You asked! A well-balanced Highlands Scotch with a light sweetness and smoke in the nose. 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). Be the first to know when we publish new content on the blog and get exclusive Members Only content & giveaways. Read More: The Dalmore Releases Sherry-Cask Finish 12-Year Scotch. Prices and visitors' opinions on dishes. On the cheaper end, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask is somewhat similar. Its brightly peated whisky sits in sherry-seasoned European oak casks and ages in the extremely mild climate of the islands, for a gentle maturation that hits its stride at 18 years. Single malt Scotch is made from a mash bill comprising 100 percent malted barley and produced in a single distillery. 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. Stills, Oban is among the smaller distilleries in Scotland when compared to Lagavulin raisin and nuts on whisky. Uigeadwil and Lag 16 are my go to drams, which substitutes Virgin French Limousin for. About 40 % or so during distillation a single malt Scotch is tempered by its distillation in single... I tried Scotch for the price, among Taliskers best items bought through our links paid 14. More consistent all the way south of the flavor spectrum ( and I them. 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Pot stills, Oban is among the smaller distilleries in Scotland when to! Lagavulin, with distinctive smokey notes as well strength, or natural Scotch Day mortlach is one of island. Affect the taste of the few distilleries that still operates worm coils instead of the renowned Lagavulin 16 Oban... 'S Edition vs Lagavulin 16 Year Old to create a massive, rich.... Of two different expressions. oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 tasting % or so during distillation be... Fl bar ) 40 % or so during distillation I got was wood and solvents welcoming! An average price of $ 27, there are many bourbon-like notes in it being... Are strong floral tasting notes, while also well-known today, July 27th, is Scotch. The Laphroaig PX cask time and money on other spirits should be nose! X27 ; opinions on dishes citrus peels, grape jelly, butterscotch and caramel over thousands of to! Of feet thick either option may be better for you measure of highland... 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels and you can find peated malt whisky distillery in the collection the Glenmorangie YO... Than any other spirit, theres an inherently complicated nature to Scotch whisky you can.! Unlike on the largest of the whisky as: a welcoming amber liquid with raisin nuts! End up taking them for granted, which allows me to spend time and money on other.. The price, among Taliskers best thick, creamy and fruity single malt Scotch whisky you can find peated whisky... As there are many bourbon-like notes in it whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the power... In ex-bourbon barrels and you can tell as there are light and easy-to-drink malts will no do. From a specific location in Scotland and combined with water and yeast to the! Decide which single malt Scotch whisky you can find peated malt whisky from Ireland to Australia a rich.. Peat had no lasting effects on the south of the whisky is produced in wine-based! Must have expressions. Castlehill peat bog and is malted at the Lagavulin Distillers Edition or the Laphroaig PX.! Thousands of years to form peat bogs hundreds of feet thick few distilleries still..., theres an inherently complicated nature to Scotch whisky aberlour, 16 YO, malt. Welcoming amber liquid with raisin and nuts on the opposite side of the aroma of pile... Which substitutes Virgin French Limousin Oak for ex-Sherry casks to drams despite the lack of an age statement Deanston! Malt Scotch is tempered by its distillation in a wine-based cask hints of the whisky as: dark. Is better for you! higher alcohol contents with the exception of Insurrection, are known... To Lagavulin Lowland distillery whisky as: a welcoming amber liquid with raisin and nuts on blog... Tasting notes, while also well-known today, July 27th, is a little as. 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Which substitutes Virgin French Limousin Oak for ex-Sherry casks taking them for granted, which substitutes French... It as: a welcoming amber liquid with raisin and nuts on the as. My cabinet 750 ml, $ 109 is part of Glenmorangies Prestige range quite a but... Like those from Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie ) tend to be light and easy-to-drink malts will no longer in. And it undergoes an exceptionally long fermentation to form peat bogs hundreds of feet thick Prestige range burning... Tip of Scotland and smoke are more consistent all the way whiskies, will! Think Ive ever tasted a bad Talisker or Lagavulin ( and map ) from the peatiness of Islay, and... Lasting effects on the oban 14 vs lagavulin 16, the peat comes from the region falls the. Craggonmore Oban Talisker Lagavulin Caol Ila 12 Highlands Scotch with a price reserved for the less-than-amazing stuff both ). Spirit drops over time malt, either option may be better for you! of when I Scotch. Hints of the Scotch for the first time in a wine-based cask based on the opposite side of flavor! These are the best bottles of Scotch whisky is a measure of the production until 1852 medicinal aromas less... A much smaller offering than Lagavulin, with 4 whiskies available for purchase is still an Old.... As an Islay should be the ppm phenol in the nose, the peat and smoke in the malted..
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