Agree with Laga 12 being more attractive to Laga 16. Lagavulin's stills are short and squat and are charged (filled) to around 90% capacity, while Caol Ila's stills. I first had this in 2014, when it came in the solid dark blue box. This is a superb whisky that combines notes of chocolate, dried fruit, candied citrus peel and bread pudding notes into a layered, complex, absolutely stunning whisky at a very affordable price. $14.00 USD . 38.95 from The Whisky Exchange. Both distilleries, about 45 minutes apart at opposite ends of Islay, are owned by Diageo and use identically peated malt when making peated whiskies. exciting because its made with barley from island farms that are then blended with bourbon and wine barrels. Indeed, they are part of the indelible DNA of Scotch malt whisky. The malted barley is peated in Glen Ord. One portion is a single farm grown barley from Glenmorangies Cadboll estate. Lagavulin 16 Color: Dark Chocolate Nose: Actually kinda smokey. 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. Large in land but small in output, the Lowlands is home to only a handful of distilleries, with Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie being the most well-known. The Speyburn 10 was described by the judging panel as: A fine medley of baked apple and orange on the nose. At the tasting, it was nice to finally learn more about them after being a casual fan for so long. Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. There are 10 variations included in their collection, including a younger, 5-year-old whisky to a 25-year-old variation. The only common denominator is peat and different peat at that. The intensity of peat derived aromas and flavors in the wash, however, are degraded by its passage through 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. This particular expression spends 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels before 30% is transferred to Oloroso Sherry butts. The Oban Core Range at the Oban Distillery. Oban 14 Years Old is a wee bit oily and quite a bit weighty. 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. 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). Each spring, the New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC) conducts an annual judging of spirits. Whisky reviews with objectivity and transparency. Best Budget Scotch. This whisky is the holy trinity doing the 4 hand reel in your mouth. Yes. 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. On the palate, Oban 14 provides a nice mouthfeel as the body feels creamy. Nice. The official tasting notes from the judging panel describe the whisky as: Summer grass and dark sweets are on the nose. Named the Best Single Malt Whisky at theSan Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013. 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. Overpriced? Finish: Long and spicy, with notes of figs, vanilla and smoke! Floral and dried dark fruit on the tongue with a balanced long finish with a soft layer of honey. The line-up of the tasting consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore 12, Talisker 10, and Lagavulin 16. With its distinct dry smokiness, the Offerman Edition resides squarely within the Lagavulin canon, but the differences from the 16-year-old are noticeable. I have watched with mild dismay over the years as my two favorites eventually became vastly popular. The distillery has six stills, all of which have a unique shape. 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. All content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. The amber color of the whisky is also formed from the barrels with darker whiskies being older than lighter-colored ones. Ephemeral, though my sinus are redolent with the reverberations of dark fruits for some time after swallowing. Lagavulin 16 Years Old Read More. 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. Hope . The result is a creamy, fruity whisky with hints of smoke and a salty sea breeze. Whiskies from the Lowlands (like those from Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie) tend to be light and delicate. Our editors independently select the products we recommend. 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. In addition, the distillery uses a small still, nicknamed the wee witchy, in which the heads and tails of prior distillation runs are redistilled. Discover the differences between Lagavulin 16 vs Oban 14 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!! It was prominently featured in Diageos Classic Malts Collection as a quintessential example of a West Highlands malt. This gets slightly pricklier and more tart at the end. 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). After that, he said that the peat used for Talisker comes from the Black Isle or Speyside. Ive had hotter whisky with lower ABV. 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. Aberlour A'Bunadh Scotch Whisky $99.99 Buy Now. The brands scotches are produced on original Victorian-era machinery in order to stay true to whats worked well all this time. Colour: E150a. 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. 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. 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. The spirit is made from water and malted barley or other malted grains and aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. In between those are light aromas of mandarin oranges, burnt lint, ashes, more citrus peels and digestive biscuits. This dense and often rich spirit isnt something to sit down and drink quickly, rather, its the spirit for long conversations among good friends. I did Ardbeg 10 last year. All scotch whisky seemingly has a deep and long history behind it, but Bruichladdich puts that history to use, literally. The 8 year only recently became a regular release. Even the growing trend for American malt whiskeys prominently features peated whiskey. Both whisky brands are situated in Scotland, with Lagavulin established on the isle of Islay while Oban was established in the Kintyre Peninsula. 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. The whisky does not carry an age statement, but it includes whiskies up to 40 years old in the blend. None have failed me. 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 also smooth, caramelly and surprisingly easy to drink. Plus, today, July 27th, is National Scotch Day! It tends to impart flavors of cold smoke and dry brush. Oban ages for 14 years in ex-bourbon barrels. Lagavulin 16 has a strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. If its been a while since youve tasted them, then you owe it to yourself to taste them again for the first time. Lagavulins fermentation lasts for 55 hours, while Caol Ilas last for 80 hours. Single malt is a type of whisky that is seen as elite. This is a super easy-going Scotch, with delicate sweetness and little in the way of smoke, oak, or complexity. Oban is offered in a 14 year version and a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was first released in 1998. We dont have that set available here. Grade: 4 Oban 14 Color: Milk Chocolate Others do paid-for content with brands. Sent to your inbox every Friday! Its only lightly peated, and it undergoes an exceptionally long fermentation. But, this 11 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky isnt as ordinary as you might think. Matured exclusively in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, this has big butterscotch and sherried fruit, mix with a little peat smoke for an easy-drinking, reliable Scotch. A 750ml bottle will run you around $60. Newbie me thought $50 was great for a 16-year single malt, but in 2014, the 16 was the only regular release. Not anymore, thanks to its win at the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition. Mortlach, 20 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Interestingly enough, theres a bit more of the American oak in this particular scotch, which gives it more of a slightly smoky taste. On the cheaper end, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask is somewhat similar. It develops in areas where organic matter is covered by water before it can fully decompose. While sticker shock might steer you toward their more economical and no less worthy 12-year-old bottle, the extra age on this bottle 21 years in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks is outstanding for special occasions. If youre a beginner, youre highly likely to go through brands of theirs like Johnnie Walker, Talisker, Lagavulin, and Singleton. Smooth? 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! Talisker Distillers Edition vs Ardbeg An Oa. Most people who like Lagavulin 16 also like Talisker 10 (which I prefer over the Ardbeg). 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. Oban ages their whisky in oak barrels with the barrels being old American Oak bourbon barrels. The finish is long, sweet and pleasantly warm, with more smoke to it. Oily mouthfeel paired with a honey sweetness and a very acrid, slightly woody taste that I cannot place. Talisker 10 YO, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Glenkinchie Dalwhinnie Craggonmore Oban Talisker Lagavulin Caol Ila 12. While he has been coached to niche down, he has many passions. When youre more seasoned, the light and easy-to-drink malts will no longer do the job. 128. Think kippers. The name is a reference to the Catholic Insurrection in England in the early sixteenth century that attempted to topple Queen Elizabeth I and replace her with her half-sister, Mary Queen of Scots. Most of their whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3% (114,6 proof). For many Scotch lovers, Deanston has probably been off the radar. 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. Its a very well made whisky. According to the official tasting note submitted by the judging panel, the whisky exhibits: Whiffs of tobacco and dark chocolate and berries are found in the nose. Meanwhile, distilleries from the Highlands, the largest region in Scotland, take cues from each of the other regions. The Best Kinds of Whiskey That Belong on Everyones Bar Cart, Sign up for SPY news straight to your inbox every day. Thats why peated whiskies can sometimes have a medicinal/disinfectant or plastic-like aroma. Flavor is rich, with a deliciousblast of smoke, caramel, along fruity sweetness. 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. 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 competition is unusual in that it is one of the few competitions that relies entirely on judges drawn exclusively from the beverage trade. 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. Peated whiskies are quintessentially Scottish. Ardbeg is a brand of Scottish single malt that is situated a short distance from Lagavulin. Single malt Scotch is made from a mash bill comprising 100 percent malted barley and produced in a single distillery. Veterans wont also find it too light. [] 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. 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. Lately, the consumers interest in peated whiskies have led distillers to list the ppm phenol in the malt on their whisky bottle. It has a peat and oyster, rockpool, character. Oban whisky is very different from many of its West Highland kin. Hey, if the shoe fits). Bottle Price: N/A (paid $14 plus tip for a dram at a St. Petersburg, FL bar). Its buttery, with a surface sweetness, and a range of spicy notes that gives it plenty of depth. I am a bar and liquor shop owner in Oaxaca, Mexico where I have tasted hundreds of different spirits; perhaps more than I should! 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. But we could do with your support each month think of it as buying us a dram. There are still over a hundred-peat fired electricity generation plants, mostly in Scandinavia. 105. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Scotch Whisky $94.99 Buy Now. After those are slightly lighter aromas of butterscotch, nori, rocks wet with sea water, dried apricots, orange peels, orange jelly and dehydrated lemon peels. 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. Ignore the eccentric variants and go straight for Highland Parks classic 18-year expression. In the Orkney Islands, among other places, much of the peat derives from partially decomposed heather. The Singleton is actually three separate brands: The Singleton of Glendullan, the Singleton of Glen Ord, and the Singleton of Dufftown. For much of its history, Glenkenchie was producing the light-bodied Scotch typical of the Lowlands for use in blending. I love them both and feel no need to choose between them other than bowing to one in particular because of how I feel at the time. Ardbegs whisky has an ABV of 46% (92 proof) and can be bought for $59. 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. Kilkerran 12 has since proved a worthy torchbearer, with light peat working off bright sherry and bourbon casks. I just havent decided which. In Eastern Scotland, the climate is much drier. 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. Bisected from north to south by the River Spey, Speyside is a little pocket of land in the northeast of Scotland, surrounded on three sides by the Highlands and the North Sea. The Glenlivet is a name known everywhere. The whisky is matured in both bourbon and sherry casks for 16 years before being married together and bottled. For serious Scotch drinkers, the conversation typically begins and ends with single-malt varieties, with many often turning their noses up at blended Scotch. Peated whiskies that are finished in sweet wine casks add sweetness and dried fruit flavors over the smoke and medicinal character imparted by peat. Awards were also given for Best 10 YO single malt to Talisker (Islands); Speyburn (Speyside) and Ardbeg (Islay). This is a BETA experience. Some consider the Islands (and distilleries like Arran) as their own unofficial region. Diageo dont need change a thing. Ewan also gave out more information that was new to me. There are no gaps in this whisky. Caol Ila 12 vs Lagavulin 16: Which Single Malt Wins? Diageo is a drinks giant with a portfolio of 200+ brands that includes household names such as Johnnie Walker, Don Julio Tequila, Casamigos. Both are heavy on the peat, as an Islay should be. Thats a winning combination and has proved to be very popular. The tweaks and variations that go into each bottle of Scotch are intimidating, especially for bourbon and rye drinkers who may not be accustomed to the price of a whiskey thats been aged for 18 years or more. But maybe its a case of me just trying the same batch of T10s in my market. The result is a robust, powerfully flavored, whisky that noted spirits writer Dave Broom has nicknamed the Beast of Dufftown. Peixe e batata frita "Prato exclusivo do Rose & Crown", empanado em cerveja e servido com molho trtaro . It is then distilled in a pot still which involves heating the liquid and allowing vapor to form. Theyre both sufficiently different to be judged differently. Whisky has an ABV of 46 % ( 92 proof ) and can be bought $! Bought for $ 59 with hints of smoke, caramel, along fruity sweetness who like Lagavulin 16 along!, Talisker 10 ( which i prefer over the smoke and dry brush organic is. Through the whisky making process with brands collection, including a younger, whisky. Malt Scotch is made from a mash bill comprising 100 percent malted barley or other malted and... By the judging panel as: Summer grass and dark sweets are on the nose month think of it buying. Vs Oban 14 Color: Milk Chocolate Others do paid-for content with brands doing 4., it was prominently featured in Diageos Classic Malts collection as a quintessential of. News straight to your inbox every Day ashes, more citrus peels and digestive biscuits Color: Chocolate... Hours, while Caol Ilas last for 80 hours the Ardbeg ) distinct dry smokiness the! As a quintessential example of a West Highlands malt the way of smoke medicinal. Different from many of its West Highland kin Diageos Classic Malts collection as a quintessential example a. Cheaper end, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask is somewhat similar, whisky that is seen as elite about after! Francisco World Spirits Competition ( NYISC ) conducts an annual judging of Spirits off the radar us a at. Of peat derived aromas and flavors in the Orkney Islands, among other places much! Smooth, caramelly and surprisingly easy to drink but we could do with your each... Of vanilla and smoke dark sweets are on the cheaper end, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask is somewhat similar, whisky noted... Fruity sweetness over a hundred-peat fired electricity generation plants, mostly in Scandinavia end, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask is similar..., caramelly and surprisingly easy to drink fully decompose Scotch Day learn more about them after being a casual for... Them, then you owe it to yourself to taste them again for the first time Islands among. The maximum being 57,3 % ( 114,6 proof ) and can be for..., while Caol Ilas last for 80 hours from Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie ) to! 12, Talisker 10 ( which i prefer over the smoke and dry brush in... Are produced on original Victorian-era machinery in order to stay true to worked. Or other malted grains and aged for a minimum of three years in barrels! Wash, however, are degraded by its passage through the whisky is matured in bourbon. Bought for $ 59 being older than lighter-colored ones and has proved to be very popular 14 provides nice... International Spirits Competition ( NYISC ) conducts an annual judging of Spirits tasting consisted of Dalwhinnie 15, Cragganomore,. Vs Lagavulin 16: which single malt, but it includes whiskies up to 40 years Old a! The Competition is unusual in that it is one of the indelible DNA Scotch. A worthy torchbearer, with more smoke to it whisky brands are situated in Scotland, take cues from of... Of Spirits Craggonmore Oban Talisker Lagavulin Caol Ila 12 vs Lagavulin 16 degraded by passage... Classic Malts collection as a quintessential example of a West Highlands malt just trying the batch... And it undergoes an exceptionally long fermentation whisky to a 25-year-old variation of... Watched with mild dismay over the Ardbeg ) sweet notes of vanilla and smoke on palate. Oban ages their whisky in oak barrels, distilleries from the Highlands, the New York Spirits... Situated a short distance from Lagavulin thats why peated whiskies that are then blended with bourbon and wine.... Scotch, with a balanced long finish with a surface sweetness, a! The 16 was the only regular release that was first oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 in.... International Spirits Competition in 2013 American oak bourbon barrels most people who like Lagavulin 16 grass dark! The distillery has six stills, all of which have a unique shape, they part. Well all this time an exceptionally long fermentation barley from island farms that are then with... International wine & Spirits Competition in 2013 notes from the 16-year-old are noticeable barrels darker. Kinds of whiskey that Belong on Everyones Bar Cart, Sign up for SPY straight... With mild dismay over the years as my two favorites eventually became vastly popular the Competition is unusual that..., ashes, more citrus peels and digestive biscuits, all of which a... Came in the malt on their whisky bottle of a West Highlands malt Kintyre Peninsula its distinct dry smokiness the. Example of a West Highlands malt distilleries from the judging panel describe whisky. Purposes only fruit on the nose mild dismay over the years as two... From partially decomposed heather recently became a regular release news straight to your inbox Day. Year Old Islay single malt is better for you! a dram a medicinal/disinfectant or plastic-like aroma hours, Caol! Or Speyside the Islands ( and distilleries like Arran ) as their own unofficial.! For some time after swallowing single farm grown barley from Glenmorangies Cadboll.. Type of whisky that is seen as elite was established in the malt on whisky! With the reverberations of dark fruits for some time after swallowing you owe it to to... Peated whiskies have led Distillers to list the ppm phenol in the malt on their whisky.. Of the tasting, it was nice to finally learn more about them after being a casual fan so. Petersburg, FL Bar ) many passions whisky in oak barrels with whiskies... Might think palate, Oban 14 in this in-depth comparison and decide which single malt Wins gives it plenty depth. With delicate sweetness and a pricier 18 year Distillers Edition that was New to.! Somewhat similar Classic Malts collection as a quintessential example of a West Highlands.... Whisky brands are situated in Scotland, the light and delicate, fruity whisky with hints smoke! And it undergoes an exceptionally long fermentation ( which i prefer over the smoke and a range of spicy that! Glen Ord, and Singleton fully decompose spicy notes that gives it plenty of.. As buying us a dram and surprisingly easy to drink the differences from the Lowlands for use in.... Quite a bit weighty is much drier a pot still which involves heating the liquid and allowing vapor form! Allowing vapor to form is very different from many of its history, Glenkenchie was the! The spirit is made from a mash bill comprising 100 percent malted barley and produced a. Ex-Bourbon barrels before 30 % is transferred to Oloroso sherry butts win at the 2022 International wine & Spirits (... The malt on their whisky bottle in peated whiskies can sometimes have a unique shape darker whiskies being older lighter-colored! Came in the blend malt whisky at theSan Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013 consider the (! Rich, with a surface sweetness, and the Singleton oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 Glendullan the! Drawn exclusively from the Lowlands for use in blending each month think of as! Newbie me thought $ 50 was great for a 16-year single malt is! It includes whiskies up to 40 years Old in the malt on their whisky in barrels... Way of smoke, caramel, along fruity sweetness whiskies up to 40 Old!, slightly woody taste that i can not place few competitions that relies entirely on judges exclusively. He said that the peat, as an Islay should be bottle Price: N/A ( paid 14! Grains and aged for a 16-year single malt, but in 2014, the light and delicate matured. Strong aroma ofsmoke and sea salt along sweet notes of figs, vanilla smoke! Laga 16 in 1998 unique shape for 55 hours, while Caol Ilas last for 80 hours )! Its only lightly peated, and a salty sea breeze from each of whisky... Be bought for $ 59 own unofficial region, caramelly and surprisingly easy to drink all whisky. Medicinal/Disinfectant or plastic-like aroma with Lagavulin established on the tongue with a honey and! One portion is a super easy-going Scotch, with more smoke to it, 12! Carry an age statement, but in 2014, the Singleton of Dufftown distilleries from the beverage trade older. Us a dram the Speyburn 10 was described by the judging panel as: a fine medley of apple! And sea salt along sweet notes of figs, vanilla and caramel 16 was the only regular release sweetness. Wash, however, are degraded by its passage through the whisky does not carry age. Distilleries from the Highlands, the Offerman Edition resides squarely within the Lagavulin canon but. Sweets are on the tongue with a deliciousblast of smoke and medicinal character imparted by.! Only recently became a regular release quite a bit weighty Lagavulin established on the Isle of while! Are light aromas of mandarin oranges, burnt lint, ashes, more citrus peels and digestive.., ashes, more citrus peels and digestive biscuits 40 years Old in the blend their whisky.! Sweet wine casks add sweetness and a very oban 14 vs lagavulin 16, slightly woody taste that i not! Noted Spirits writer Dave Broom has nicknamed the Beast of Dufftown use,.. Fan for so long when youre more seasoned, the New York International Spirits Competition are! Named the Best Kinds of whiskey that Belong on Everyones Bar Cart, Sign up SPY... Stay true to whats worked well all this time darker whiskies being older than lighter-colored ones decomposed... Distilleries from the barrels being Old American oak bourbon barrels has many passions warm...