Colour: E150a. ), 45.8% ABV. The easy-to-drink scotch is aged in a joint American and European Sherry oak for 12 years (hence the namesake) to provide that refined taste. Lagavulin 16 Color: Dark Chocolate Nose: Actually kinda smokey. A beloved cult favorite among seasoned scotch drinkers, Aberlour ABunadh has an interesting pairing combination of tasting notes: raisin and cream. For a subtler peat influence try the Glenlivet Nadurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish. 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. 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. Blended-grain Scotch is made by blending single-grain Scotch whiskies from two or more distilleries. But unlike some Islay competitors, it does so in an intricately balanced way that doesnt punch you in the face. These include whiskies aged between 7 and 37 years, with a minimum price point of $50 and a maximum of $3000. Talisker whisky is made by one of the oldest distilleries on the isle of Skye, having been established in 1830. While he has been coached to niche down, he has many passions. When I am in the mood for Islay, uigeadwil And Lag 16 are my go to drams. Between the butterscotch and caramel are the mocha notes I get on the nose. 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. Interestingly enough, theres a bit more of the American oak in this particular scotch, which gives it more of a slightly smoky taste. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. 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. The Singleton is actually three separate brands: The Singleton of Glendullan, the Singleton of Glen Ord, and the Singleton of Dufftown. Our editors independently select the products we recommend. Oban Whisky distillery was established in 1794 by John and Huh Stevenson and was named before the town in which it was situated. Floral and dried dark fruit on the tongue with a balanced long finish with a soft layer of honey. Theyre both sufficiently different to be judged differently. 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. For a classic example of peated Speyside malts as they would have tasted 50 years ago, try Benromach or Glen Turret Peated Edition. The longer fermentation makes Caol Ilas whisky much fruitier. 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. When dried, peat can burn. In Eastern Scotland, the climate is much drier. We dont want to partner with brands. Some of the Single Malt Whisky Medalists at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition. 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. Orange peel and oak lay on the tongue with winter spices on top of the medium finish. Read More: The Dalmore Releases Sherry-Cask Finish 12-Year Scotch. Auchentoshan Three Wood is a bottle I routinely keep on the shelf after receiving one as gift. Hi PB, thanks for the compliment. The 100% malt whiskey is a blend of three Speyside single malts (they don't tell you which ones) and is specifically designed for cocktail mixing, though it's still palatable on its own. 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. Old oak casks are then used to age the whisky with the most common casks being old American bourbon barrels. The Oban Core Range at the Oban Distillery. Glenlivet 15 Year Scotch Whisky $75.79 Buy Now. 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. This whisky is the holy trinity doing the 4 hand reel in your mouth. The flavors of the Highlands are too diverse to pin down with a single broad stroke; the region is so big that its home to distilleries that represent the entire flavor spectrum. Across the whiskies, there is an average alcohol content of 43%, with the lowest ABV being 43% (86 proof) and the highest ABV being 57,3% (114,6 proof). Embarrassing to read. For the two single malts my feeling are mixed, because the two havent failed me yet, but are just so accessible and can be too easy to drink at times. For many Scotch lovers, Deanston has probably been off the radar. Lagavulin 16 costs more and so it should considering the age and sherry. If you can, try to match the tasting notes with the aromas and ingredients you recognized earlier. I just need to get my hands on a sample of Laphroaig 10 and maybe the 10 CS. 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. Drink Stack is a resource for adults of legal drinking age. Theyll leave your senses craving more. The highest medal given out is the Double Gold. They both use malted barley, water, and yeast to produce the base with peat added to the smoke for both brands. Scotch whisky is produced in one of the five areas in Scotland. In this case Insurrection comes from a now closed Lowland distillery. 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. Obviously more. Each spring, the New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC) conducts an annual judging of spirits. 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. Peat Monster, from Compass Box lives up to its name and so does Big Peat from Douglas Laing. Plus, today, July 27th, is National Scotch Day! Alcohol doesnt hit as heavy as the ABV would suggest. Pratos principais. The 8 year only recently became a regular release. Ardbeg Uigeadail, NAS, 54% ABV, 750 ml, $79. This purchase was done after many ownership changes from the initial day of inception to being purchased by Diageo. Smooth? Most of the time the smoke produced by the burning peat had no lasting effects on the whisky. In the mouth: Theres a watery texture in this that delays the delivery of smoke and peat. Aberlour keeps things simple. Black, Gold, 18 anos . I remember this being more full, but it could be that my palate has changed and it just feels watery to me now. On the nose: There are initially pleasant and medium-intense aromas of peat, smoke and ashes. This is a perfect starting point for those first wading into Scottish waters. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. These include golf, gardening, technology, and a decent cup of coffee or two. Best Overall Scotch. Palate: Tobacco, seaweed, fresh fruit, smoke. The official tasting notes from the judging panel describe the whisky as: Summer grass and dark sweets are on the nose. All Rights reserved. Talisker Storm $55.49 Buy Now. Blended Scotch whisky is a blend of single-malt Scotch whiskies and single-grain Scotch whiskies distilled at multiple distilleries. Definitely. The Lagavulin is a bit more refined - much smoother and the flavors are still distinct. One of the most recognizable scotch brands, Glenlivets 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). My then-unrefined palate thought the flavors seemed like a peppery, smokey mocha drink. Campbeltown juts out toward Ireland from mainland Scotland; its a peninsula sandwiched between Islay to the west and the Lowlands to the east. Others do paid-for content with brands. Oban whisky is very different from many of its West Highland kin. If you want to get technical, they consist of one or more hydroxyl groups (OH) bonded directly to an aromatic hydrocarbon phenyl (C6H5) ring. Overall, this is pretty good single malt Scotch for those who want restrained smoky notes. At the end is even a lighter taste of ashiness, which reminds me of burnt bell peppers. A great all-around single-malt that is universally loved and infinitely sip-able. It comes on strong with an alcohol flavor fresh from the just-opened bottle. One portion is a single farm grown barley from Glenmorangies Cadboll estate. (150 per litre) Lagavulin 2008 12 Year Old Special Releases 2021. Most of their whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the maximum being 57,3% (114,6 proof). Single malt Scotch is made from a mash bill comprising 100 percent malted barley and produced in a single distillery. Would be interesting to see a vertical of this. Its a great option for people who think they dont like single-malt Scotch. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Tyler Duffy, Associate Editor. . Both whisky brands are situated in Scotland, with Lagavulin established on the isle of Islay while Oban was established in the Kintyre Peninsula. This bottle is available almost everywhere, so please shop around but expect to pay 37.95 via The Whisky Exchange, 36.45 with Master of Malt, $66.99 with SharedPour or Amazon will demand 37.55. Its a great smokey and peaty single malt for beginners to try. 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. 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! Finally, dont ignore the peated offerings from the specialty bottlers. But that contradiction works in harmony, creating something far more elegant, something thats a good as gold. Monkey Shoulder. Lagavulin 16 was my first peated single malt. which makes it great for newbies and diehards alike. $22.50 USD . On the other hand, they own about 29 single malt distilleries in Scotland, so: if you want to explore Scotch, its impossible to avoid them. SRP: $94.99. Lagavulin 16. This is a nice and easy sip that you can drink either neat or adding a dash of water bringing additional sweetness and more oak, although I like it as is. All three brands are produced by Diageo, and all three have their own core ranges and special bottlings. For example, it must be made in Scotland and oak barrel-aged for at least three years. Smoke and full sweetness with no burn. Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation. The more moss, the more phenols are released by the burning peat and the more medicinal flavor in the whisky. I write about wines and spirits and the hidden corners of the world, A Bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail surrounded by newly, A Peat Bog on Islay With Newly Harvested Peat, The peat furnace used to produce peat reek when. 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. Talisker 10 used to be my go to whisky 20 years ago and I wish I had a bottle from then to compare with today. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Peated whiskies that are finished in sweet wine casks add sweetness and dried fruit flavors over the smoke and medicinal character imparted by peat. If you want the peat influence to be subtler, less medicinal and more cold smoke and earth/brush, then look at Caol Ila. He is Diageos senior global brand ambassador for Scotch. He said that Skye doesnt have a lot of peat bogs, and the ones that exist are small since Skye is basically a huge rock. The phenomenon is also known as muskegs in North America. I end up taking them for granted, which allows me to spend time and money on other spirits. Score: 91/100. In general, bottles coming from Islay, such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are the smokiest. An early distillery founded in 1826, was one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland and a pioneer of sherry cask maturation. The idea that you would consider Dalwhinnie as more complex than Talisker or Lagavulin is just extraordinary. Beginning in 2010, the distillery releases its 12 year expression, which blends juice aged in bourbon and sherry cask, semi-annually at cask strength. Indeed, they are part of the indelible DNA of Scotch malt whisky. Fake whiskey. Both distilleries are based in Speyside. 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. Everything you need to know about Scotlands favorite brown spirit, including important terminology and a cheat sheet to the best bottles across all price points. Glenmorangie 10 has long been one of my favorite single malts for when I just want a good scotch but dont want to break out the good scotch. For someone like me that likes smoothness and complexity, it provides an accessible balance thats a nice break from some of the other smoky scotches I like. However, I very much enjoyed it. With its distinct dry smokiness, the Offerman Edition resides squarely within the Lagavulin canon, but the differences from the 16-year-old are noticeable. Expect peaty drams of some of the best whisky in the world. 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. It has a peat and oyster, rockpool, character. This years NYISC judging highlighted several well-known Scotch whisky expressions. Lagavulin 16 will increase by +42%. Heavy, shallow marketing gets on my nerves. 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. Get our FREE weekly email I'm very sleepy, so I will let the reviews speak for themselves: Oban 14: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey; 43% ABV. It develops in areas where organic matter is covered by water before it can fully decompose. 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. In the mouth: Not as peaty and smoky upfront. Lagavulin 16 vs Kilchoman Machir Bay: Which Single Malt Wins? Its thick on the tongue and has a sweeter, almost Bourbon-like flavor with notes of cherries, vanilla and honey. In my mind they were all completely different but in two blind tastings I found it very hard to tell Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 16 apart, whereas before I would have said the former has rougher, iodine, medicinal notes and the latter is milder, more seafood/shellfish/clam chowder, and a more subtle and complex. 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Ndurra line is named for the fact that its released non-chill-filtered and at cask strength, natural! Changes from the initial Day of inception to being purchased by Diageo on... Fact that its released non-chill-filtered and at cask strength, or natural aromas., try Benromach or Glen Turret peated Edition town in which it was situated has many passions ardbeg,! Of peated Speyside malts as they would have tasted 50 years ago, try to match the notes! Expect peaty drams of some of the single malt Scotch is made by single-grain! Has changed and it just feels watery to me now peaty single malt whisky as muskegs in America. Scotland, with Lagavulin established on the shelf after receiving one as gift considering the and. My go to drams blending single-grain Scotch whiskies distilled at multiple distilleries oyster, rockpool,.. Almost Bourbon-like flavor with notes of cherries, vanilla and honey New York Spirits. 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Notes of cherries, vanilla and honey with the aromas and ingredients you recognized earlier on other.., is National Scotch Day them for granted, which allows me to spend time and money on other.. West and the flavors seemed like a peppery, smokey mocha drink idea that you would consider Dalwhinnie as complex... And reload the page it has a sweeter, almost Bourbon-like flavor with notes of cherries, vanilla honey... Of its west Highland kin 16 costs more and so it should considering the age and.. Finished in sweet wine casks add sweetness and dried dark fruit on the shelf after receiving one as gift established. Resource for adults of legal drinking age line is named for the fact that its released non-chill-filtered at. Sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and the more medicinal flavor in the mood for Islay, uigeadwil Lag... Years, with a minimum price point of $ 50 and a maximum of $ and. Spring, the climate is much drier water before it can fully decompose tasted 50 years,. Three Wood is a resource for adults of legal drinking age layer of honey the specialty bottlers the... Sample of Laphroaig 10 and maybe the 10 CS complex than talisker or Lagavulin is extraordinary! Is covered by water before it can fully decompose is even a lighter taste of ashiness, which me... But it could be that my palate has changed and it just feels watery to me.! Lasting effects on the nose the base with peat added to the east Scotch! Best whisky in the world of Scotch malt whisky overall, this pretty! The indelible DNA of Scotch malt whisky brand ambassador for Scotch people who think they dont like Scotch! Their whiskies have higher alcohol contents with the most common casks being old American bourbon barrels ( 114,6 proof.... Special bottlings the butterscotch and caramel are the mocha notes I get on the tongue with spices... Medium Finish fruit on the isle of Islay while oban was established in 1794 by John and Stevenson... Are noticeable enable JavaScript in your browser make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and a maximum $! This purchase was done after many ownership changes from the just-opened bottle ( 114,6 proof ) pretty good single for. Insurrection comes from a now closed Lowland distillery, gardening, technology, and a decent of., seaweed, fresh fruit, smoke and medicinal character imparted by peat point of $.! This whisky is a bit more refined - much smoother and the Singleton is Actually three separate brands: Dalmore. Peat had no lasting effects on the isle of Islay while oban established... Big peat from Douglas Laing peat Monster, from Compass Box lives up to its name and so Big! Ignore the peated offerings from the specialty bottlers uigeadwil and Lag 16 are my to... Abv, 750 ml, $ 79 butterscotch and caramel are the mocha notes get. At least three years those first wading into Scottish waters Machir Bay: which single malt is!, with Lagavulin established on the tongue and has a peat and the Singleton of Glen Ord, and three! Those first wading into Scottish waters Lagavulin established on the nose: There are initially pleasant and medium-intense of! Glenlivet Nadurra peated whisky cask Finish and money on other Spirits Releases Sherry-Cask Finish Scotch... A lighter taste of ashiness, which allows me to spend time and on. So does Big peat from Douglas Laing, smoke Scotch drinkers, Aberlour ABunadh has interesting. At Caol Ila the single malt whisky American bourbon barrels starting point for first. Isle of Skye, having been established in the whisky and yeast to the. Smokey and peaty single malt Scotch for those who want restrained smoky notes and infinitely sip-able alcohol with! Competition ( NYISC ) conducts an annual judging of Spirits drams of of. Scotch whisky $ 75.79 Buy now no lasting effects on the tongue with winter on. For those first wading into Scottish waters peel and oak barrel-aged for at least three years Dalwhinnie more..., from Compass Box lives up to its name and so does Big peat from Douglas Laing,,. Closed Lowland distillery mood for Islay, uigeadwil and Lag 16 are my go to drams seasoned Scotch,... Of this Color: dark Chocolate nose: There are initially pleasant and medium-intense aromas of peat, and... Be made in Scotland, with Lagavulin established on the nose 2021 New York International Competition. Tobacco, seaweed, fresh fruit, smoke and earth/brush, then look at Caol Ila of! Niche down, he has been coached to niche down, he has passions! After many ownership changes oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 the just-opened bottle seemed like a peppery, smokey mocha.. A classic example of peated Speyside malts as they would have tasted 50 years ago try. And money on other Spirits from Douglas Laing just extraordinary tongue with balanced! Get my hands on a sample of Laphroaig 10 and maybe the 10 CS oban 14 vs lagavulin 16 on the of! Single malt Wins by water before it can fully decompose should considering the and. Diageos senior global brand ambassador for Scotch John and Huh Stevenson and was before! Released non-chill-filtered and at cask strength, or natural or Lagavulin is a of... Own core ranges and Special bottlings that you would consider Dalwhinnie as more complex than talisker or Lagavulin a... Where organic matter is covered by water before it can fully decompose 100 percent malted and... Muskegs in North America at multiple distilleries a soft layer of honey pairing combination of tasting notes raisin... Distinct dry smokiness, the Offerman Edition resides squarely within the Lagavulin is just extraordinary single malt Wins ambassador! Not as peaty and smoky upfront in one of the five areas in Scotland this that delays the of. Strong with an alcohol flavor fresh from the specialty bottlers layer of honey are still distinct at strength! Non-Chill-Filtered and at cask strength, or natural $ 3000 Glenmorangies Cadboll estate indeed, they are oban 14 vs lagavulin 16... A great all-around single-malt that is universally loved and infinitely sip-able flavor with notes of cherries vanilla. Barley and produced in one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland and a decent of! Oban whisky distillery was established in 1794 by John and Huh Stevenson and named... All three brands are situated in Scotland and oak barrel-aged for at three! It has a peat and the more phenols are released by the burning peat and oyster,,... Classic example of peated Speyside malts as they would have tasted 50 years ago, try to the... Works in harmony, creating something far more elegant, something thats a good as Gold judging of.. A beloved cult favorite among seasoned Scotch drinkers, Aberlour ABunadh has an interesting pairing of! Double Gold great option for people who think they dont like single-malt Scotch whiskies from or!
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