Laphroaig blew me away the first time I tried it, and made me realise just how versatile whisky can be. It's nectar, and captures the area it's produced in perfectly.
@@UsedBrain4U same. There's something about unpeated whisky that just tastes and feels off putting to me now. I'm partial to a bit of bourbon now and then, but when it comes to scotch, it's heavily peated all the way for me.
I also was introduced to Scotch with a bottle of Laphroaig 10 and my second bottle was the Lagavulin 16. When I was introduced to the Laphroaig, I was impressed with its flavor and peat tase. I enjoyed it tremendously. That being said, a friend who introduced me to the Scotch stated if I loved the peat of the Laphroaig that I should try the Lagavulin. Once I did, I was hooked. I wasn't much of a drinker except for wine with dinner but now I have become a Scotch man. I enjoy my Scotch and have excelled in trying several others and have introduced various Scotches to my friends and Sons. It has become more pleasurable to me sharing my Scotches with my friends and sons to create fine moments and memories.
Well said! Moments and memories are often more important than what's in my glass. I love that we have similar stories: Laphroaig 10 awakening my interest in discovering flavors in whisky and Lagavulin 16 being served to me by a friend as "the good stuff" during his daughter's wedding. Thank you so much for watching and sharing! Cheers!
I am Japanese and live in Kyoto. Kyoto is one of the leading sake producing areas in Japan. The area where this sake is made is called "Fushimi". This "Fushimi" is also famous for producing one of the most famous waters in Japan. In the same place as this famous water system, there is Suntory, which is famous for Japanese whiskey, and "Yamazaki" is made. I get the well water from a shrine near my house, make a water split for my favorite Islay whiskey, and drink it. My favorite brands are Finlagan, Bowmore and Ardbeg. Mizuwari made from Islay whiskey and well water in Kyoto is the best.
Great water makes a huge difference in the creation of spirits. We're luck to live in San Francisco, which has a fantastic water source for the US. Thank you for sharing! My wife and I have made it to Australia, but not all the way to Japan yet. It's on our travel list as the world slowly opens up again. Cheers!
Japan has a unique way of drinking, cocktails. It is a cocktail called "MIZUWARI". I mix whiskey with water, and I use well water from a shrine near my house, and I can make the most delicious MIZUWARI cocktail. Scotch or bourbon is delicious.
Hi, I came across your vlog. I'm in Scotland. I thought this was strange an American talking about our whisky. But I must say I really enjoyed it, in a strange way.
Caol Ila is one of my favorites as a base 12 year old malt. Tastes completely different to other Islay whiskeys with the distillery down by the water. Love Lagavullin and of course the medicinal whiskey Laphroaig. I wonder how the CV-19 immunity is on Islay currently 😉😉😂.
I have 4 of those. I just don’t have the Port Charlotte. Lagavulin 16 is my number 1 Whisky and I’m currently waiting for the delivery of my Lagavulin 11yr Offerman Edition Guinness Cask.
That's a great expression, Erik. I definitely recommend trying the Port Charlotte 10 HP. If you try any of them, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Cheers!
When I first tried the Laphroaig 10 (40%), I was blown away and amazed at how flavorful it was. It instantly became my favorite. Then I tried the cask strength Laph 10, and I realized how watered down and bland the regular 40% was compared to it. Now the cask strength is my new favorite.
I just stumbled across your channel and this vid has brought back some great memories. Before I retired I was an MD of a company that supplied many of the Distilleries in Scotland & Ireland and I had the pleasure of visiting most of them several times over. On my last visit, I had the honour of being invited into the Laphroaig vaults by the Distillery Manager (where they keep every Laphroaig that has been produced). It was an experience that I will never forget, as was the Hangover which lasted for several days afterwards. PS just a wee tip, keep your Laphroaig etc chilled in the refrigerator and drink it whilst eating strong dark chocolate (85%+), it adds a whole new dimension to the experience.
OMG! I'm so jealous of your career experience. That's so cool! Thanks for the tip on the chilled Laphroaig. We had a chilled Dalwhinnie expression on our recent tour of the Highlands (ruclips.net/video/0vgmmLMHXV0/видео.html) and it was quite interesting. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Many thanks for your comment, visits to the Distilleries were always a highlight and made up for the times that I was visiting Oil Refineries & Chemical Plants. The Highlands & Speyside are littered with Maturing Sheds where the Casks of Malt gently mature before bottling, some of them are in the most wonderful setting and if you get the chance are an interesting visit. The chilling & Dark chocolate tip was courtesy of the chief Electrical Eng for Beam Global who own Laphroaig these days. Enjoy👍
Kevin, I’m a relative amateur in the whisky game (as well as in the guitar game), and I cannot thank you enough for the treasure trove of information you have on your terrific channel!
Thank you so much for those kind words, Sebastian! I've learned not to let the label "amateur" limit my ability to enjoy what I like. Please let me know if I can ever answer any questions or review a specific expression for you. Cheers!
Hi Kevin. Nice review. I’ve tasted all of these except for the Corryvreckan. My favourites are the Port Charlotte 10 and the Lagavulin 16. They are the ”easiest” for a new whisky enthusiast like me. I’ve just finished my Ardbeg 10, which was my very first Ardbeg ever, and I still have the Uigeadail and the An Oa, which in my opinion are excellent whiskiws and easier for a beginner. The Laphroaig 10 is really something different but very enjoyable!
Thank you for your kind words! The Corryvreckan is a beast (not to be confused with the Wee Beastie 5 year) compared to the Ardbeg Uigeadail, but it may be my favorite expression. You're doing an amazing job of enjoying the Islay peated expressions. Well done!
Yesterday I received a bottle of Port Charlotte 10 from a customer of the studio because I love Scotch Whiskey. Glen Fiddich is the brand I have and which I drink when the product is ready and which I drink with the customer in the relaxation room when we listen to the product. Well, for the first time I sipped the Port Charlotte and it was delicious! With a very long finish that I could disappear into, it tasted like a perfectly mixed master from the sound studio
Great reviews! Laphroaig 10 yo was also my introduction to Islay that started me on my journey. To me, this whisky probably responds to a few drops of water more profoundly than the others that you reviewed…it brings out many more flavors as well as heightens the intensity of the smoke. As mentioned by another commenter, the darker color is due to added colorant, most likely e150, that can add a bit of artificial caramel to the finish. I really loved to hear what you said about Port Charlotte….fantastic whisky that flies under the radar of many whisky lovers. I think I would have used the Islay Barley Heavily Peated NAS version as the PC exemplar of the brand, but that’s only a matter of personal preference. I would have also used the Lagavulin 8 yo as the representative of Lagavulin, even though the 16 yo is much better known, because it’s significantly more affordable and provides more bang for the buck. For the additional, “extra credit” bottle, I would have used Caol Ila 12 yo instead of Ardbeg Corryvreckan because the CI would better represent a more gentle introduction to peated whisky from Islay. …and then there’s Kilchoman Machir Bay, but that’s not as widely available. It was started relatively recently as a tiny effort in the barnyard of a farm and may be the most elemental of all Islay whiskies.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree that the Lagavulin 8 is excellent and I have included it in a past review. The Caol Ila 12 and the Machir Bay also have reviews. I really love the Kichoman Distillery, one of the best tours we had on Islay, but I don't tend to reach for their drams as much. But flavors are personal and we all benefit from the wealth of variety of whisky styles and types. Cheers!
I was at Kilchoman a couple weeks ago and while I didn't prefer their Machir Bay, I picked up a bottle of their 100% Islay. I've been thoroughly enjoying it--possibly one of my all-time favorites.
Thank you for your interesting and very straightforward Islay reviews. There's not a lot of laughing and sidebars and time wasting. Excellent presentation.
Hello from Germany. Wow, this selection is near to my favorite Islay Whiskys. My absolute favorite is the Uigeadail followed by the Lagavulin 16Y. Conversely to your choice. In my ranking comes now the Kilchoman Machir Bay. After that the Laphroaig Quarter Cask followed by a Single Malt from unknown distillery, The Ileach Cask strength. I don't know if you can buy it in the US, but here in Germany its sometimes in big supermarkets for a amazing low price, because its a very powerful Whisky with 58 vol.% Alcohol. Very delicious. Thats my ranking of my most favorite Islay Single Malt Whiskys. I love them all.
Hello, Bernd! I have not tasted the Ileach Cask Strength, but I was only including expressions directly from the Islay distilleries for this episode. The Vintage Malt Whisky Co. with all their special bottlings could probably be its own episode. ;) Cheers!
I've had and enjoyed both the Ardbeg 10 and the Lag 16 ... next stop, Port Charlotte! One thing I totally enjoy about the scotch / bourbon market is that there is never a lack of new expressions to try! I love it.
You're so right, there's a never-ending list of expressions to try. I found even more as I started traveling outside the US on a full-time basis (@findingGinaMarie). Cheers!
I've had all these, and I'd rank them: 5 - Laphroig 4 - Ardbeg 10 3 - Lagavulin 16 2 - Port Charlotte 1 - Uigeadail 1+ - Corryvreckan The top three are all very close. Beautiful bottles that I'm always happy to pour myself a dram of. Thank you for the video!
Great video, thank you. I couldn't agree more. Laphroaig 10 was my first Islay whisky too. I fluctuate between Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Port Charlotte as my favorites. Right now, I like the NCF and 46% presentation of Ardbeg 10, but Laphroaig probably wins for its overall character. And I also have trouble choosing between the Lagavulin 8 and 16 year, since both have their own characters.
Thank you and I agree on all your points. I want different brands on different days - but I almost always love a Bruichladdich expression. ;) I think the Lagavulin 8 has a great flavor profile (from a very old episode ruclips.net/video/W2KLgQub0CE/видео.html). Cheers!
Great review. I started drinking whisky a couple of years ago. Fell in love with Islay whisky's the moment I drank Lagavulin 16y. It was the first bottle I finished and now I always want one on my shelf. I don't really like the Laphroaig 10 because of the iodine. Just bought the Ardbed Uigeadail and Corryvreckan for myself as a Christmas present. Can't wait to try them.
Thanks for sharing. My introduction to Lagavulin 16 was at a wedding for my friend's daughter. He pulled a select few of us aside and offered us a glass of "the good stuff". I've loved it ever since. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs thank! I'm drinking the Corry and Oogie right now and I mùust say I'm more of a fan of the Corryvreckan. The Oogie has a bit of that iodine taste that I don't really like, although it's not that strong as the Laphroaig.
I watched this just now and “WOW” !.. For me it all started when my Brother in law George introduced me to Laphroaig 10. I fell in love with Isla Scotches. I’ve tried all of the ones you referenced here. I’ve owned a bottle (or 2) of each one. I would recommend you try the Octomore (Brookladdy) for the ultimate peat power expression. Otherworldly, insane peat, but unbelievably smooth. I’ve been to Isla and highly recommended you go if you haven’t, for the ultimate immersion experience. The environment is pristine. You cannot escape the peat as you can smell it in the air everywhere. It is in abundance. It’s burned to heat their homes. It lingers in the air. You can’t escape that clean unique slightly sweet, mossy scent. The people are wonderful and are all passionate about (1) thing Isla Scotch. I did a tasting at Laphroaig and toured their peat floors. My wife and I then walked down this beautiful trail down to Lagavolin and then down to Ardbeg. Ardbeg is the most beautiful Distillery imaginable (my opinion) and has a restaurant that serves incredible food. (Steamed mussels in a buttery, garlicky broth, served in a cast iron pot. To die for.) I prefer the Cask strength whiskies as the thickness slows the whole experience down by sitting on your tongue longer. Lastly sometimes just adding a few drops of water releases some of the flavors. For this I recommend only the best most pristine water you can find. My preference would be Glacier water with a high mineral content. The best drink of Laphroaig I ever had was while visiting the Canadian Rockies (Jasper) and having access to their incredible water to add to it. You’d and my pallet seem to be on point. I have to say I agree with all of the tasting points you expressed here. Awesome !
Thanks for your comments and suggestions. My wife and I took a 4-day tour of Islay that included 9 distilleries in all. It was so good, I'm thinking of doing it again later this year. As for Bruichladdich, I love that distillery. Recently, I had a change of hear about Octomore and whether it's worth the price. You can see my review here: ruclips.net/video/_yAhd4lKPSo/видео.html. Cheers!
What a tremendous presentation. I loved the tone and style and of course, the content. Beautifully explained and delivered. I only wish I had the skills to be able to discern those flavours in the same way. Top stuff.
Thank you so much! Tasting notes are hard for me, but I always keep notes from other sources around so I can reference them. Sometimes I find smells or tastes after reading someone's notes and sometimes I just find new words for the notes that I'm finding. It's just about practice. Cheers!
Nick offerman is who got me started on scotch, I tried lagavullen for the first time watching the sun set on the Isle of Skye and every time I drink it it takes me back to that moment. That's special and I'll hold it forever.
Years ago, a good friend pulled a select group of us aside at his daughter's wedding to share a dram of "the good stuff". It was my first taste of Lagavulin 16 and I was hooked. Cheers!
Thanks so much, Rob! In addition to teaching me guitar skills, your channel has inspired me to play on camera. I also wouldn't be able to record my riffs with this level of quality without the Earthworks SR-25 mic that I won from your giveaway. You're a big part of the existence of Whisky Riffs. Cheers!
One of my early experiences with "the good stuff" as my friend called it, made me fall in love with Lagavulin. I see it as more mass market than I did in the past, but that hasn't deterred me from enjoying it. Cheers!
So well done - thank you. Very academic yet passionate review. I’ve had the first five and couldn’t agree more, especially with the assessment of the Uigeadail and Port Charlotte (so underrated!). Also want to throw in a plug for Laphroaig Lore - it’s kinda an Uigeadail for Laphroaig lovers. Incredibly complex yet faithful to their core profile. Thanks again for some excellent content
Thank you so much, Ben! I agree that Lore is great, but it was over the $100 mark for this episode. I followed up some more expensive Islay (ruclips.net/video/sAcLr7k3Z34/видео.html). Thanks for watching and for agreeing about PCHP 10. Cheers!
I'm pretty new at this, but I do love Islay whiskies. Except all the Ardbeg variations, I have tried the others and enjoy them. My current fave is Kilchoman Machir Bay. Seems light and fruity but you get that smoke at the end. Really nice combo.
Greetings from Scotland - just caught your top Islay reviews and the Cull Ila follow on - first I have to say great pronunciation - second - great reviews - massive fan of Arbeg 10 and Bunnahabhain 12 - the others are in my wallet's pain zone - in Scotland whisky is shockingly expensive - tax on Scotch - in the country of its origin - currently stands at around 70% - more than any other alcoholic product - this means that £3 in every £4 spent on a bottle goes to the HM Treasury in excise and VAT (our sales or purchase tax) - and our specialist whisky shops seem to charge a premium for the pleasure of buying a bottle from them - I check on Amazon and various supermarkets where you can get deals of up to £10 - £15 off a decent bottle - I'll be looking through your back catalogue with a wee glass - lang may yer lum reek!
Thank you for the pronunciation compliment! I do try to lookup the correct way to say Scottish names, even if I don't always nail the accent. ;) My wife and I just got back from a tour of 9 Highland distilleries (I'll talk about that more in an upcoming episode or two) and I did notice that most of the prices were higher than I'd pay here in San Francisco. That didn't stop me from buying six distillery/travel-exclusive bottles and bringing them home with me. Let me know if there are any whiskies you'd like reviewed. Slàinte mhath!
I've just watched your Burns Night Glenfarclas tasting and Islay whisky tour - I'll catch up with your Islay tour - I should have said most Scots have difficulty pronouncing any whisky with a Gaelic name - only a wee bit more than 1% of Scots are Gaelic fluent - roughly 58,000 out of a population of 5.5 million - interested to hear about your distillery exclusive bottlings - for Burns Night I like Robert Burns Single Malt - the only whisky officially endorsed by the World Burns Federation - drinking a Burns on Burns Night - ye cannae get better than tha' - an honest decent young malt perfect to accompany the traditional haggis neeps and tatties - 43% NCF NC NAS - at a wee bit over £30 a bargain - from Arran Distilleries - an independent distillery - and their Arran 10 - 46% NFC NC £ 37 - is well worth trying - cheerio the noo!
One of the best burgers I've ever eaten was in Edinburgh at the Rose & Crown. It was topped with cheese and haggis and was way too filling, but very delicious. Also, I do have an Arran 10 episode: ruclips.net/video/dS2RMxngyMw/видео.html. I didn't know the Robert Burns Single Malt was from Arran, but now that I do I'll need to look at acquiring a bottle. Cheers!
Appreciate the link - great review - liked the video insert of Jammy Dodger biscuits - the expression Jammy Dodger in Scotland means someone who has undeserved good luck or fortune - as in - he's a right jammy dodger - he's a right lucky bxxxxxx - Rose Street in Edinburgh has an interesting history - a famous house of ill repute in the 1790s - the owner Miss Burns was obliged to leave Edinburgh by the authorities - Burns wrote a short poem critical of her detractors - I think she raised a court case about her expulsion from Edinburgh - many literary connections and many great bars - Rose St is favoured destination for a pub crawl - 10 + pubs - how far can you get - the next day - do you remember how far you got - all the best
Islay are my favorite style by far, and out of your six, Port Charlotte and the Corryvreckan are the two I have yet to try, although I will grab a bottle of Port Charlotte at my first opportunity, and will keep an eye out for the Corryvreckan. Absolutely spot on with your reviews, particularly that Lagavulin 16. My girlfriend refers to these as "liquid bandaids," so I laughed when you used bandaids as a description. Another favorite of mine is Ardbeg An Oa, smoky, sweet, deep richness with that peppery, spicy bite.
I haven’t tried the Ardbeg 10 but I love the Wee Beastie. I also love Laphroaig 10 and the way you described the Ardbeg is exactly how I’ve described the Laphroaig to people.
The "medicinal" flavor makes Laphroaig 10 a perfect component for the Penicillin cocktail! Nothing else can create that ideal combination of taste and aroma!
Hi, Enjoyed your comments. Visited Islay and toured the distilleries. Lagavulin mash tub fermentd liquid tasted like a great amber ale with a great cigar flavour. Laphroig mash liquid tasted liked someone had butted out their cigarette in your pilsner beer. A great trip , 8 distilleries and a brewery in 3 days. Port Charlotte Inn a must to stay in.
Hi, John. Thanks for watching and for sharing your tour experiences. Our 2018 Islay tour was amazing. I only wish I had my Whisky Riffs channel running at the time. Cheers!
Very nice review. I basically agree with your choices but I would change the Laphroaig 10 for the Quarter Cask. My latest discovery of the list, 3 years ago, was the Port Charlotte and it has become one of my favorites ever. It has such a good bang for the buck! Lagavulin was the dram that my older brother used to make me discover the world of peated whiskies and I fell in love with them since then. And Uiegedail has also become one of my Top-3 choices (that I can pay). Keep up the good music and good reviews!! Sláinte from Barcelona (Catalonia).
Superbly stylish presentation. I am going to get all this five Islay bottles and try one by one in the same sequence as in this video. But my pour will be less than this gentleman !
Thank you so much, Kuldeep. I'd love to hear your thoughts about each. And, yes, I'd advise smaller pours. Mine were for presentation of the color and I capped and saved those for drinking over a couple of days. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs I will certainly update you with my experience as soon as i collect all these bottles. I live in a dry state (Gujarat) of India so unfortunately i can't possess or drink here. I have to explore my desires only when i travel out of my state. While I've already had opportunities to try Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Lagavullin 16 at different occasions but that was quite long ago, so i will have to refresh my experience which I'll do soon. You are very stylish in your presentation and yet you sound real and authentic. Keep it up !
Great reviews. I think my favorite of the 5 is the Port Charlotte 10. The complexity and the ABV and the price are all in the right wheelhouse for me. Liked and Subscribed.
Lagavulin 16 was my first Islay whisky, and from there my peaked collection has exploded. I’ve yet to find a peated scotch I don’t enjoy! Some of my favorites from my collection are the Octomore 11.3, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan, and any Lag expression (11, 12, or 16). I eventually want to try and get my hands on the Laphroaig Lore as I’ve heard from the grapevine that it has a phenomenal blend for the price: 65% 15 y/o first fill bourbon 21 y/o bourbon barrel 10 y/o first fill Oloroso (full maturation) 11 y/o virgin European oak 9 y/o QC (full maturation) 8 y/o first fill bourbon
I really love the Lore and I've gone through a couple of bottles. I thought I might have had a dram left, but no. My recent experience with the second batch of the Traigh Bhan was eye opening (ruclips.net/video/ab3XC_W6EhM/видео.html). It was a flavor roller coaster for me. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs strangely, I was completely disappointed by Laphroaig Four Oak. I naively thought it would be a similar whiskey because of the similar name to Triple Wood.. any comments on that one?
@@markrcca5329 More is not always better. With whisky, it's all about the right balance. I think Bruichladdich understands this better than more distilleries. Unfortunately, when a distiller creates a "travel edition", like the Four Oak, it's often because it was a failed experiment. Cheers!
Great episode Kevin, great choices and very well put explanations for both those new to Islay and more familiar. My Top 5 are Lagavulin 16 Ardbeg 10, Ardbeg Wee Beastie Laphroig 10 Bowmore 12
Thank you, Russ! Nice top 5. When we visited Islay, we actually stayed at the Bowmore cottages. I could look out our window and see the distillery. For some reason, it just never resonated with me. I may have to try the Bowmore 12 again. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Sounds beautiful. Bowmore defiantly doesn't feel like it has a distinctive as some of the others (I have a very nice Vault edition that is an exception) but I have a soft spot for it. I have still not tried Port Charlotte so thanks for the nudge on that!
Having a soft spot for whisky, wine, or foods is common. There are just some bottles that mean more because of who I was with or where I was tasting them. I also visited 8 distilleries on that trip, so Bowmore had stiff competition for my affection. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the PCHP 10 after you try it. Cheers, my friend!
@@WhiskyRiffs So true! I will let you know on the PCHP 10, looking forward to trying it.BTW nailed it on the Ardbeg campfire note, not put my finger on that until I saw this, cheers!
Yes Russ. Lagavulin 16 is my top favorite. I grab a bottle of it in Oregon while on vacation. Sitting on the porch while it rained sipping my drink. . . .👍👊😉
My first islay was laphroaig select. I HATED it at first…. Now I LOVE it. Just got the wee beastie. WOOFFF! So now I have all of the classics u mention to enjoy for the first time I bet you’re jealous 😊
A very nice list, and especially the Ardbeg selections. I've had all 3 of those and they are tremendous scotches. My wildcard addition would be the Caol Ila 12, which matches very well to the Lagavulin 16 but at a more reasonable price. All in all, can't go wrong with Isla Scotch!
Great video - thanks for the walkthrough. I actually love Talisker 10 for Islay whiskeys. All of these whiskeys are the classic and distinctly Scotch whiskeys for me.
Thanks for the compliment! I didn't include Talisker because their distiller is on the Isle of Skye, but I do love it and have a review of the 10 (ruclips.net/video/TjyktLz_m5w/видео.html) and the 18 (ruclips.net/video/RjWti4P7_zs/видео.html), if you want to check those out. Cheers!
5 great whiskies, haven't tried that version of Port Chorlotte...yet. My favorite of the 5 is, without a doubt The Corryvreckan. My absolute favorite Islay whisky is the Port Askaig 10yo 10th anniversary 55.85%abv. Other good stuff is Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2010, Lagavulin Destillers edition, Laphroaig Cairdeas 2013 Port wood (The Brodir is also good), Bunnahabhain 12yo, Kilchoman Port wood.....and many others. Cheers!! P.S The Corryvreckan wirlpool is located north of Jura ;)
Thanks for your list! I have to try Port Askaig again, since I’ve only had it in samples and not the special bottling you mentioned. I have a video about the 2019 Lagavulin Distillers Edition and I’ll add the rest to my to do list. I do see that the Corryvreckan is north of Jura, thanks. I just went with the more general location given on the Ardbeg site of “north of Islay”. I’ll do more homework next time. ;)
Cool video! I love that strat color combo. Just wanted to sing the praises for Peat Monster by Compass box, It has climbed to my top list over Lagavulin second only to Springbank 10. Its a brilliant blend of Ila's and Highlands, I never thought I could like a blended malt over a single but the blender John Glaser is an absolute genius. I recomend you try it if you haven't!
Thanks! When those American Professional Strats came out in 2016, I fell in love with that dark neck and green body. I'm also Peat Monster fan. I think I still have a bottle, but I'll have to dig into my cabinet to see. I should buy another. Thanks for the reminder. Cheers!
Lagavullin 16 is maybe my favorite (affordable) whiskey ever… and I am primarily an Irish Whiskey drinker. Worth noting, there are a number of unpeated Islay that I also really enjoy: Bunnahabhain 12 or 18, and Bruichladdich Classic Laddie.
I love the Classic Laddie (ruclips.net/video/xIr4Mcbm8aI/видео.html) and I have a couple of episodes planned: one for the unpeated Islay expressions and a deep dive on Bunnahabhain. Cheers!
Lagavulin 16 was my first exposure to Islay scotch… it remains my #1 go to… Laphroaig 10 is my #1(a)… I have to try the others but they are on the top of my to do list… BTW: my ancestors the Darrachs & the Livingstons emigrated from Islay in the 1830’s to Ontario, Canada & I was born & raised in the USA… thanks for a great, informative video… I am proud to be a true “Son of the Peat”… God bless and Slainte from Rocky Top…
Hi Jim. Quite the bragging rights to have an Islay ancestry. 👍🏻 I appreciate your kind words and for watching! The Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10 is a good one for the top of your list. Slàinte mhath!
I completely agree. A friend of mine introduced me to Lagavulin 16 at his daughter's wedding many years ago. He pulled me and a handful of close friends aside and said, "Let me pour you a glass of the good stuff!" I've been hooked ever since. Cheers!
I wasn't including sourced our blended Islay Scotch in this episode. There are some lovely peated expressions that contain Islay distillery offerings, but for my top 5, I decided to stick to direct from the distillery bottles. Cheers!
first time watcher here. like the video overall, but some of your cuts are really abrupt. it's kinda painful. your tasting notes and approach is really excellent. something small - you mentioned there is unpeated port charlotte... not true. bruichladdich releases are always unpeated, port Charlotte is always moderate to heavy peat, and octomore is always mess your life up peated. also.. uigeadail is NOT cask strength. not even close. and the color is largely from e140. corryvreckan isn't cask strength either. you'd do a lot of justice to spend a little bit of time doing some research.
Hi Nathan, thanks for watching and for the feedback. I do make mistakes and do try to do my research… but then in the heat of recording some facts get scrambled. Cheers!
Lagavulin is still my first love in whiskies. Unfortunately it now goes for $140 a bottle here in Camada. Still worth every penny though. I'd love to enjoy a few drams with you sir. Great video !
That was enjoyable, you covered that well . Yep like many in their 60's Laphroaig was their first contact with peated single malt whisky. These days I like the CS over the 10 y.
60s?! Who said anything about being in their 60s?! I've got over 5 months left in my 50s. 😂 And I agree that the Cask Strength expression is better. Cheers!
This video popped up in my recommended videos, I clicked for two reasons; Islay Scotch and what appeared to be a PRS guitar (not mention the others), win win. Great video! I love Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10 and that little bit of guitar playing you did!
Excellent reasons. Thank you for the compliment and for clicking! You are right about the PRS, here are my guitars in that episode: 2016 Fender American Professional Stratocaster 2017 PRS CE 24 “Angry Larry” 2019 Taylor 314ce 2020 Epiphone UpTown Kat ES Cheers!
Men last month I bought a laphroaig cask strength (on a big sale) for only 85 euros online. I have to say me and my friends enjoyed that bottle. Good that my friends are also Islay enthousiats and they also share there bottles (otherwise it wouldn't be much fun) but damn 85 well 90€ with delivery costs. Otherwise in the shop here it's between 140€ and 190€. I learned a lot in these years and I expanded from Islay scotches (peated and non peated ones) to other Islands too like Arran. The Arran 10y olds is awesome price/quality and good for beginners and others. Today I refreshed my Ardbeg uigedail, and bruichladdich Islay barley 2013 (non peated) because those 2 bottles were empty.
Whisky is definitely better when shared with friends. 🥃 I have to get back to Europe so I can find more of my favorite expressions (we travel full time @findingGinaMarie). I'm glad my viewers are getting to enjoy drams that I'm missing. Cheers!
You have a very pleasant delivery and manner of speaking; informative, but not preachy or pedantic. Similar to David Byrne. Its a pleasure listening. I've had Laphroaig and Ardbeg 10, Laph Quarter Cask and Cask Strength, Tomintoul Peaty Tang, Lag 10 ( which seemed to taste richer and somehow better about 4+ years ago than more recently) and 8. I My situation , I hesitate to say problem, is I can hardly differentiate smell and taste differences except for the Lag 8. For the others, I smell and taste the primary one, and that's it. Maybe its my aging olfactory senses, being an OBB, original baby boomer. But I enjoy them all. Thanks for your great review. Can you taste and review the Lag Offerman Guiness cask?
Thanks so much for your kind words, Joel! 😊 It's so hard for me to remember what expressions used to taste like. I did a review of one of my favorite expressions, The Quinta Ruban, which I used to buy as a 12 year old (black label) and now it's a 14 year (green label). I know it was different and people have commented that it was better, but my aging brain can't be trusted to recall that. I'm looking at the Offerman Guiness casking now at my local shop and it's $130. I appreciate the suggestion. Cheers!
I somehow knew what was coming at the end!!!! An experience indeed! The only one I've not had is the Port Charlotte, but it's next on my list. Thank you, my exploration has just begun, but I'm pretty sure I'm on the right track now!
I was buying Laphroaig 10 at $65 the last couple of years. Just two weeks ago I found it for under $50. I got a couple of bottles. Port Charlotte is one of my very favorite whiskeys, not just Islays. The smoke note for me is perfumy, like incense. Love the sweetness. Cool list. Although, I am really not a fan of Lagavulin, I get more phenolic rubber than I do smoke.
Thanks! Everyone has different tastes. There are plenty of whiskies that don’t hit me right, but people brag about them. Which is why it’s great we have so many choices. Cheers!
Lagavulin 16 is my favorite. Years ago, my first taste of scotch was Laphoraig 10. At the time I was blown away and thought wow this is wonderful drink. Of course Laphoraig 10 no longer works for me now after all these years but it was my first love (of scotch) 😀
Thanks for sharing! I've had a similar journey with Laphroaig 10 opening my palate to new flavors and Lagavulin 16 becoming a favorite of mine after that. Cheers!
Never drank Scotch until last week when I randomly got a chance to taste Lagavulin 16. I liked it, so did some googling to find something similar, and the next day bought a bottle of Laphroig 10. Also liked it.
Agree with all your choices! We have tried and like them all, and Uigheadail is perhaps our favourite. Another that we have really enjoyed is Bruichladdich Port Charlotte MRC01... when I first found it, the owner of the specialty liquor store claimed that it wasn't supposed to be available in Canada, but was specifically intended for the South Africa market and was shipped to him accidentally. Of course, when I went back a year later, he still had some - so perhaps it was just a good story. Really liked your comments, thanks!
Hi John, thanks! In my recent review (ruclips.net/video/9WJ3N8zXXI4/видео.html), I was glowing about the MRC: 01 too. The Cask Exploration series is great. Cheers!
Ardbeg 10 was given to me as a gift and that's what set me on my journey. Absolutely delicious and the buzz is so good natured. Love Ardbeg. My dad just gave me a bottle of Uigeadail for my birthday and I've yet to open it, but I'm hoping it will be just as delicious as the ten. He gave me some Bowmore 12 for Christmas last year, and while it was good I thought it was nothing unique, unfortunately. Laphroig is my, "I can't find Ardbeg" scotch. a good substitute and good in it's own way. I've never tried Lagavulin, but I'm sure I will one day. Port Charlotte... I don't like the bottle! Petty, I know. Thanks for the video!
I think you'll enjoy the Uigeadail. It has all the flavors of the 10, but adds those extra notes from the Sherry cask finish and kicks up the impact with a 54.2% ABV bottling. Let me know your thoughts when you do crack open the bottle. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Had some of it last night with a friend. I thought it was very sweet. This might sound crazy but I think I prefer the taste of the 10. That probably sounds very pedestrian of me, but I think the sherry cask throws off the flavor a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's very nice, but I think I have a penchant for what the 10 brings. I might have to try the Port Charlotte because I'm beginning to think I just like the taste of smoked peat! Haha. Best wishes!
That's neither crazy, wrong, or pedestrian. It's your taste preference, which means you're absolutely correct. I struggle with rum because it's too sweet and rye whiskey hits my palette wrong, but a million people will have the opposite opinion. I'm a fan of sherry bomb Scotch whiskies, you may see that in several of my reviews, so I'm going to appreciate the battle between smoke and dark fruit tastes. It's not for everyone. The Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10 is not at all sweet and brings the heat. If you get to try Compass Box Peat Monster, you might enjoy that as well. Cheers!
For my money, the alternate is the best of the bunch. Served it at my wedding. Also, the Quarter Cask from Laphroaig is their best offering in this price range
I'm a big fan of the Corryvreckan and the Quarter Cask. I just commended a commenter who's new to Islay and bought the QC over the Laphroaig 10. There are so many episode ideas that have come out of this one. Cheers!
In San Francisco, Laphroaig Lore is running around $130 - at least at the place that I found it in stock. My bottle of Lore is empty, but I do still have a dram in my Triple Wood, which is only $70 here and quite a nice expression.
This is the first video of yours I've seen and I can't believe you don't have more subscribers. Liking, subing, and commenting to help you get more notice.
I'm new to whiskeys and started like most with bourbons. The way he describes Ardbeg (campfire, pepper, a little sweetness) that sounds right up my alley. I'm thinking maybe I'm a Islay Scotch guy. Definitely going to have to try some Ardbeg.
@@WhiskyRiffs the Port Charlotte is richer and much more approachable in my opinion. It really doesn’t have the medicinal iodine notes like the Ardbeg…just not like campfire smoke. The Laphroaig can tend to taste a little like an ash tray for me sometimes but not always. The PC almost has a chocolate flavor to me, especially on the heals of the others. It’s definitely my favorite of those listed.
These are all ones I wanna try. Bought a bottle of Ardbeg Wee Beastie earlier this year and I just love it! The taste of smoked meat is intense and I like how it just lingers long after. I also get a pine resin taste that really helps create that mental image of sitting by a camp fire.
I agree and love every selection you made except one. The Port Charlotte. I would toss the Charlotte and include Caol Ila in it’s place. An absolute lovely and subtly different peaty scotch. My favorites are Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Caol Ila as my top 3 with Laphroaig bringing up the rear. Thank you for the wonderful tasting!
For some reason, I’m not a huge fan of the Caol Ila 12 flavors. But most anything bottled by Bruichladdich hits me just right. It’s great to have so many choices. Cheers!
Jameson is a fairly weak whiskey. If I'm drinking an Irish Whiskey, I'll go with Redbreast (12 or 15), Green Spot, or Teeling Pot Still. Islay Scotch is a whole other breed and is rarely tame. If you loved the Laphroaig 10, you are going to have a lot of fun trying the peated offerings from Ardbeg and Bruichladdich Port Charlotte. Cheers!
Islay is such a magic place, spent 5 days there in 2018, I really recommend a road trip around the distilleries. Lagavulin 16 is the one for me, a bit more expensive than the others, but worth every penny. The Ardbeg 10 is a good yardstick by which to measure other Islay whiskies. Enjoyed your video. Will grab a Port Charlotte next time I'm looking for an Islay Scotch!
Hey, my wife and I were taking our 4 day Islay distillery tour in June of 2018. What a great experience with had with our Rabbies tour guide. I hope you like the PCHP 10. Bruichladdich has become my favorite distillery… and not just on Islay. Cheers!
Guitar and scotch videos? love it. Two of my favorite things. I've had the Lagavulin 16 and the Laphroaig 10. Going to look out for the Ardbeg bottles now.
Thanks, Matthew! I recently posted episodes on Caol Ila 12 (ruclips.net/video/fYJY7Rv-nqI/видео.html) and Bowmore 18 (ruclips.net/video/RjWti4P7_zs/видео.html). Cheers!
Peaty Islays are the best. Blues notes a nice touch. Port Charlotte heavily peated is my favorite. All the Ardbegs are very good. It's been awhile since I've had a Lagavulin - must be time to have a dram of that again soon.
Working my way through scotch, ardbeg wee beastie has quickly become my favorite. It's definitely not as refined, but man does it hit you in the mouth with the smoke.
If you can find it in the States, Laphroaig Quarter Cask is an excellent peated malt, I was drinking it in the distillery along with a much more expensive 30 year old, I preferred the Quarter Cask. Nice video by the way.
Thank you! I've owned more than one Quarter Cask bottles and do enjoy it. I'm surprised that I haven't done a review of it in the past. It's great because the wood influence is ramped up. Cheers!
Just found this video. I am a long time Bourbon and Rye fan and am just starting to explore the peated Scotch. I bought a bottle of Laphroaig 10 earlier this week and really enjoyed it. I am planning to pick up the Ardbeg 10 tomorrow. I may just use this video as a checklist!
Well done! You've found a path between Bourbon, Rye, and Islay whiskies. If you've seen enough of my videos, you'll know that Bourbon was my safe order for years - Maker's Mark specifically. After much practice (such a hard job 😉), I found much to love in all the variations of whisky. Cheers and thanks for watching! 🥃
Just love the blues guitar riffs in the background. I am a Scot and massive lover of Islay Single malts, I have bought and tasted all those you have mentioned. My own choice would be Ardbeg Corryvreckan, it is just magical, a bit pricy at £64 but worth it. Remember that tastes change on the palate but for me I can detect almonds and violets after a few mintes. A huge number of Scots do not like the creosote smell, it is something you will grow to love. I have a stomach problem and now have to greatly limit my alcohol intake. If anyone wants an Islay malt but wants to avoid the smoke and peat, can I suggest a Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old, inexpensive and my all time favourite, nothing short of perfection IMO.
Thanks for the enjoying my riffs, Robert! I'm sorry to hear about your health issues that limit whisky intake, but I appreciate your suggestions and tasting notes. The Bunnahabhain 18 was one of my early bottles of Scotch to own, alas it and my 12 year bottles are long gone. I do still have a Bunnahabhain Cruach-Mhòna, which does warrant a review. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs The Corryvrekan cuts through extraneous muscle tension like Damascus steel. Especially for my playing partners who don't fully grasp the concept of a "sipping whisky" despite my warnings that this "is not some kind of kiddie scotch like Macallan 16". After sixty seconds of bleary-eyed gasping for air subsequent to a full tequila-style snort - they're as limp as dead eels. Which is apropos in as much as I'm pretty sure that's one of the Corryvrekan's more prominent flavor notes.
Laphroaig blew me away the first time I tried it, and made me realise just how versatile whisky can be. It's nectar, and captures the area it's produced in perfectly.
Same here, Kane. I was blown away by the variety of scents and flavors I was finding in that 10 year. Cheers!
It only gets better the older it gets❤️❤️❤️
Laphroaig is colored and Chill Filtered, but I still prefer it to Ardbeg 10
Laphroaig QC was my turning point in Scotch drinking. Now I am a Peat Head.
@@UsedBrain4U same. There's something about unpeated whisky that just tastes and feels off putting to me now.
I'm partial to a bit of bourbon now and then, but when it comes to scotch, it's heavily peated all the way for me.
Finally someone who appreciates both Scotch and guitars! Love the idea for the channel.
Thanks for finding Whisky Riffs, Darren. Cheers!
I also was introduced to Scotch with a bottle of Laphroaig 10 and my second bottle was the Lagavulin 16. When I was introduced to the Laphroaig, I was impressed with its flavor and peat tase. I enjoyed it tremendously. That being said, a friend who introduced me to the Scotch stated if I loved the peat of the Laphroaig that I should try the Lagavulin. Once I did, I was hooked. I wasn't much of a drinker except for wine with dinner but now I have become a Scotch man. I enjoy my Scotch and have excelled in trying several others and have introduced various Scotches to my friends and Sons. It has become more pleasurable to me sharing my Scotches with my friends and sons to create fine moments and memories.
Well said! Moments and memories are often more important than what's in my glass. I love that we have similar stories: Laphroaig 10 awakening my interest in discovering flavors in whisky and Lagavulin 16 being served to me by a friend as "the good stuff" during his daughter's wedding. Thank you so much for watching and sharing! Cheers!
I am Japanese and live in Kyoto. Kyoto is one of the leading sake producing areas in Japan.
The area where this sake is made is called "Fushimi". This "Fushimi" is also famous for producing one of the most famous waters in Japan. In the same place as this famous water system, there is Suntory, which is famous for Japanese whiskey, and "Yamazaki" is made. I get the well water from a shrine near my house, make a water split for my favorite Islay whiskey, and drink it. My favorite brands are Finlagan, Bowmore and Ardbeg. Mizuwari made from Islay whiskey and well water in Kyoto is the best.
Great water makes a huge difference in the creation of spirits. We're luck to live in San Francisco, which has a fantastic water source for the US. Thank you for sharing! My wife and I have made it to Australia, but not all the way to Japan yet. It's on our travel list as the world slowly opens up again. Cheers!
Yamazaki is good i bought one when i went to japan. I do not have japanese spring water but i do have Nikka Tonic :)
Japan has a unique way of drinking, cocktails. It is a cocktail called "MIZUWARI". I mix whiskey with water, and I use well water from a shrine near my house, and I can make the most delicious MIZUWARI cocktail. Scotch or bourbon is delicious.
Hi, I came across your vlog. I'm in Scotland. I thought this was strange an American talking about our whisky. But I must say I really enjoyed it, in a strange way.
Scotch is beloved all around the world. I do my best to spark interest in this gift of Scotland to others. Cheers!
My fav: A dram of Lagavulin 16 🥃 and Albert King 💙 playing 🎸 in the background 🫡
Thanks, but that's me playing over a backing tracking (and I'm no where near as good as Albert King). Cheers!
I have all of these in my collection, great inexpensive choices.
Great collection! Cheers!
Same except for the lagavulin 16, bit too rich for my blood
I adore the entire Ardbeg line. From the base Wee Beastie to the more expensive versions, every bottle I’m a huge fan
Caol Ila is one of my favorites as a base 12 year old malt. Tastes completely different to other Islay whiskeys with the distillery down by the water. Love Lagavullin and of course the medicinal whiskey Laphroaig. I wonder how the CV-19 immunity is on Islay currently 😉😉😂.
If only whisky was the cure for viruses… I'd be the healthiest person on the planet! 😂 Cheers!
I have 4 of those. I just don’t have the Port Charlotte. Lagavulin 16 is my number 1 Whisky and I’m currently waiting for the delivery of my Lagavulin 11yr Offerman Edition Guinness Cask.
Hi Lance. Let me know what you think of that Offerman expression. I do recommend the PCHP10. Cheers!
Lagavulin 16! From bold to subtle, it has so many interesting notes. Looking forward to trying some of the others on this list. Cheers!
That's a great expression, Erik. I definitely recommend trying the Port Charlotte 10 HP. If you try any of them, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Cheers!
Love the guitar based background, adds more to the satisfaction of the definitions of good old whiskey
Thanks, Nathan. Cheers!
Not fond of the guitar. He needs to work on his bends and vary the rhythm.
@@Dex619 There's always room for improvement in every skill. Cheers!
The Lagavulin 16 is my absolute favourite. Perfect balanced - I love it!
The 16 is an old favorite for me, have you tried their 8 year?
I have tried the 8 and it's great
@@jaronburstyn1997 I think the 8 year is a great expression. Cheers!
The 8 is 43apv but the 16 is 40apv or am I wrong
@@jaronburstyn1997 The Lagavulin 8 is 48% ABV (96 proof) and the 16 is 43% ABV (86 proof) in the US.
Port Charlotte is my favorite one too. Both daring and exquisite.
"Both daring and exquisite." Great description, Anna! I'll have to keep that one in my back pocket for a future review. ;) Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs :)
When I first tried the Laphroaig 10 (40%), I was blown away and amazed at how flavorful it was. It instantly became my favorite.
Then I tried the cask strength Laph 10, and I realized how watered down and bland the regular 40% was compared to it. Now the cask strength is my new favorite.
Luckily, the Laphroaig 10 is 43% ABV in the US. I'd still rather have it at 46%, but that's how they push some of us to buy the CS instead. Cheers!
I got the cask strength laphroig and can only taste bandaid. Its way too intense for me. Love smoke but not bandaid.
@@BabyKale-b think about it this way: this is an old mariner medicine.
@@Soldano999 makes sense, thats exactly what it taste like
It would have been a better horizontal comparison to have the 10 cask strength in this lineup against the others (except Laga 16)
I just stumbled across your channel and this vid has brought back some great memories.
Before I retired I was an MD of a company that supplied many of the Distilleries in Scotland & Ireland and I had the pleasure of visiting most of them several times over.
On my last visit, I had the honour of being invited into the Laphroaig vaults by the Distillery Manager (where they keep every Laphroaig that has been produced). It was an experience that I will never forget, as was the Hangover which lasted for several days afterwards.
PS just a wee tip, keep your Laphroaig etc chilled in the refrigerator and drink it whilst eating strong dark chocolate (85%+), it adds a whole new dimension to the experience.
OMG! I'm so jealous of your career experience. That's so cool! Thanks for the tip on the chilled Laphroaig. We had a chilled Dalwhinnie expression on our recent tour of the Highlands (ruclips.net/video/0vgmmLMHXV0/видео.html) and it was quite interesting. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Many thanks for your comment, visits to the Distilleries were always a highlight and made up for the times that I was visiting Oil Refineries & Chemical Plants.
The Highlands & Speyside are littered with Maturing Sheds where the Casks of Malt gently mature before bottling, some of them are in the most wonderful setting and if you get the chance are an interesting visit.
The chilling & Dark chocolate tip was courtesy of the chief Electrical Eng for Beam Global who own Laphroaig these days. Enjoy👍
Kevin, I’m a relative amateur in the whisky game (as well as in the guitar game), and I cannot thank you enough for the treasure trove of information you have on your terrific channel!
Thank you so much for those kind words, Sebastian! I've learned not to let the label "amateur" limit my ability to enjoy what I like. Please let me know if I can ever answer any questions or review a specific expression for you. Cheers!
Hi Kevin. Nice review. I’ve tasted all of these except for the Corryvreckan. My favourites are the Port Charlotte 10 and the Lagavulin 16. They are the ”easiest” for a new whisky enthusiast like me. I’ve just finished my Ardbeg 10, which was my very first Ardbeg ever, and I still have the Uigeadail and the An Oa, which in my opinion are excellent whiskiws and easier for a beginner. The Laphroaig 10 is really something different but very enjoyable!
Thank you for your kind words! The Corryvreckan is a beast (not to be confused with the Wee Beastie 5 year) compared to the Ardbeg Uigeadail, but it may be my favorite expression. You're doing an amazing job of enjoying the Islay peated expressions. Well done!
Oh my word The Coryvrenken is absolutely heavenly. Wins hands down
Sitting here drinking a Coryvrenken while he flavour profiles it. I think I’ve reach peak middle aged man.
Corryvreckan, chaps, Corryvreckan.
Anything from Ardbeg is exceptional. I love the uigeidail, Corey, the 10 and the wee beastie
Yesterday I received a bottle of Port Charlotte 10 from a customer of the studio because I love Scotch Whiskey. Glen Fiddich is the brand I have and which I drink when the product is ready and which I drink with the customer in the relaxation room when we listen to the product. Well, for the first time I sipped the Port Charlotte and it was delicious! With a very long finish that I could disappear into, it tasted like a perfectly mixed master from the sound studio
That's a great description of Port Charlotte! Cheers!
Great reviews!
Laphroaig 10 yo was also my introduction to Islay that started me on my journey. To me, this whisky probably responds to a few drops of water more profoundly than the others that you reviewed…it brings out many more flavors as well as heightens the intensity of the smoke. As mentioned by another commenter, the darker color is due to added colorant, most likely e150, that can add a bit of artificial caramel to the finish.
I really loved to hear what you said about Port Charlotte….fantastic whisky that flies under the radar of many whisky lovers. I think I would have used the Islay Barley Heavily Peated NAS version as the PC exemplar of the brand, but that’s only a matter of personal preference. I would have also used the Lagavulin 8 yo as the representative of Lagavulin, even though the 16 yo is much better known, because it’s significantly more affordable and provides more bang for the buck. For the additional, “extra credit” bottle, I would have used Caol Ila 12 yo instead of Ardbeg Corryvreckan because the CI would better represent a more gentle introduction to peated whisky from Islay.
…and then there’s Kilchoman Machir Bay, but that’s not as widely available. It was started relatively recently as a tiny effort in the barnyard of a farm and may be the most elemental of all Islay whiskies.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree that the Lagavulin 8 is excellent and I have included it in a past review. The Caol Ila 12 and the Machir Bay also have reviews. I really love the Kichoman Distillery, one of the best tours we had on Islay, but I don't tend to reach for their drams as much. But flavors are personal and we all benefit from the wealth of variety of whisky styles and types. Cheers!
I was at Kilchoman a couple weeks ago and while I didn't prefer their Machir Bay, I picked up a bottle of their 100% Islay. I've been thoroughly enjoying it--possibly one of my all-time favorites.
@@mikemaixner1 I need to try their 100% Islay. Cheers!
Laphroaig 10 was my first. It was basically like drinking a campfire.
I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you for your interesting and very straightforward Islay reviews. There's not a lot of laughing and sidebars and time wasting. Excellent presentation.
That's very kind of you to say. Thank you for watching. Cheers!
Hello from Germany. Wow, this selection is near to my favorite Islay Whiskys. My absolute favorite is the Uigeadail followed by the Lagavulin 16Y. Conversely to your choice. In my ranking comes now the Kilchoman Machir Bay. After that the Laphroaig Quarter Cask followed by a Single Malt from unknown distillery, The Ileach Cask strength. I don't know if you can buy it in the US, but here in Germany its sometimes in big supermarkets for a amazing low price, because its a very powerful Whisky with 58 vol.% Alcohol. Very delicious. Thats my ranking of my most favorite Islay Single Malt Whiskys. I love them all.
Hello, Bernd! I have not tasted the Ileach Cask Strength, but I was only including expressions directly from the Islay distilleries for this episode. The Vintage Malt Whisky Co. with all their special bottlings could probably be its own episode. ;) Cheers!
I've had and enjoyed both the Ardbeg 10 and the Lag 16 ... next stop, Port Charlotte! One thing I totally enjoy about the scotch / bourbon market is that there is never a lack of new expressions to try! I love it.
You're so right, there's a never-ending list of expressions to try. I found even more as I started traveling outside the US on a full-time basis (@findingGinaMarie). Cheers!
My all time favourite is Lagavulin 16,I once had a distillers edition and that was fantastic so smooth! ,the Peaty Smokey ones are the best.
Funny you should mention that, Simon. ;) ruclips.net/video/sAcLr7k3Z34/видео.html
Try Lagavulin 18 year old Double matured 1991.
I've had all these, and I'd rank them:
5 - Laphroig
4 - Ardbeg 10
3 - Lagavulin 16
2 - Port Charlotte
1 - Uigeadail
1+ - Corryvreckan
The top three are all very close. Beautiful bottles that I'm always happy to pour myself a dram of. Thank you for the video!
An excellent list. Cheers!
Glen marnoch dude ❤
Great video, thank you. I couldn't agree more. Laphroaig 10 was my first Islay whisky too. I fluctuate between Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Port Charlotte as my favorites. Right now, I like the NCF and 46% presentation of Ardbeg 10, but Laphroaig probably wins for its overall character. And I also have trouble choosing between the Lagavulin 8 and 16 year, since both have their own characters.
Thank you and I agree on all your points. I want different brands on different days - but I almost always love a Bruichladdich expression. ;) I think the Lagavulin 8 has a great flavor profile (from a very old episode ruclips.net/video/W2KLgQub0CE/видео.html). Cheers!
I like the Lagavulin 8 better than the 16. It has more of a spicy kick
Great review. I started drinking whisky a couple of years ago. Fell in love with Islay whisky's the moment I drank Lagavulin 16y.
It was the first bottle I finished and now I always want one on my shelf.
I don't really like the Laphroaig 10 because of the iodine.
Just bought the Ardbed Uigeadail and Corryvreckan for myself as a Christmas present. Can't wait to try them.
Thanks for sharing. My introduction to Lagavulin 16 was at a wedding for my friend's daughter. He pulled a select few of us aside and offered us a glass of "the good stuff". I've loved it ever since. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs thank! I'm drinking the Corry and Oogie right now and I mùust say I'm more of a fan of the Corryvreckan. The Oogie has a bit of that iodine taste that I don't really like, although it's not that strong as the Laphroaig.
You’re really going for that Ardbeg sponsorship! lol Good stuff, Kevin. The production quality on these is going way up!
Hah! I'll take any sponsorships from any brands. Thanks for noticing the production improvements, Tommy. Cheers!
Every offering from Ardbeg is exceptional
I watched this just now and “WOW” !.. For me it all started when my Brother in law George introduced me to Laphroaig 10.
I fell in love with Isla Scotches.
I’ve tried all of the ones you referenced here. I’ve owned a bottle (or 2) of each one. I would recommend you try the Octomore (Brookladdy) for the ultimate peat power expression.
Otherworldly, insane peat, but unbelievably smooth.
I’ve been to Isla and highly recommended you go if you haven’t, for the ultimate immersion experience.
The environment is pristine. You cannot escape the peat as you can smell it in the air everywhere. It is in abundance. It’s burned to heat their homes. It lingers in the air. You can’t escape that clean unique slightly sweet, mossy scent.
The people are wonderful and are all passionate about (1) thing Isla Scotch.
I did a tasting at Laphroaig and toured their peat floors. My wife and I then walked down this beautiful trail down to Lagavolin and then down to Ardbeg. Ardbeg is the most beautiful Distillery imaginable (my opinion) and has a restaurant that serves incredible food. (Steamed mussels in a buttery, garlicky broth, served in a cast iron pot. To die for.)
I prefer the Cask strength whiskies as the thickness slows the whole experience down by sitting on your tongue longer.
Lastly sometimes just adding a few drops of water releases some of the flavors. For this I recommend only the best most pristine water you can find. My preference would be Glacier water with a high mineral content. The best drink of Laphroaig I ever had was while visiting the Canadian Rockies (Jasper) and having access to their incredible water to add to it. You’d and my pallet seem to be on point. I have to say I agree with all of the tasting points you expressed here.
Awesome !
Thanks for your comments and suggestions. My wife and I took a 4-day tour of Islay that included 9 distilleries in all. It was so good, I'm thinking of doing it again later this year. As for Bruichladdich, I love that distillery. Recently, I had a change of hear about Octomore and whether it's worth the price. You can see my review here: ruclips.net/video/_yAhd4lKPSo/видео.html. Cheers!
What a tremendous presentation. I loved the tone and style and of course, the content. Beautifully explained and delivered. I only wish I had the skills to be able to discern those flavours in the same way. Top stuff.
Thank you so much! Tasting notes are hard for me, but I always keep notes from other sources around so I can reference them. Sometimes I find smells or tastes after reading someone's notes and sometimes I just find new words for the notes that I'm finding. It's just about practice. Cheers!
Kevin really does a nice job explaining. I’ve watched a lot of other Whisky guys, but he just does it better.
Nick offerman is who got me started on scotch, I tried lagavullen for the first time watching the sun set on the Isle of Skye and every time I drink it it takes me back to that moment. That's special and I'll hold it forever.
Years ago, a good friend pulled a select group of us aside at his daughter's wedding to share a dram of "the good stuff". It was my first taste of Lagavulin 16 and I was hooked. Cheers!
Wow, 65k views, congrats and great work Kevin!
Thanks so much, Rob! In addition to teaching me guitar skills, your channel has inspired me to play on camera. I also wouldn't be able to record my riffs with this level of quality without the Earthworks SR-25 mic that I won from your giveaway. You're a big part of the existence of Whisky Riffs. Cheers!
Lagavulin is, by far, my favourite Scotch Whisky. I just love the aroma and the deep full flavor. Excellent with a good cigar or by itself.
One of my early experiences with "the good stuff" as my friend called it, made me fall in love with Lagavulin. I see it as more mass market than I did in the past, but that hasn't deterred me from enjoying it. Cheers!
So well done - thank you. Very academic yet passionate review. I’ve had the first five and couldn’t agree more, especially with the assessment of the Uigeadail and Port Charlotte (so underrated!). Also want to throw in a plug for Laphroaig Lore - it’s kinda an Uigeadail for Laphroaig lovers. Incredibly complex yet faithful to their core profile. Thanks again for some excellent content
Thank you so much, Ben! I agree that Lore is great, but it was over the $100 mark for this episode. I followed up some more expensive Islay (ruclips.net/video/sAcLr7k3Z34/видео.html). Thanks for watching and for agreeing about PCHP 10. Cheers!
I'm pretty new at this, but I do love Islay whiskies. Except all the Ardbeg variations, I have tried the others and enjoy them. My current fave is Kilchoman Machir Bay. Seems light and fruity but you get that smoke at the end. Really nice combo.
Greetings from Scotland - just caught your top Islay reviews and the Cull Ila follow on - first I have to say great pronunciation - second - great reviews - massive fan of Arbeg 10 and Bunnahabhain 12 - the others are in my wallet's pain zone - in Scotland whisky is shockingly expensive - tax on Scotch - in the country of its origin - currently stands at around 70% - more than any other alcoholic product - this means that £3 in every £4 spent on a bottle goes to the HM Treasury in excise and VAT (our sales or purchase tax) - and our specialist whisky shops seem to charge a premium for the pleasure of buying a bottle from them - I check on Amazon and various supermarkets where you can get deals of up to £10 - £15 off a decent bottle - I'll be looking through your back catalogue with a wee glass - lang may yer lum reek!
Thank you for the pronunciation compliment! I do try to lookup the correct way to say Scottish names, even if I don't always nail the accent. ;)
My wife and I just got back from a tour of 9 Highland distilleries (I'll talk about that more in an upcoming episode or two) and I did notice that most of the prices were higher than I'd pay here in San Francisco. That didn't stop me from buying six distillery/travel-exclusive bottles and bringing them home with me.
Let me know if there are any whiskies you'd like reviewed. Slàinte mhath!
I've just watched your Burns Night Glenfarclas tasting and Islay whisky tour - I'll catch up with your Islay tour - I should have said most Scots have difficulty pronouncing any whisky with a Gaelic name - only a wee bit more than 1% of Scots are Gaelic fluent - roughly 58,000 out of a population of 5.5 million - interested to hear about your distillery exclusive bottlings - for Burns Night I like Robert Burns Single Malt - the only whisky officially endorsed by the World Burns Federation - drinking a Burns on Burns Night - ye cannae get better than tha' - an honest decent young malt perfect to accompany the traditional haggis neeps and tatties - 43% NCF NC NAS - at a wee bit over £30 a bargain - from Arran Distilleries - an independent distillery - and their Arran 10 - 46% NFC NC £ 37 - is well worth trying - cheerio the noo!
One of the best burgers I've ever eaten was in Edinburgh at the Rose & Crown. It was topped with cheese and haggis and was way too filling, but very delicious. Also, I do have an Arran 10 episode: ruclips.net/video/dS2RMxngyMw/видео.html. I didn't know the Robert Burns Single Malt was from Arran, but now that I do I'll need to look at acquiring a bottle. Cheers!
Appreciate the link - great review - liked the video insert of Jammy Dodger biscuits - the expression Jammy Dodger in Scotland means someone who has undeserved good luck or fortune - as in - he's a right jammy dodger - he's a right lucky bxxxxxx - Rose Street in Edinburgh has an interesting history - a famous house of ill repute in the 1790s - the owner Miss Burns was obliged to leave Edinburgh by the authorities - Burns wrote a short poem critical of her detractors - I think she raised a court case about her expulsion from Edinburgh - many literary connections and many great bars - Rose St is favoured destination for a pub crawl - 10 + pubs - how far can you get - the next day - do you remember how far you got - all the best
It's always good to have an insider view of Edinburgh. Great stuff! Thanks.
Lagavulin 11 Nick Offerman Caribbean Rum Cask finish is pretty good! I for sure recommend that for an Islay scotch
It's not a mainstream expression and may be hard to find, but for a sweeter dram it's a good option. Cheers!
Islay are my favorite style by far, and out of your six, Port Charlotte and the Corryvreckan are the two I have yet to try, although I will grab a bottle of Port Charlotte at my first opportunity, and will keep an eye out for the Corryvreckan. Absolutely spot on with your reviews, particularly that Lagavulin 16. My girlfriend refers to these as "liquid bandaids," so I laughed when you used bandaids as a description. Another favorite of mine is Ardbeg An Oa, smoky, sweet, deep richness with that peppery, spicy bite.
Thanks, Ron! Let me know if you like the PCHP10 and the Corryvreckan, if you get to taste that one as well. Cheers!
I haven’t tried the Ardbeg 10 but I love the Wee Beastie. I also love Laphroaig 10 and the way you described the Ardbeg is exactly how I’ve described the Laphroaig to people.
The Ardbeg 10 and the Wee Beastie are pretty close in taste. I actually prefer the Wee Beastie sometimes. Cheers!
The "medicinal" flavor makes Laphroaig 10 a perfect component for the Penicillin cocktail! Nothing else can create that ideal combination of taste and aroma!
I have quite a few friends that would not be happy if I served them a dram of Laphroaig 10 because of that. Cheers!
Hi, Enjoyed your comments. Visited Islay and toured the distilleries. Lagavulin mash tub fermentd liquid tasted like a great amber ale with a great cigar flavour. Laphroig mash liquid tasted liked someone had butted out their cigarette in your pilsner beer. A great trip , 8 distilleries and a brewery in 3 days. Port Charlotte Inn a must to stay in.
Hi, John. Thanks for watching and for sharing your tour experiences. Our 2018 Islay tour was amazing. I only wish I had my Whisky Riffs channel running at the time. Cheers!
Very nice review. I basically agree with your choices but I would change the Laphroaig 10 for the Quarter Cask. My latest discovery of the list, 3 years ago, was the Port Charlotte and it has become one of my favorites ever. It has such a good bang for the buck! Lagavulin was the dram that my older brother used to make me discover the world of peated whiskies and I fell in love with them since then. And Uiegedail has also become one of my Top-3 choices (that I can pay). Keep up the good music and good reviews!! Sláinte from Barcelona (Catalonia).
Thanks, Roger! I would agree about the Quarter Cask, but my history with the 10 year compelled me to include it. Cheers!
Superbly stylish presentation. I am going to get all this five Islay bottles and try one by one in the same sequence as in this video. But my pour will be less than this gentleman !
Thank you so much, Kuldeep. I'd love to hear your thoughts about each. And, yes, I'd advise smaller pours. Mine were for presentation of the color and I capped and saved those for drinking over a couple of days. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs I will certainly update you with my experience as soon as i collect all these bottles. I live in a dry state (Gujarat) of India so unfortunately i can't possess or drink here. I have to explore my desires only when i travel out of my state. While I've already had opportunities to try Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Lagavullin 16 at different occasions but that was quite long ago, so i will have to refresh my experience which I'll do soon. You are very stylish in your presentation and yet you sound real and authentic. Keep it up !
@@kuldeepgadhvi1788 Those are kind words, Kuldeep! Tasting whiskies when you can't own them is pretty tough. Cheers!
Great reviews. I think my favorite of the 5 is the Port Charlotte 10. The complexity and the ABV and the price are all in the right wheelhouse for me. Liked and Subscribed.
Thanks for the like and subscribe. I'm right with you regarding the PCHP 10, it ticks a lot of boxes for me.
Port Charlotte 10 is indeed a great Whisky, very complex but round 😋
Have tried all of them Totally agree with you.Lagavulin 16 is my ultimate favourite. Hands down.
Lagavulin 16 is a classic. Cheers!
Lagavulin 16 was my first Islay whisky, and from there my peaked collection has exploded. I’ve yet to find a peated scotch I don’t enjoy! Some of my favorites from my collection are the Octomore 11.3, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan, and any Lag expression (11, 12, or 16). I eventually want to try and get my hands on the Laphroaig Lore as I’ve heard from the grapevine that it has a phenomenal blend for the price:
65% 15 y/o first fill bourbon
21 y/o bourbon barrel
10 y/o first fill Oloroso (full maturation)
11 y/o virgin European oak
9 y/o QC (full maturation)
8 y/o first fill bourbon
I really love the Lore and I've gone through a couple of bottles. I thought I might have had a dram left, but no. My recent experience with the second batch of the Traigh Bhan was eye opening (ruclips.net/video/ab3XC_W6EhM/видео.html). It was a flavor roller coaster for me. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
Laphroaig Triple Wood. Rich, oily and smoky!
I love the Triple Wood. The Oloroso Sherry casks give it a nice, rich sweetness. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs strangely, I was completely disappointed by Laphroaig Four Oak. I naively thought it would be a similar whiskey because of the similar name to Triple Wood.. any comments on that one?
@@markrcca5329 More is not always better. With whisky, it's all about the right balance. I think Bruichladdich understands this better than more distilleries. Unfortunately, when a distiller creates a "travel edition", like the Four Oak, it's often because it was a failed experiment. Cheers!
Great episode Kevin, great choices and very well put explanations for both those new to Islay and more familiar. My Top 5 are
Lagavulin 16
Ardbeg 10,
Ardbeg Wee Beastie
Laphroig 10
Bowmore 12
Thank you, Russ! Nice top 5. When we visited Islay, we actually stayed at the Bowmore cottages. I could look out our window and see the distillery. For some reason, it just never resonated with me. I may have to try the Bowmore 12 again. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Sounds beautiful. Bowmore defiantly doesn't feel like it has a distinctive as some of the others (I have a very nice Vault edition that is an exception) but I have a soft spot for it. I have still not tried Port Charlotte so thanks for the nudge on that!
Having a soft spot for whisky, wine, or foods is common. There are just some bottles that mean more because of who I was with or where I was tasting them. I also visited 8 distilleries on that trip, so Bowmore had stiff competition for my affection.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the PCHP 10 after you try it. Cheers, my friend!
@@WhiskyRiffs So true! I will let you know on the PCHP 10, looking forward to trying it.BTW nailed it on the Ardbeg campfire note, not put my finger on that until I saw this, cheers!
Yes Russ. Lagavulin 16 is my top favorite. I grab a bottle of it in Oregon while on vacation. Sitting on the porch while it rained sipping my drink. . . .👍👊😉
My first islay was laphroaig select. I HATED it at first…. Now I LOVE it. Just got the wee beastie. WOOFFF!
So now I have all of the classics u mention to enjoy for the first time
I bet you’re jealous 😊
I am jealous! I’d love to repeat my journey of discovery with what I know now. Enjoy every dram. And the Wee Beastie is edgy and wonderful. 🥃 Cheers!
A very nice list, and especially the Ardbeg selections. I've had all 3 of those and they are tremendous scotches. My wildcard addition would be the Caol Ila 12, which matches very well to the Lagavulin 16 but at a more reasonable price. All in all, can't go wrong with Isla Scotch!
Thanks, Vlad! I have a follow-up episode about Caol Ila 12, if you're interested. Cheers!
Was lucky enough to try Caol Ila, once this covid mess settles down I'd like to visit Islay and try it again.
Toally agree - Coal Ila and Port Askaig sit next to the Port Charlotte and Bunahabbin on my shelf
Yes, the Caol Ila 12 definitely bears comparison to the Lagavulin 16. Both superb whiskies.
Great video - thanks for the walkthrough. I actually love Talisker 10 for Islay whiskeys. All of these whiskeys are the classic and distinctly Scotch whiskeys for me.
Thanks for the compliment! I didn't include Talisker because their distiller is on the Isle of Skye, but I do love it and have a review of the 10 (ruclips.net/video/TjyktLz_m5w/видео.html) and the 18 (ruclips.net/video/RjWti4P7_zs/видео.html), if you want to check those out. Cheers!
5 great whiskies, haven't tried that version of Port Chorlotte...yet. My favorite of the 5 is, without a doubt The Corryvreckan. My absolute favorite Islay whisky is the Port Askaig 10yo 10th anniversary 55.85%abv. Other good stuff is Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2010, Lagavulin Destillers edition, Laphroaig Cairdeas 2013 Port wood (The Brodir is also good), Bunnahabhain 12yo, Kilchoman Port wood.....and many others. Cheers!! P.S The Corryvreckan wirlpool is located north of Jura ;)
Thanks for your list! I have to try Port Askaig again, since I’ve only had it in samples and not the special bottling you mentioned. I have a video about the 2019 Lagavulin Distillers Edition and I’ll add the rest to my to do list. I do see that the Corryvreckan is north of Jura, thanks. I just went with the more general location given on the Ardbeg site of “north of Islay”. I’ll do more homework next time. ;)
Hasn’t most, if not all, of the versions of Port Askaig been revealed to be Caol Ila?
I love Port Charlotte!! It’s a great middle of the road between iodine and campfire smoke. Love it!!!
Thank you for sharing! It's always good to hear from someone who has similar whisky preferences. Cheers!
Cool video! I love that strat color combo. Just wanted to sing the praises for Peat Monster by Compass box, It has climbed to my top list over Lagavulin second only to Springbank 10. Its a brilliant blend of Ila's and Highlands, I never thought I could like a blended malt over a single but the blender John Glaser is an absolute genius. I recomend you try it if you haven't!
Thanks! When those American Professional Strats came out in 2016, I fell in love with that dark neck and green body. I'm also Peat Monster fan. I think I still have a bottle, but I'll have to dig into my cabinet to see. I should buy another. Thanks for the reminder. Cheers!
I think Lagavulan 8 is better than the 16.
My favorite is Lore.
Have Corryvreckan on order.
The Lagavulin 8 is brighter than the 16. I like it too. Cheers!
Lagavullin 16 is maybe my favorite (affordable) whiskey ever… and I am primarily an Irish Whiskey drinker.
Worth noting, there are a number of unpeated Islay that I also really enjoy: Bunnahabhain 12 or 18, and Bruichladdich Classic Laddie.
I love the Classic Laddie (ruclips.net/video/xIr4Mcbm8aI/видео.html) and I have a couple of episodes planned: one for the unpeated Islay expressions and a deep dive on Bunnahabhain. Cheers!
My favourite too, but not that long ago it was £10 a bottle. I would not pay $100 for a whisky.
Lagavulin 16 was my first exposure to Islay scotch… it remains my #1 go to… Laphroaig 10 is my #1(a)… I have to try the others but they are on the top of my to do list… BTW: my ancestors the Darrachs & the Livingstons emigrated from Islay in the 1830’s to Ontario, Canada & I was born & raised in the USA… thanks for a great, informative video… I am proud to be a true “Son of the Peat”… God bless and Slainte from Rocky Top…
Hi Jim. Quite the bragging rights to have an Islay ancestry. 👍🏻 I appreciate your kind words and for watching! The Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10 is a good one for the top of your list. Slàinte mhath!
Picked up a Port Charlotte Heavily Peated… As described… Wonderful whiskey… Thank you, sir🥃🥃🥃
Lagavulen 16. Nectar of the gods.
I completely agree. A friend of mine introduced me to Lagavulin 16 at his daughter's wedding many years ago. He pulled me and a handful of close friends aside and said, "Let me pour you a glass of the good stuff!" I've been hooked ever since. Cheers!
You inspired me for a nightcap by my fire pit in the first hint of an autumn night. Glad I found your channel.
Whisky by a fire pit on an autumn night. That sounds fantastic. Thanks for watching and commenting! 🥃
Your narration was fantastic.
Laga FTW!!
It's always on my list and in my cabinet. Cheers!
Love your review, 1 bottle that wasn't in there that I think should be is smokehead extra voltage but that's my personal thinking.
I wasn't including sourced our blended Islay Scotch in this episode. There are some lovely peated expressions that contain Islay distillery offerings, but for my top 5, I decided to stick to direct from the distillery bottles. Cheers!
first time watcher here. like the video overall, but some of your cuts are really abrupt. it's kinda painful. your tasting notes and approach is really excellent. something small - you mentioned there is unpeated port charlotte... not true. bruichladdich releases are always unpeated, port Charlotte is always moderate to heavy peat, and octomore is always mess your life up peated. also.. uigeadail is NOT cask strength. not even close. and the color is largely from e140. corryvreckan isn't cask strength either. you'd do a lot of justice to spend a little bit of time doing some research.
Hi Nathan, thanks for watching and for the feedback. I do make mistakes and do try to do my research… but then in the heat of recording some facts get scrambled. Cheers!
Uigeadail is not colored. No whisky I know is colored with e140. Why would someone add green color? Spend some time for research yourself...
Lagavulin is still my first love in whiskies. Unfortunately it now goes for $140 a bottle here in Camada. Still worth every penny though.
I'd love to enjoy a few drams with you sir. Great video !
Lagavulin 16 will always be on my list of favorites. But $140 is so high. It’s a shame how prices are still ramping up. Cheers!
That was enjoyable, you covered that well . Yep like many in their 60's Laphroaig was their first contact with peated single malt whisky. These days I like the CS over the 10 y.
60s?! Who said anything about being in their 60s?! I've got over 5 months left in my 50s. 😂 And I agree that the Cask Strength expression is better. Cheers!
This video popped up in my recommended videos, I clicked for two reasons; Islay Scotch and what appeared to be a PRS guitar (not mention the others), win win. Great video! I love Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10 and that little bit of guitar playing you did!
Excellent reasons. Thank you for the compliment and for clicking! You are right about the PRS, here are my guitars in that episode:
2016 Fender American Professional Stratocaster
2017 PRS CE 24 “Angry Larry”
2019 Taylor 314ce
2020 Epiphone UpTown Kat ES
Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Very nice!
Men last month I bought a laphroaig cask strength (on a big sale) for only 85 euros online. I have to say me and my friends enjoyed that bottle. Good that my friends are also Islay enthousiats and they also share there bottles (otherwise it wouldn't be much fun) but damn 85 well 90€ with delivery costs. Otherwise in the shop here it's between 140€ and 190€.
I learned a lot in these years and I expanded from Islay scotches (peated and non peated ones) to other Islands too like Arran. The Arran 10y olds is awesome price/quality and good for beginners and others. Today I refreshed my Ardbeg uigedail, and bruichladdich Islay barley 2013 (non peated) because those 2 bottles were empty.
Whisky is definitely better when shared with friends. 🥃 I have to get back to Europe so I can find more of my favorite expressions (we travel full time @findingGinaMarie). I'm glad my viewers are getting to enjoy drams that I'm missing. Cheers!
You have a very pleasant delivery and manner of speaking; informative, but not preachy or pedantic. Similar to David Byrne. Its a pleasure listening. I've had Laphroaig and Ardbeg 10, Laph Quarter Cask and Cask Strength, Tomintoul Peaty Tang,
Lag 10 ( which seemed to taste richer and somehow better about 4+ years ago than more recently) and 8. I My situation , I hesitate to say problem, is I can hardly differentiate smell and taste differences except for the Lag 8. For the others, I smell and taste the primary one, and that's it. Maybe its my aging olfactory senses, being an OBB, original baby boomer. But I enjoy them all. Thanks for your great review. Can you taste and review the Lag Offerman Guiness cask?
Thanks so much for your kind words, Joel! 😊 It's so hard for me to remember what expressions used to taste like. I did a review of one of my favorite expressions, The Quinta Ruban, which I used to buy as a 12 year old (black label) and now it's a 14 year (green label). I know it was different and people have commented that it was better, but my aging brain can't be trusted to recall that.
I'm looking at the Offerman Guiness casking now at my local shop and it's $130. I appreciate the suggestion. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Many 0n-line shops sell it for
@@joeldeckler3654 Thanks for the prices. I'll do a little shopping around.
I just got my first islay whiskey. I got the ardbeg ten. I want the corryvreckan. I’ll grab it soon. It’ll be 139 after tax. The ten was 66
Those aren't bad prices. Let me know how you like the Corryvreckan. Cheers!
I somehow knew what was coming at the end!!!! An experience indeed! The only one I've not had is the Port Charlotte, but it's next on my list. Thank you, my exploration has just begun, but I'm pretty sure I'm on the right track now!
You're welcome, Nathan. Enjoy the PCHP 10 when you get a chance to taste it. Cheers!
I was buying Laphroaig 10 at $65 the last couple of years. Just two weeks ago I found it for under $50. I got a couple of bottles. Port Charlotte is one of my very favorite whiskeys, not just Islays. The smoke note for me is perfumy, like incense. Love the sweetness. Cool list. Although, I am really not a fan of Lagavulin, I get more phenolic rubber than I do smoke.
Thanks! Everyone has different tastes. There are plenty of whiskies that don’t hit me right, but people brag about them. Which is why it’s great we have so many choices. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs - agreed.
Lagavulin 16 is my favorite. Years ago, my first taste of scotch was Laphoraig 10. At the time I was blown away and thought wow this is wonderful drink. Of course Laphoraig 10 no longer works for me now after all these years but it was my first love (of scotch) 😀
Thanks for sharing! I've had a similar journey with Laphroaig 10 opening my palate to new flavors and Lagavulin 16 becoming a favorite of mine after that. Cheers!
Never drank Scotch until last week when I randomly got a chance to taste Lagavulin 16. I liked it, so did some googling to find something similar, and the next day bought a bottle of Laphroig 10. Also liked it.
@@farklestaxbaum4945 An impressive way to enter the world of Scotch, Farkle. Cheers!
I could just listen to the guitar while enjoying my Scotch. Bravo.
You've made my day, Clayton! Thank you and cheers! 😊
Agree with all your choices! We have tried and like them all, and Uigheadail is perhaps our favourite. Another that we have really enjoyed is Bruichladdich Port Charlotte MRC01... when I first found it, the owner of the specialty liquor store claimed that it wasn't supposed to be available in Canada, but was specifically intended for the South Africa market and was shipped to him accidentally. Of course, when I went back a year later, he still had some - so perhaps it was just a good story. Really liked your comments, thanks!
Hi John, thanks! In my recent review (ruclips.net/video/9WJ3N8zXXI4/видео.html), I was glowing about the MRC: 01 too. The Cask Exploration series is great. Cheers!
Ardbeg 10 was given to me as a gift and that's what set me on my journey. Absolutely delicious and the buzz is so good natured. Love Ardbeg. My dad just gave me a bottle of Uigeadail for my birthday and I've yet to open it, but I'm hoping it will be just as delicious as the ten. He gave me some Bowmore 12 for Christmas last year, and while it was good I thought it was nothing unique, unfortunately. Laphroig is my, "I can't find Ardbeg" scotch. a good substitute and good in it's own way. I've never tried Lagavulin, but I'm sure I will one day. Port Charlotte... I don't like the bottle! Petty, I know. Thanks for the video!
I think you'll enjoy the Uigeadail. It has all the flavors of the 10, but adds those extra notes from the Sherry cask finish and kicks up the impact with a 54.2% ABV bottling. Let me know your thoughts when you do crack open the bottle. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Had some of it last night with a friend. I thought it was very sweet. This might sound crazy but I think I prefer the taste of the 10. That probably sounds very pedestrian of me, but I think the sherry cask throws off the flavor a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's very nice, but I think I have a penchant for what the 10 brings. I might have to try the Port Charlotte because I'm beginning to think I just like the taste of smoked peat! Haha. Best wishes!
That's neither crazy, wrong, or pedestrian. It's your taste preference, which means you're absolutely correct. I struggle with rum because it's too sweet and rye whiskey hits my palette wrong, but a million people will have the opposite opinion. I'm a fan of sherry bomb Scotch whiskies, you may see that in several of my reviews, so I'm going to appreciate the battle between smoke and dark fruit tastes. It's not for everyone.
The Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10 is not at all sweet and brings the heat. If you get to try Compass Box Peat Monster, you might enjoy that as well. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Hey alright! Nice talking to you! Best wishes!
very excellent list! they are all worthy. my shut out goes to Laphroaig 10 cask strength :) I have Batch 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 & 12.
That's a nice collection of batches. Cheers!
Lagvulin 16, Ardbeg Uigedail, Laphroaig 10/Quarter Cask/Cask Strength! Great video, keep 'em coming!
Thanks, David! Will do, cheers!
Laphroiag 10 was my first Scotch and i fell in love with peated.
Laphroaig 10 was my first peated Scotch, and the expression that convinced me to explore more whiskies outside of bourbons. Cheers!
For my money, the alternate is the best of the bunch. Served it at my wedding. Also, the Quarter Cask from Laphroaig is their best offering in this price range
I'm a big fan of the Corryvreckan and the Quarter Cask. I just commended a commenter who's new to Islay and bought the QC over the Laphroaig 10. There are so many episode ideas that have come out of this one. Cheers!
I recently had the opportunity to get a bottle of the Lore from Laphroaig and I was truly impressed. An extra $40 in my region, but we'll worth it.
In San Francisco, Laphroaig Lore is running around $130 - at least at the place that I found it in stock. My bottle of Lore is empty, but I do still have a dram in my Triple Wood, which is only $70 here and quite a nice expression.
This is the first video of yours I've seen and I can't believe you don't have more subscribers. Liking, subing, and commenting to help you get more notice.
Thank you for doing all the RUclips things, Jeremy! You're very kind. I'm thrilled to have surpassed 10K subs, but I happy to have more. Cheers!
I'm new to whiskeys and started like most with bourbons. The way he describes Ardbeg (campfire, pepper, a little sweetness) that sounds right up my alley. I'm thinking maybe I'm a Islay Scotch guy. Definitely going to have to try some Ardbeg.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Let me know if you do like Ardbeg when you try it. Cheers!
I rewatched this tonight. Probably my favorite of all of your “episodes”. Keep it up!
That's so kind of you, Dennis. Cheers!
I’ve tried the Ardbeg 10, the Laphroaig 10 and the Port Charlotte 10. Port Charlotte is by far my favorite of those three.
Thanks for sharing, Todd! I'm curious, what notes do you enjoy more about the PCHP10?
@@WhiskyRiffs the Port Charlotte is richer and much more approachable in my opinion. It really doesn’t have the medicinal iodine notes like the Ardbeg…just not like campfire smoke. The Laphroaig can tend to taste a little like an ash tray for me sometimes but not always. The PC almost has a chocolate flavor to me, especially on the heals of the others. It’s definitely my favorite of those listed.
@@toddbingham215 I love your notes. Thanks for sharing!
Great lineup of what defines Islay peated whisky. But yes, you sure need to add Caol Ila 12 into the mix.
Thanks. I'm not a huge Caol Ila fan, but I agree that their 12 year is a well-loved expression. Cheers.
Port Charlotte is my favorite whisky of all time. I just always find myself going back to it
Then we have a common favorite. Cheers! 🥃
These are all ones I wanna try. Bought a bottle of Ardbeg Wee Beastie earlier this year and I just love it! The taste of smoked meat is intense and I like how it just lingers long after. I also get a pine resin taste that really helps create that mental image of sitting by a camp fire.
I love the Wee Beastie! If you enjoy the younger flavors, a Lagavulin 8 might hit you better than the 16 (and save you some $$$). Cheers!
You have probably already tried the 10 year old Ardbeg by now, if not I think it's a little bit better than the Wee Beastie.
I agree and love every selection you made except one. The Port Charlotte. I would toss the Charlotte and include Caol Ila in it’s place. An absolute lovely and subtly different peaty scotch. My favorites are Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Caol Ila as my top 3 with Laphroaig bringing up the rear.
Thank you for the wonderful tasting!
For some reason, I’m not a huge fan of the Caol Ila 12 flavors. But most anything bottled by Bruichladdich hits me just right. It’s great to have so many choices. Cheers!
Started with Jameson, it was ok. Laphroig 10 was my next and I absolutely loved it. Haven’t tried the Ardveg yet, but looking forward to it
Jameson is a fairly weak whiskey. If I'm drinking an Irish Whiskey, I'll go with Redbreast (12 or 15), Green Spot, or Teeling Pot Still. Islay Scotch is a whole other breed and is rarely tame. If you loved the Laphroaig 10, you are going to have a lot of fun trying the peated offerings from Ardbeg and Bruichladdich Port Charlotte. Cheers!
Islay is such a magic place, spent 5 days there in 2018, I really recommend a road trip around the distilleries. Lagavulin 16 is the one for me, a bit more expensive than the others, but worth every penny. The Ardbeg 10 is a good yardstick by which to measure other Islay whiskies. Enjoyed your video. Will grab a Port Charlotte next time I'm looking for an Islay Scotch!
Hey, my wife and I were taking our 4 day Islay distillery tour in June of 2018. What a great experience with had with our Rabbies tour guide. I hope you like the PCHP 10. Bruichladdich has become my favorite distillery… and not just on Islay. Cheers!
Guitar and scotch videos? love it. Two of my favorite things. I've had the Lagavulin 16 and the Laphroaig 10. Going to look out for the Ardbeg bottles now.
Thanks, Robert! Cheers!
Nice Video. I'm a big fan of Bowmore and Caol Ila.... My first wishky was a Caol Ila 12 years.
Thanks, Matthew! I recently posted episodes on Caol Ila 12 (ruclips.net/video/fYJY7Rv-nqI/видео.html) and Bowmore 18 (ruclips.net/video/RjWti4P7_zs/видео.html). Cheers!
Peaty Islays are the best. Blues notes a nice touch. Port Charlotte heavily peated is my favorite. All the Ardbegs are very good. It's been awhile since I've had a Lagavulin - must be time to have a dram of that again soon.
Hi Roger, thanks for enjoying my music! It sounds like we're aligned on whisky flavors too. Cheers!
Working my way through scotch, ardbeg wee beastie has quickly become my favorite. It's definitely not as refined, but man does it hit you in the mouth with the smoke.
The Wee Beastie was one of my early reviews (ruclips.net/video/PMNESkivoEE/видео.html) and I still love it. Cheers!
Lagavulin 16 is my favorite Islay Whisky. It has a very smooth sweet smoke taste
That's why I think it is a classic Islay Scotch. Cheers!
If you can find it in the States, Laphroaig Quarter Cask is an excellent peated malt, I was drinking it in the distillery along with a much more expensive 30 year old, I preferred the Quarter Cask. Nice video by the way.
Thank you! I've owned more than one Quarter Cask bottles and do enjoy it. I'm surprised that I haven't done a review of it in the past. It's great because the wood influence is ramped up. Cheers!
Just found this video. I am a long time Bourbon and Rye fan and am just starting to explore the peated Scotch. I bought a bottle of Laphroaig 10 earlier this week and really enjoyed it. I am planning to pick up the Ardbeg 10 tomorrow. I may just use this video as a checklist!
Well done! You've found a path between Bourbon, Rye, and Islay whiskies. If you've seen enough of my videos, you'll know that Bourbon was my safe order for years - Maker's Mark specifically. After much practice (such a hard job 😉), I found much to love in all the variations of whisky. Cheers and thanks for watching! 🥃
Just love the blues guitar riffs in the background. I am a Scot and massive lover of Islay Single
malts, I have bought and tasted all those you have mentioned. My own choice would be Ardbeg Corryvreckan, it
is just magical, a bit pricy at £64 but worth it. Remember that tastes change on the palate but for me I can
detect almonds and violets after a few mintes. A huge number of Scots do not like the creosote smell, it is something
you will grow to love. I have a stomach problem and now have to greatly limit my alcohol intake. If anyone wants an
Islay malt but wants to avoid the smoke and peat, can I suggest a Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old, inexpensive and my all time favourite, nothing short of perfection IMO.
Thanks for the enjoying my riffs, Robert! I'm sorry to hear about your health issues that limit whisky intake, but I appreciate your suggestions and tasting notes. The Bunnahabhain 18 was one of my early bottles of Scotch to own, alas it and my 12 year bottles are long gone. I do still have a Bunnahabhain Cruach-Mhòna, which does warrant a review. Cheers!
Ardbeg 10 is my go to. Love it.
Super informative! Many thx for presentation. I am really diggin’ that 30 year old monitor on the table behind you.
Thanks, Steven! That's my original 128K Macintosh from March 1984 and it does still work. Cheers!
My intro to Islay was also via a gift of Laphroaig by a friend. And I currently have a bottle of Corryvrekan in my golf bag.
That sounds like a great way to enjoy the game of golf. 😉 Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs The Corryvrekan cuts through extraneous muscle tension like Damascus steel. Especially for my playing partners who don't fully grasp the concept of a "sipping whisky" despite my warnings that this "is not some kind of kiddie scotch like Macallan 16". After sixty seconds of bleary-eyed gasping for air subsequent to a full tequila-style snort - they're as limp as dead eels. Which is apropos in as much as I'm pretty sure that's one of the Corryvrekan's more prominent flavor notes.
@@cb_norwood 😂🥃👏🏻