I think that having these three in one tasting can modify your pallet and cause them to taste a bit different than if you just had them one at a time. Good show, guys.
I wouldn’t have said this 10 years ago, but that Lagavulin 16 is just incredible. As I’ve gotten used to the huge smoke/peat malts I really prefer them. Especially in winter.
I bought a bottle of Ardbeg and a bottle of Laphroaig at the same time a couple months back and drank them side by side because I’d never been able to decide which I liked better. Decided on Laphroaig. Really like Lagavulin, which I think is my favorite of the three, but for the price difference I just can’t justify buying it.
gotta say...i like all three of them....one of my favorite whiskies every single of one them....Laphroaig 10 has an awesome price here in germany i bought it for 29€ today Lagavulin andArdbeg are goin up in price unfortunately 42 for the ardbeg is still okay though...i like to support whiskies that are not coloured and not chill filtered....
@@deansusec8745Real scotch drinkers want natural color from the barrels that it was actually aged in not fake garbage artificial coloring added to it. Go drink a Budweiser kiddo, you’re not a real scotch drinker and never will be🫵🤡
Nice job Scott. Last time I had Laphroaig 10yo it was pretty disappointing. The peat blast just wasn't there,...tasted as you said, muted. I just cracked open a bottle of the Lag 16yo and it's very good, but the peat is definitely more integrated,...almost distant. Pretty balanced,...I prefer the Lag 8yo.. Ardbeg 10yo IMO has been the most consistent standard bottling from a peaty-perspective snice the first time I had it more than 10 years. It's my favorite by a long shot.
I've got all 3 bottles myself and totally agree with the Laphroaig being muted. I wanted to give the Laph 10 a second chance so I imported one out of the states, hoping that the extra 3% abv would lift it... It didn't make a difference. Had to mix it with some quarter cask to make it a reasonable experience. Even then it was far behind the Ardbeg and Lagavulin. I think Laphroaig needs to up their game and use better casks.
Dead right! Laphroaig haven't produced anything of significance for a while and an awful amount of rubbish. Independently bottled Laphroaig have been leading the way and showing us what a great whisky it is. The 10 year old is a wash out at 40% and anything above 10 years old from the distillery and independents are way overpriced. There are fantastic single digit age statements from Laphroaig at very good prices though. I've had excellent 6 and 8 year, cask strength, expressions lately that cost about £50 a bottle. Young Laphroaig and a good barrel is a strong recommendation.
Nice shootout gentlemen, but I still need to get a bottle of the Lagavulin 16, it just seems there are so many other peat and sherry options these days. Wondering where the new toast went or is that just for quick hitters. Cheers!
And it's not some crazy high $70 - $80 (or even more?!?) sky high price! I think I was silly to go with the Uigeadail first - at first sip I was impressed with the smoke, but by the end of the bottle, I almost couldn't taste the smokiness anymore - weird how my palate adjusted! I almost want to smoke some of my own wood chips then pour whiskey over them in a bucket, to get a smokier kick now! 😅
soooo, I wanted to introduce my father to peated Islay whisky (he only ever tried JD and JW Black Label; those were his fave), I'm wondering which of these three is the best one I can give him for his 60th birthday next month. What do you recommend for a first timer in peated whisky? **He is a smoker and not a fan of overly sweet stuff... so I think he can handle the smokiness of peated whisky
In terms of readily available "supermarket" whisky, Lagavulin 16 wins hands down due to the complexity of it's flavours. Ardbeg is a solid second, more punchier but more basic, and Laphroaig 10 3rd (doesn't help it at all that it's chill filtered and 40%, who's stupid idea was that!), however, Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength is absolute god tier, a bit more expensive (especially if you're late to the party) but worth every penny and is dollar for dollar the absolute best Scotch I've ever tried.
Very interesting. People saying this is not a fair comparison. It's not about being fair. It's an experiment and one of them misplaced the expensive and cheapest. These blind tastings are so compelling.
These whiskies are so distinctive I would bet my right nut I could tell the difference. I grew up on Laphroaig 10 but I don't drink it anymore because of the 40% abv. Lagavulin 16 is good stuff but the abv, yet again, is a let down. I see it on sale in counties like Spain where it is sold as premium stuff ($15 euros a shot) as an after meal dram for those wit a bit of nerve. Diageo sell it all over the world to that kind of person. There's a big market out there beyond us whisky geeks. My favourite of the lot is Ardbeg 10. Peated whisky loses a lot of its potency when it gets older but gains a lot of elegance with age and I love them but they don't really represent classic Islay. Youngish Islay is punchy, peaty and bold at 46% abv and above. A proper kick in the head with a bucket of flavour, that's what we want. No surprise Scott went for the Lagavulin. It's a very well made dram but wants another 3% abv. I'm with Bart Beg. I think Ardbeg 10 is the best thing they do.
Obviously, you do things however you want to do them. I will only say that it's struck me in watching comparison vids like this that when so much effort seems to be being put forth in order to guess what's being drunk, it often taints the evaluation because that evaluation tends to then be put in the context of past drinking experiences with that particular bottle, rather than the present. Take care!
I love doing blinds too, and I find it’s really fun as the taster to try to figure out which is which. That being said, I think as the person viewing its more interesting hearing which one is your favorite and why. Then seeing your reactions to the reveal at the end is even more fun! Great video!
Is imponsible get wrong with Laphroaig 10, is the must distinguish peat whisky, lagavulin is shows right away the time in the barrel , is more smooth and Ardbeg to me is the best peated of the other 2
I've done this comparison and Ardbeg 10 wins for me and it's not that close with Laphroaig 10 in second. And I can get Lagavulin 16 here for $60 at Costco so price has nothing to do with it. The Lagavulin is just so one dimensional and blah. The nose is decent but when you get to the pallet it just falls flat compared to the dark, rich earthy peat of Ardbeg 10. Even the Laphroaig at least packs that medicinal peaty punch. I think Lagavulin 16 is just for the Ron Swanson fans especially at the price point. I'll never buy another bottle of it. But I'd love to try the 12 yr Cask Strength!
@@ScotchTestDummies Agreed, the last bottle of Laphroaig 10 I had was nothing special. It's $34 at Costco right now and I'm passing on it. I do however enjoy the Laphroaig CS and currently have batch 009 and 010 opened... 009 seems a little richer with a longer finish whereas the 010 punches you in the face more with that briny medicinal peat. Both will burn your nose hairs! Love the PEAT!!! As a side note, have you guys tried the 2018 Lagavulin 12 year CS? I know you both loved the 2017 but I can't find it anywhere and I'm not willing to drop $140 on the 2018 without any likminded advice.
@@ScotchTestDummies Would like something under $50 - makes no sense to pay upwards of $30 for a bottle of hard liquor that's anything less than fantastic, IMO - I like Scotch, but most seem rediculuosly overpriced. 😢
As a novice, I started in peaty Scotches with Lagavulin 16. I was too much for me to handle as a novice. Too "iodiney" for lack of a better description. But my next was Laphroaig 10. I could handle it and enjoyed it. It seemed much lighter, less punchy. I know I like smokey/peaty, just not too much of it. I'm not sure what to try next. Perhaps a Talisker 10 or an Ardbeg 10.
Thanks. I'll try that next. Bought a bottle of Talisker 10 and Ardbeg 10. The Talisker 10 is ok, less peaty, more rich on the palate. I'm absolutely LOVING Ardbeg 10 at the moment. Peat-a-plenty, but light on the palate. I really think that light vs. rich component is important, not just the Smokey vs. Delicate.
@@DrinkWater713 I should update my initial post. Spoke too soon. My problem was that I needed to get acclimated to peaty, smokey scotch by sticking with it. I did so with Ardbeg 10 for the most part, so that now Lagavulin 16 is easy peasy, delightful, no longer iodiney to me. Laphroaig 10 is great to me as an every day scotch, especially given it's half the price of Lagavulin 16. As for Talisker 10, I bought a bottle, tried it a couple times, but I don't really like it, a bit too salty for my taste, sort of not peaty enough for me (!) now that I'm acclimated and hooked on peaty scotch. I stick with Laphroaig 10 and Laphroaig Quarter Cask for every day, Ardbeg 10 when I want to go to a lusty dark primal place ;), and reserve Lagavulin 16 for more exceptional times. Also good is Port Charlotte. Peaty yet bright, fresh, slight citrus to it it seems. I have not yet tried Caol Ila 12, but I will in time when I finish a bottle of some other scotch.
Richie Z, I'm a Richie, er, Ricky too! Anyhoo I love peaties🎉❤also-- even had😢a cat named Peaty, he was named for the " Little Rascals " dog, of all things. Peace ✌ out from ETn
Scotch Test Dummies I still need to buy a bottle. I try to always have a bottle of Ardbeg 10, Laga 8/16 and Laphroaig CS around the house. I don’t buy or order the normal 10 Laph.
I had to set this up for myself. As a novice, I don't feel so stupid now, after watching experts have a tough time. I know I'm supposed to like Lagavulin most of all, but I don't think it's my favorite. I think I'm leaning towards Ardbeg. At least it means I don't have to go for the most expensive whisky all the time. :)
@@ScotchTestDummies I am also finding that the whiskies are changing in the bottle, as they are open. The Lagavulin 16 was like a punch in the mouth when first opened, but seems much more muted and mellow and integrated now, after several days since opening the bottle.
I truly have to do this myself tonight... how is it possible to mix up those three giants? So, before making fun of you Bart, i’ll have to take the blind test myself. 😂... I must say, I’ve bought L16 multiple times, but not as much as Lap or Ardbeg.. not only the price, but the taste makes Laphroaig and Ardbeg win for me, above the Lagavulin..
@@ScotchTestDummies I already have my glasses and bottles lined up, just waiting for my son to pour them randomly and blind.. and I have to wear sunglasses I think so I don't see the color
Yeah haw... but, I have to be honest, choosing between Ardbeg and Laphroaig was hard. I picked out the Lagavulin instantly. What it did show to me was that lining them up in a shootout makes you realizing the different ‘noses’ better, but the palette harder at the same time...
A great point, Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 are great $50 dollar bottles. I like the Lagavulin 16, just a bit too pricey in MI. I find it in my travels to CA for around $60 and stuff a bottle in my luggage :)
My kind of blind. Nice job picking these out and good calls. I think it would be a toss up for me between your two winners. On Bart’s I love the sweetness that develops with some air time. Scott’s is my first love. You never forget your first love.
I still think it should be "There only can be one." Whenever I hear "There can be only one," I want to hear it followed by "or, not! There can be any number, or none!"
Laphroaig 10 > Ardbeg 10 > Lagavulin 16. I found Lagavulin 16 to be terrible. Tasted like licking an ashtray. And the latest batches of Laphroaig 10 do seem pretty muted to me. My most recent bottle doesn't seem to have that in your face hit of campfire smoke that past bottles have had. Ardbeg 10 as of late, tastes more peaty.
Thank god you have not the real deal in your glasses (Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength, Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength and the Uigedail). This would be too much excitement for you Cheers guys.
Love blind tests. Would be interesting to create a 4th glass with a mix of all 3! Picked up my first bottle of Ardbeg recently, it's really wonderful. Next stop: Laphroaig
Ardbeg Corry, Uigedail, Wee Beastie lineup unbeatable trio …. kilchoman sanaig and machir bay the next best as a complimentary islay duo.. lagavulin 16 still prolly the one off islay standard dontchathink
Just got my first Laphroaig 10 to couple with my Lagavulin 16, and then I see this video! Also, does the Ardbeg 10 (my next target) really taste of leather? Whenever I hear leather being mentioned in reviews I have no clue what it would taste like. Would Ardbeg teach me? Cheers!
absolutely on the leather. It is dependent on taste buds though too, some days i get it and some I don't. The lagavulin 12 year cask strength 2017 edition also had a lot of leather in it.
"Leather" is my favorite note in a whisk(e)y next to (unburned) tobacco. Think of leather like an expensive car with high quality leather seats on a hot day when you first get in. Or a nice worn leather couch in an old cabin where someone smokes a pipe. It's a rich, warm, musty, almost woody note. Varnished wood, old books, amber, slight vanilla, cedar. It's a challenging note to describe. It's deep, warm, soft, and rich, but also organic. It's not the most common note to find, but my god does it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Some really nice mature ryes will give off a leather note.
@@ScotchTestDummies You dirty lucky bastard. Have I mentioned this on your channel before? If not, that's a hell of a coincidence. I was extraordinarily privileged to get to drink about 5 ounces of Boss Hog V, and for me, it is the *definition* of tobacco and leather notes in a whiskey. That damn rye ruined American whiskey for me. Nothing will ever compare to that. Which I why I moved to scotch! Very special stuff, that Whistlepig. Glad you got to try it.
I get the leather, aged tobacco on the Lagavullin and Laphroaig but not the Ardbeg.....Im an Ardbeg guy for sure. The wife got me the Lagavullin 16 for Christmas, and while I like it for sure, my preference is the more floral, and bright Ardbeg....
Love your blind reviews, but I think Bart is starting to rush through them too fast. Perhaps he corrupted his palate by jumping into all 3 immediately!? I feel like this review could’ve been a little longer with more attention given to each glass. Still a great review though! Keep ‘em coming!!!
@@ScotchTestDummies We are used to it with American whiskies (Jim Beam is sold at 37%, Makers Mark at 40% vs 45%, Bulleit 40% vs 45%, Woodford reserver 40% vs 45%) but I hadn't realised some of the Scotch whiskies were also bastardised.
I just checked my bottle of Laphroaig. It's 40 percent here in India too :(. How much does that affect the taste? Does it mostly affect the tongue and not much of the nose? Does it affect the finish? So many questions :(
“No wonder you were mocking me w/ your eyebrow raised like, well you’re dumb...”😂🤣. Very cool to see this triple shootout of Islay mainstays. Also cool to see that even blind Scott favored the sherry influence & Bart went bartbeg
Laphrpaig 10 is best of all 3 imo...and in europe it s 40 abv... Can t believe bart didn t guess them right. Freshly opened laphroaig to confuse with lagavulin. But i never drank laphroaig after ardbeg...so can t judge I knew the order from scott just by his reaction...him not being a peat head
I think that having these three in one tasting can modify your pallet and cause them to taste a bit different than if you just had them one at a time. Good show, guys.
Thanks Frank
I wouldn’t have said this 10 years ago, but that Lagavulin 16 is just incredible. As I’ve gotten used to the huge smoke/peat malts I really prefer them. Especially in winter.
it took me awhile to warm up to peat too. scott
Well to be fair, 10 years ago it would have only been a 6 year. Not nearly as delicious.
Lagavulin is mostly smoke to me, but also my favorite.
I’m thoroughly entertained by your videos guys. Excellent back and forth
lagavulin 16 is scotch perfection
I bought a bottle of Ardbeg and a bottle of Laphroaig at the same time a couple months back and drank them side by side because I’d never been able to decide which I liked better. Decided on Laphroaig. Really like Lagavulin, which I think is my favorite of the three, but for the price difference I just can’t justify buying it.
the lagavulin has recently been around $75 here so its not that bad of a jump up to it.
Wish I had those prices. Here Ardbeg 10 is $46, Laphroaig 10 is $51, and Lagavulin 16 is $94.
Lagavulin 16 is $100 in Michigan
Laphroig is always more muted for me. I like Talisker over Laphroig. Ardbeg is the best. Keep up the good work!
thanks Brent!
I’m a long-time Talisker 10 fan. The 18 is amazing 😉
yes it is!
Go with the the QC or even better the 10 CS for Laphroig. Those are definitely not muted.
gotta say...i like all three of them....one of my favorite whiskies every single of one them....Laphroaig 10 has an awesome price here in germany i bought it for 29€ today
Lagavulin andArdbeg are goin up in price unfortunately 42 for the ardbeg is still okay though...i like to support whiskies that are not coloured and not chill filtered....
great comment Thome90! Thanks!
66 for ardbeg in Finland😂
You are comparing a $30 bottle, $45 bottle, and $100 bottle. Lag bein quite older. Not really a fair comparison. Maybe throw in the lag 8 instead
we could try that!
It's 30€-55€ here
@@GraeOne_ where is lag16 30 euros?
@@josephfreeman5289 lap10 is 30€, ard10 40€ and lag16 54€ where i live. (ger)
@@GraeOne_ exactly. Lag16 is twice the price.
Laphroaig 10 for me every time.
nothing wrong with that at all!
Carmel coloring in scotch...no thank you....ARDBEG for the purist
I love all three of those, but my favorite would have to be the Lagavulin 16.
Yeah obviously, it costs more than the other two put together
Watching this while sipping a Laphroaig Quarter Cask is a pretty good Saturday night. :) Cheers guys!
sounds like a good plan mhall0!
Cult of Ardbeg approves...
I love me some Ardbeg!!! bart
Ardbeg. Because the rest has food colouring added.
Who cares?
@@deansusec8745Real scotch drinkers want natural color from the barrels that it was actually aged in not fake garbage artificial coloring added to it. Go drink a Budweiser kiddo, you’re not a real scotch drinker and never will be🫵🤡
Nice job Scott. Last time I had Laphroaig 10yo it was pretty disappointing. The peat blast just wasn't there,...tasted as you said, muted. I just cracked open a bottle of the Lag 16yo and it's very good, but the peat is definitely more integrated,...almost distant. Pretty balanced,...I prefer the Lag 8yo.. Ardbeg 10yo IMO has been the most consistent standard bottling from a peaty-perspective snice the first time I had it more than 10 years. It's my favorite by a long shot.
great observations Billy!
Someone had to do this three way... I'm glad it was you two.
i'm sure you have the bottles to do this yourself!
@@ScotchTestDummies Actually, I gave Ardbeg An Oa, Ardbeg Grooves, Laphroaig Select, and no Lagavulin at the moment LOL
I've got all 3 bottles myself and totally agree with the Laphroaig being muted. I wanted to give the Laph 10 a second chance so I imported one out of the states, hoping that the extra 3% abv would lift it... It didn't make a difference. Had to mix it with some quarter cask to make it a reasonable experience. Even then it was far behind the Ardbeg and Lagavulin. I think Laphroaig needs to up their game and use better casks.
very interesting on the Laphroaig Guess What.
Dead right! Laphroaig haven't produced anything of significance for a while and an awful amount of rubbish. Independently bottled Laphroaig have been leading the way and showing us what a great whisky it is. The 10 year old is a wash out at 40% and anything above 10 years old from the distillery and independents are way overpriced. There are fantastic single digit age statements from Laphroaig at very good prices though. I've had excellent 6 and 8 year, cask strength, expressions lately that cost about £50 a bottle. Young Laphroaig and a good barrel is a strong recommendation.
very nice Welsh.
Y'all are the best reviewing duo with great humor !!!Cheers guys
Thanks Mark. Cheers
These are the Holy Trinity of Scotch Whiskeys. My next holiday has to be the island of Islay
that would make a good holiday.
Scott nailed it! Since the Laphroig was new I thought Bart would get it. Fun review, Gents!
i got lucky!
@@ScotchTestDummies Just let Bart stew in your "peat superiority" ;) lol
Awesome video boys! I think Ardbeg 10 would take the cake for me out of these three.
thanks Keith.
The holy trinity........ I watched the video while sipping an Ardberg. The other two are waiting to impress.
ardbeg good
What the Laffabegganvulins!!! Great Scot! Nailed it. Dang. Can't wait for the Lapha 10 CS v. Laga 12 CS v. Ardbeg Uigi or Corry. Bring it on, boys!
that exact versus has been mentioned a couple times now!
@@ScotchTestDummies in that lineup it should probably be laphi 10 CS, Laga 12, Ardbeg Corry
and yes - that be a great contest!!
Nice shootout gentlemen, but I still need to get a bottle of the Lagavulin 16, it just seems there are so many other peat and sherry options these days. Wondering where the new toast went or is that just for quick hitters. Cheers!
just picked up a new bottle today for $79.
@@ScotchTestDummies I guess $105 is not a great price for the Lagavulin 16.
not anymore!
For me, absolutely Laphroaig
nothing wrong with that at all!
No comparison Ardbeg 10 is the best! Game Over! Cheers guys.
right on Dude!
And it's not some crazy high $70 - $80 (or even more?!?) sky high price!
I think I was silly to go with the Uigeadail first - at first sip I was impressed with the smoke, but by the end of the bottle, I almost couldn't taste the smokiness anymore - weird how my palate adjusted!
I almost want to smoke some of my own wood chips then pour whiskey over them in a bucket, to get a smokier kick now! 😅
@@ChristopherOSU watch the whisk(e)y tribes video on different smokes in whisk(e)y, they do something similar to that
Awesome video guys! Have you guys had a chance to pick up a bottle of Lagavulin 8 year old? Would love to hear what you guys think about it.
oh yes, we've at least had it on a live show if not given it a solo review. Love it.
soooo, I wanted to introduce my father to peated Islay whisky (he only ever tried JD and JW Black Label; those were his fave), I'm wondering which of these three is the best one I can give him for his 60th birthday next month. What do you recommend for a first timer in peated whisky?
**He is a smoker and not a fan of overly sweet stuff... so I think he can handle the smokiness of peated whisky
Compass Box Peat monster is a great start or Lagavulin 16. Bart
To be fair I'd add Kilchoman Sanaig, Caol Ila 12yo, Bowmore 12yo and Talisker Storm.
sounds like one of our Peat 16 bottle shootouts.
Did you try the talisker dark storm? It's amazing too.
Nothing else tastes anything like Lagavulin, to me.
I wonder how the Laga 8yr would have faired?
that would have been a good one as well.
The Lag is $ more. like a real downer if it disappoints
In terms of readily available "supermarket" whisky, Lagavulin 16 wins hands down due to the complexity of it's flavours. Ardbeg is a solid second, more punchier but more basic, and Laphroaig 10 3rd (doesn't help it at all that it's chill filtered and 40%, who's stupid idea was that!), however, Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength is absolute god tier, a bit more expensive (especially if you're late to the party) but worth every penny and is dollar for dollar the absolute best Scotch I've ever tried.
good point on the Laphroaig! thanks youwinoneinternets!
I had both Laphroaig and Ardbeg, Lagavulin 16 is definitely the next one to buy!
Very nice.
Very interesting.
People saying this is not a fair comparison. It's not about being fair. It's an experiment and one of them misplaced the expensive and cheapest. These blind tastings are so compelling.
Boom
These whiskies are so distinctive I would bet my right nut I could tell the difference. I grew up on Laphroaig 10 but I don't drink it anymore because of the 40% abv. Lagavulin 16 is good stuff but the abv, yet again, is a let down. I see it on sale in counties like Spain where it is sold as premium stuff ($15 euros a shot) as an after meal dram for those wit a bit of nerve. Diageo sell it all over the world to that kind of person. There's a big market out there beyond us whisky geeks. My favourite of the lot is Ardbeg 10. Peated whisky loses a lot of its potency when it gets older but gains a lot of elegance with age and I love them but they don't really represent classic Islay. Youngish Islay is punchy, peaty and bold at 46% abv and above. A proper kick in the head with a bucket of flavour, that's what we want. No surprise Scott went for the Lagavulin. It's a very well made dram but wants another 3% abv. I'm with Bart Beg. I think Ardbeg 10 is the best thing they do.
Great comment Welsh!
Obviously, you do things however you want to do them.
I will only say that it's struck me in watching comparison vids like this that when so much effort seems to be being put forth in order to guess what's being drunk, it often taints the evaluation because that evaluation tends to then be put in the context of past drinking experiences with that particular bottle, rather than the present.
Take care!
Heck we’re just a couple Dummies
I love doing blinds too, and I find it’s really fun as the taster to try to figure out which is which. That being said, I think as the person viewing its more interesting hearing which one is your favorite and why. Then seeing your reactions to the reveal at the end is even more fun!
Great video!
HAve never tried a Lagavulin, but in my town Ardbeg is 55 euros and the lagavulin 88! I am quite happy with the sheer power of Ardbeg!
nothing wrong with that!
Is imponsible get wrong with Laphroaig 10, is the must distinguish peat whisky, lagavulin is shows right away the time in the barrel , is more smooth and Ardbeg to me is the best peated of the other 2
Bartbeg strikes again, but it's Scott who brings in the peaty palate. Great video dummies
thanks wenkrush.
I love all the three of them...
Good love
If you drink a lot of these 3 and struggle to tell the difference, then why buy all 3?
Just pick the cheapest one and be done
or pick the most expensive!
Great show guys. Thanks
thanks Lisa and thanks for the Patreon support!
My pleasure gentlemen.
Ardbeg 10yo, Lagavulin 16yo, Laphroaig 10yo.
Good call!
Ardbeg is just perfect!
I've done this comparison and Ardbeg 10 wins for me and it's not that close with Laphroaig 10 in second. And I can get Lagavulin 16 here for $60 at Costco so price has nothing to do with it. The Lagavulin is just so one dimensional and blah. The nose is decent but when you get to the pallet it just falls flat compared to the dark, rich earthy peat of Ardbeg 10. Even the Laphroaig at least packs that medicinal peaty punch. I think Lagavulin 16 is just for the Ron Swanson fans especially at the price point. I'll never buy another bottle of it. But I'd love to try the 12 yr Cask Strength!
I guess it's possible I got a bad bottle? But when I can get Ardbeg 10, Kilchoman Machier Bay, Talisker 10 and Laphroaig 10 for under $50...
Interesting. For Bart the Laphroaig 10 has been dropping in the rankings. Not sure if it's my tastes changing or the juice.
@@ScotchTestDummies Agreed, the last bottle of Laphroaig 10 I had was nothing special. It's $34 at Costco right now and I'm passing on it. I do however enjoy the Laphroaig CS and currently have batch 009 and 010 opened... 009 seems a little richer with a longer finish whereas the 010 punches you in the face more with that briny medicinal peat. Both will burn your nose hairs! Love the PEAT!!!
As a side note, have you guys tried the 2018 Lagavulin 12 year CS? I know you both loved the 2017 but I can't find it anywhere and I'm not willing to drop $140 on the 2018 without any likminded advice.
we have not picked up the 2018 yet either, just been too much other stuff on the list.
Ralfy says Lagavulin has been dropping in quality.
Hi Scott and Bartbeg very enjoyable video and Scott your becoming a Jedi Knight in blind tasting single malts.
thanks Kevin!
Scotch and Bartbeg, surely?
So, what would be like Ardbeg, but smokier?
some of the Octomores from Bruichladdich, thats all i can think of right now.
@@ScotchTestDummies
Would like something under $50 - makes no sense to pay upwards of $30 for a bottle of hard liquor that's anything less than fantastic, IMO - I like Scotch, but most seem rediculuosly overpriced. 😢
Lagavulin for autumn and winters , ardbeg for spring and summers and laphroig when none of the two are available at my bar.
Or…all…All year long… oh yeah.
Lagavulin got me in trouble... can’t get enough of those delicious whiskeys
we can see why
As a novice, I started in peaty Scotches with Lagavulin 16. I was too much for me to handle as a novice. Too "iodiney" for lack of a better description. But my next was Laphroaig 10. I could handle it and enjoyed it. It seemed much lighter, less punchy. I know I like smokey/peaty, just not too much of it. I'm not sure what to try next. Perhaps a Talisker 10 or an Ardbeg 10.
maybe Caol Ila 12?
Thanks. I'll try that next. Bought a bottle of Talisker 10 and Ardbeg 10. The Talisker 10 is ok, less peaty, more rich on the palate. I'm absolutely LOVING Ardbeg 10 at the moment. Peat-a-plenty, but light on the palate. I really think that light vs. rich component is important, not just the Smokey vs. Delicate.
@@stephenweiss6001 You prefer Laphroaig 10 or Talisker 10 ?
@@DrinkWater713 I should update my initial post. Spoke too soon. My problem was that I needed to get acclimated to peaty, smokey scotch by sticking with it. I did so with Ardbeg 10 for the most part, so that now Lagavulin 16 is easy peasy, delightful, no longer iodiney to me. Laphroaig 10 is great to me as an every day scotch, especially given it's half the price of Lagavulin 16. As for Talisker 10, I bought a bottle, tried it a couple times, but I don't really like it, a bit too salty for my taste, sort of not peaty enough for me (!) now that I'm acclimated and hooked on peaty scotch. I stick with Laphroaig 10 and Laphroaig Quarter Cask for every day, Ardbeg 10 when I want to go to a lusty dark primal place ;), and reserve Lagavulin 16 for more exceptional times. Also good is Port Charlotte. Peaty yet bright, fresh, slight citrus to it it seems. I have not yet tried Caol Ila 12, but I will in time when I finish a bottle of some other scotch.
Fantastic blind comparison of some classic peaties! And Scott nailed it😊Cheers Scott and Bart!
thanks Richie!
Richie Z, I'm a Richie, er, Ricky too! Anyhoo I love peaties🎉❤also-- even had😢a cat named Peaty, he was named for the " Little Rascals " dog, of all things. Peace ✌ out from ETn
Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength is the GOAT. I really wish Ardbeg released a 10 Cask Strength....
that would be good from Ardbeg, for now settle for the Corryvreckan.
Scotch Test Dummies I still need to buy a bottle. I try to always have a bottle of Ardbeg 10, Laga 8/16 and Laphroaig CS around the house. I don’t buy or order the normal 10 Laph.
those are good bottles to have!
Boom POW, you two put smiles on every face I share THE Dummies with!
Thanks Robert Ramer! Haven't seen you comment for awhile!
I had to set this up for myself. As a novice, I don't feel so stupid now, after watching experts have a tough time. I know I'm supposed to like Lagavulin most of all, but I don't think it's my favorite. I think I'm leaning towards Ardbeg. At least it means I don't have to go for the most expensive whisky all the time. :)
Boom. Stacking them together for a tasting is the best way to figure out what you like.
@@ScotchTestDummies I am also finding that the whiskies are changing in the bottle, as they are open. The Lagavulin 16 was like a punch in the mouth when first opened, but seems much more muted and mellow and integrated now, after several days since opening the bottle.
Some day when one of these goes on clearance I’ll pick it up. I’m really curious about Ardbeg.
the only one i've seen around here is the Laphroaig 10 will occasionally go on sale.
Where I am
Ardbeg 10 $39
Laphroaig 10 $42
Lagavulin 16 $96
I opted for Lagavulin 8 for $44 to compare with the 10’s
Ardbeg is in the house!
Boom. I’ll have some.
Great video, guys. Thanks.
thanks niknod!
Lagavulin 16 clear winner IMO. Goes deep into never never land....
Laga 16 is a good one! nothing wrong with that at all!
I truly have to do this myself tonight... how is it possible to mix up those three giants? So, before making fun of you Bart, i’ll have to take the blind test myself. 😂... I must say, I’ve bought L16 multiple times, but not as much as Lap or Ardbeg.. not only the price, but the taste makes Laphroaig and Ardbeg win for me, above the Lagavulin..
All I can say is if you error, error boldly and with Islay. Bart
@@ScotchTestDummies I already have my glasses and bottles lined up, just waiting for my son to pour them randomly and blind.. and I have to wear sunglasses I think so I don't see the color
Yeah haw... but, I have to be honest, choosing between Ardbeg and Laphroaig was hard. I picked out the Lagavulin instantly. What it did show to me was that lining them up in a shootout makes you realizing the different ‘noses’ better, but the palette harder at the same time...
go with Barts blue tape blind glass
haha!
Yes! Pass the neck pour on laphroaig it made a big difference! You should do it again!
i'm sure we will, all of these we're consistently triing
Ardbeg 10 is a wonderful whisky. It's right up there next to Oban 14 for me as my go-to pours.
Bart loves it
Appreciate the Highlander reference👍
its a classic!
Lagavulen 16 for me, nice shootout.
good call, thanks Scott
The difference in proof is what sets these three apart
👍
This shootout confirms why I never buy Lagavulin. It's awesome but it's $100 vs. $50 for the other two. Love the Islays!
great point John!
The nose on the lagavulin 16 is amazing.
2 Ardbegs iso 1 Lagavulin anytime!
A great point, Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 are great $50 dollar bottles. I like the Lagavulin 16, just a bit too pricey in MI. I find it in my travels to CA for around $60 and stuff a bottle in my luggage :)
just picked up a new one for $79 which i think is a good price.
I consider these my three staple whiskies and unfortunately i am out of all them. I am craving them so badly haha
i went and picked up a new Lagavulin Saturday, now I have all 3 again.
My kind of blind. Nice job picking these out and good calls. I think it would be a toss up for me between your two winners. On Bart’s I love the sweetness that develops with some air time. Scott’s is my first love. You never forget your first love.
good way to put it George!
I still think it should be "There only can be one." Whenever I hear "There can be only one," I want to hear it followed by "or, not! There can be any number, or none!"
👍
I think Laphroaig varies from batch to batch a fair amount.
could be.
They all do but Ardbeg 10 is known for being very consistent.
Laphroaig 10 > Ardbeg 10 > Lagavulin 16.
I found Lagavulin 16 to be terrible. Tasted like licking an ashtray. And the latest batches of Laphroaig 10 do seem pretty muted to me. My most recent bottle doesn't seem to have that in your face hit of campfire smoke that past bottles have had. Ardbeg 10 as of late, tastes more peaty.
great points Jeffry
Lagavulin all day long
agreed!
Thanks for the shoutout! Awesome video, and the blind test just made it that much better. 🔥 Cheers scotch gods!
Thanks J
good job guys. Enjoyed that wrap up
Thanks Scott
Ardbeg ftw!
did you doubt?
They're all good IMO.
yes they are!
Being a fan of smoked food, I'd probably enjoy peated whiskeys like Bart does. 😎
its a great combination!
Ardbeg Kelpie goes perfectly with seafood, especially salmon or scallops.
Great episode guys!
Thanks La Salle
Scot rules!!! Difficult when ardbeg open longer Bart. But Scot is consistently bang on!!
thanks Graham.
Mini Peat Shootout! Nice! Scott is now the Peat Master 👍🏻
Bart says he needs to train more so we should do more like this.
Well after this he just might need to. Take him under your wing Scott 😜
a strange turn of events has unfolded!
Thank god you have not the real deal in your glasses (Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength, Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength and the Uigedail). This would be too much excitement for you Cheers guys.
we can make that happen too!
@@ScotchTestDummies Really? I look forward to that!
❗️❗️❗️
@@ScotchTestDummies that would be awesome.
That'll be great but my vote will prolly go to the uigeadail 😋👌!!
Lagavulin 16 and Laphroaig 10 were the first two decent scotch whiskies I ever tried, but I fear I've spoiled myself now
both great whiskies!
Great review. It's really cool to see 3 peated whiskys compared at the same time.
thanks Brendan! we do this so you don't have to.
Laphroaig quarter cask is the winner!😂
boom!
No argument there!
Correct!
Good shout, and a full 20% cheaper than either the Ardbeg and Lagavulin.
Love blind tests. Would be interesting to create a 4th glass with a mix of all 3! Picked up my first bottle of Ardbeg recently, it's really wonderful. Next stop: Laphroaig
excellent, thanks Dallas
Ardbeg Corry, Uigedail, Wee Beastie lineup unbeatable trio …. kilchoman sanaig and machir bay the next best as a complimentary islay duo.. lagavulin 16 still prolly the one off islay standard dontchathink
good lineup all around.
Just got my first Laphroaig 10 to couple with my Lagavulin 16, and then I see this video! Also, does the Ardbeg 10 (my next target) really taste of leather? Whenever I hear leather being mentioned in reviews I have no clue what it would taste like. Would Ardbeg teach me? Cheers!
absolutely on the leather. It is dependent on taste buds though too, some days i get it and some I don't. The lagavulin 12 year cask strength 2017 edition also had a lot of leather in it.
"Leather" is my favorite note in a whisk(e)y next to (unburned) tobacco. Think of leather like an expensive car with high quality leather seats on a hot day when you first get in. Or a nice worn leather couch in an old cabin where someone smokes a pipe. It's a rich, warm, musty, almost woody note. Varnished wood, old books, amber, slight vanilla, cedar. It's a challenging note to describe. It's deep, warm, soft, and rich, but also organic. It's not the most common note to find, but my god does it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Some really nice mature ryes will give off a leather note.
I literally just reviewed a sample of the Whistlepig Spirit of Mauve and got a nice leather with it!
@@ScotchTestDummies You dirty lucky bastard. Have I mentioned this on your channel before? If not, that's a hell of a coincidence. I was extraordinarily privileged to get to drink about 5 ounces of Boss Hog V, and for me, it is the *definition* of tobacco and leather notes in a whiskey. That damn rye ruined American whiskey for me. Nothing will ever compare to that. Which I why I moved to scotch!
Very special stuff, that Whistlepig. Glad you got to try it.
I get the leather, aged tobacco on the Lagavullin and Laphroaig but not the Ardbeg.....Im an Ardbeg guy for sure. The wife got me the Lagavullin 16 for Christmas, and while I like it for sure, my preference is the more floral, and bright Ardbeg....
Great video guys. Loved the blind test. Im gonna open my Lagavulin 16 tomorrow night (Christmas Eve) and have an evening with it ;-)
very nice, thanks Aquatic Logic
Nice review -- the open too long thing is borderline myth, unless you have just a couple ounces sitting in a bottle for a few years.....
agree with you Triplecap. Scott
Lagavulin edges out ardbeg for me...both great
absolutely!
Love your blind reviews, but I think Bart is starting to rush through them too fast. Perhaps he corrupted his palate by jumping into all 3 immediately!? I feel like this review could’ve been a little longer with more attention given to each glass. Still a great review though! Keep ‘em coming!!!
we did go through it quick i noticed too.
Wait, so even Laphroiag 10 is watered down here in Australia? 40% here!
WOW
@@ScotchTestDummies We are used to it with American whiskies (Jim Beam is sold at 37%, Makers Mark at 40% vs 45%, Bulleit 40% vs 45%, Woodford reserver 40% vs 45%) but I hadn't realised some of the Scotch whiskies were also bastardised.
thats terrible
i guess its ok if you get bitten by something and die, but not if you drink yourself to death with good whisky!
I just checked my bottle of Laphroaig. It's 40 percent here in India too :(. How much does that affect the taste? Does it mostly affect the tongue and not much of the nose? Does it affect the finish? So many questions :(
Great job guys 👍👍👍
thanks!
how can anyone accept Carmel coloring...in their scotch....stick with Ardbeg 10....there is none
We prefer without but most of the world doesn't care
So are you saying Laphroaig is Ardbeg that went bad?
I think I need to do this shootout tonight myself!
everyone should!
Grasshopper: When you can identify Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin, it is time for you to lead.
haha...the learner has become the master!
They're not even that similar really...
Top test boys .....
thanks!
“No wonder you were mocking me w/ your eyebrow raised like, well you’re dumb...”😂🤣. Very cool to see this triple shootout of Islay mainstays. Also cool to see that even blind Scott favored the sherry influence & Bart went bartbeg
thanks Jay! 👍
Lagavulin 16 is just perfect
good call
Laphrpaig 10 is best of all 3 imo...and in europe it s 40 abv...
Can t believe bart didn t guess them right. Freshly opened laphroaig to confuse with lagavulin.
But i never drank laphroaig after ardbeg...so can t judge
I knew the order from scott just by his reaction...him not being a peat head
great comment. thanks Igor! Scott
Ardbeg 10 then lagavulin 16 and then the Laphroaig 10 (or if it it is cask strength then I put in on number 1)
Boom