Ardbeg - Uigeadail, Lagavulin - 8, Laphroaig - Quarter Cask, Bowmore - 15, Caol Ila - 12, Bunnahabhain - 12, Bruichladdich - Port Charlotte 10, Kilchoman - Sanaig. I try to keep the go to category below 60 UK pounds
@@Gwhisky yeah there’s plenty of others that run these close. Agreed the Laddie is much improved. Bunna Toiteach a dha is a solid under the radar peater. Cheaper Ardbegs can definitely hold their own. Struggling to get behind the Diageo and Beam Suntory boys these days.
Thanks for sharing, Geoff. Unnecessary to say this is up my sleeve 🙂 And to add some content to this comment. My go to bottles from each distillery are (alphabetical order): Ardbeg: Corrtvreckan Bowmore: nope / none (not on the shelf and no intention to change that) Bruichladdich: difficult as they have really different brands, so cheating here: Bruichladdich bere barley and Port Charlotte Heavily peated (and if on the shelf: de Octomore that is present there) Bunnahabhain: 18yo (but worth checking out the CS Staoisha's) Caol Ila: One of the SMWS bottles I have Kilchoman: 100% Islay Lagavulin: 16yo (only reason: it's the only one I have) Laphroaig: 10CS Slàinte mhath
Wow great list! A few I need to try. I'm particularly curious about the Kilchoman 100% Islay. That's one I haven't tried yet. And yeah... the Bunna 18 is stellar. The bottle I have now isn't quite as good as my last one, but it's still incredible. The peated Bunnas are nothing to scoff at, although they're not widely available so I didn't want to recommend them. One of my all-time favourite whisky is the Bunna Moine Brandy Cask, which absolutely blew my mind. Hah... Bowmore. Cheers buddy!
Last year we visited islay. Bowmore and lagavulin impressed the most. Why. I had a totally not fair impression of their stuff. Impressive tour too. Especially the warehouse tasting led by Ian MacArthur. My favorite is Ardbeg with their core range and coal is the twelve.
Hey Geoff. Intricate topic and a solid list. I can share my go-to from Islay based on what I have access to in Bulgaria nowadays. Kilchoman - Loch Gorm is my go-to and a guilty pleasure, given its kinda steep price. Kilchoman is the best presented Islay whisky in Bulgaria. We get the new releases a good half a year later than the rest of Europe, but the prices are good, assortment is good, we also get single casks exclusive for Bulgaria, etc. Great distillery, great whisky, competent importer :) Bruichladdich - Port Charlotte 10 yo. All Bruichladdich available here consists of PC10, Classic Laddie and a couple of Octomore expressions which I don't care for :) Looking forward to taste the Classic Laddie though. Bunnahabhain - regular 12 yo gotta be my go-to bottle. The 18 has been not available for quite a while now and even when it was available its price was absurd. I have had the Toiteach A Dha and liked it quite a bit. A few bottles of the 12 Cask Strength 2021 actually had made it to our market but sold out before I knew. The 2022 release will not reach Bulgaria according to the importer. The best we can hope for is the 2023 release if there is any; Ardbeg - the Ten. Solid malt, OK value. So far I've had the Ten and Wee Beastie. Like the Ten better. Have a bottle of Uigeadail, but haven't tasted it yet; Laphroaig - Don't have a go-to whisky. I've only had the 10 yo and very brief experience with Quarter Cask. Have a bottle of Lore in the stash, still unopened. The brand is blatantly overpriced in our market. Poor availability: 10 yo, Select, Quarter Cask and occasional Travel Retail stuff. Never seen things like Cask Strength, Cairdeas, etc. Given the prices of the basic bottles I don't dare to think what those high end ones would cost here; Caol Ila - never had any. The only available expressions are the 12 yo and Moch plus occasional DE. Inadequate prices, especially nowadays. Funnily enough, the first Caol Ila I'll taste is probably going to be from an indie bottle or even from a blended malt :) In fact, I have already tasted it in Johnnie Walker :) ; Bowmore - never had any. Poor presentation, poor value. I've been ignoring the brand and most probably will continue to; Lagavulin - never had any. Absolutely cynical pricing, poor availability. The only widely available (kinda) expression is the 8 yo and it is more expensive than Kilchoman Loch Gorm and Port Charlotte 10. Still there is a good chance to taste the 16 yo thanks to a friend of mine, but I doubt there will be a go-to Lagavulin for me in the foreseeable future. Cheers!
Hah Bowmore and Laga... yeah with the specs for one and the prices for the other... totally get it. Shame to hear Laphroaig is so explensive in Bulgaria. In Taiwan it's one of the cheaper Islay brands. Fingers crossed that you enjoy the Classic Laddie! Thanks for sharing, buddy. Great picks! 🥃
"Ardbeg - the Ten" I thinks its the worst "ten". All of its brothers, the 5y, the 8y and the An Oa are better. The best Coal Ila ist the Finnlaggan. I like all of Finlaggan range.
@@gerritgreveling I am quite sure. As well as Port Askaig. Although the last could be also an Bunnahabhain. Or even change! So one PA is a CL and the other a BH. And even if you dont know, you can guess. If there is mentioned "Islay" its most likely a coal ila. By far. It's the only destillery that produces high output. Although it can happen that with connections one bottler can buy a cask of Lagavulin or Ardbeg its highly unlikely. So an unknown Islay is with 80% likelyhood a Coal Ila 15% likelyhood a Bunnahabhain 4.9 % likelyhood a bowmore. 0.1 % the rest. Only those sold or sell casks. Bowmore does not anymore. Since I also own a cask (part of it) of Ardnahoe in the near future som small bottlings with this could be available. But for FInnlaggan I am 99% sure. All people in the whisky community tells this and the taste. Finnlaggan is one of my favorit whiskys. I think I have 4 bottles.
@@Asgaia you’re right. It’s also very hard to find a bad whisky from islay. Last year I was a little disappointed with one of the octomore expressions. Kind of one sided and no finish. But overall islay rocks hard. 💪🏻🤟🏻
Great list - and I actually got a different go-to on each distillery: Ardbeg TEN Bowmore 15 Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Bunnahabhain 12 Caol Ila 12 Kilchoman Sanaig Lagavulin 16 Laphroaig PX Cask 🙂
I wholeheartedly agree with The Classic Laddie. I LOVE Port Charlotte 10 but it's hard to find in my area. The Laddie is delicious and my nearest grocery store has it at a reasonable price.
I just picked up another bottle today to replace one that I bought more than a year ago. I can’t believe it’s actually $5 cheaper now, from $59.95 to $54.95. At this price it’s getting very, very easy to ignore the color of the bottle.😁
@@MrMBBM :D I actually dig the turquoise wrap that Bruichladdie gives the Classic Laddie. It's unique and sets it apart from the usual. PLUS it reminds me of my home state's ubiquitous proliferation of decorative turquoise. (New Mexico)
Hi Geoff, if we’re going on, go to bottlings and of what I’ve actually had then my list would be:- Ardbeg Ugi Bruichladdich port Charlotte 10/ Islay barley bottles, Kilchoman Saniag Caol Ila 12 yr, Laphraiog CS 10 yr, Lagavulan 8 Bowmore 18 ( but prefer the tempest 10 yr) Bunnha 12, the IB’s Staoisha at CS , well worth trying. Excellent list video Geoff, slàinte
I'd love to try the Bowmore 18 Deep & Complex. Unfortunately that is a very difficult bottle to find in my market. Great episode. I hope it's the first in a series as you work your way through each region
Thanks Geoff thats a nice lineup! haven't tried any of the 18 year olds apart from a Caol Ilsa Unpeated. Love the Lagavulin 8 and your whiskey of the year is definitely an underrated classic. Very refreshing and a nice wine cask influence that isn't overwhelming!
Agree with most of your choices. The Bowmore 18 was a very surprising one for me too considering that I hated the 12y (15y was ok). Given the right price I would definitely get it again.
A hard one Geoff...that's what 🤣 Bowmore I would say 15 Aston Martin Caol Ila - 12 Ardbeg - Corryvreckan Laphroaig- Lore but if it's hard to find then the PX Kilchoman- Machir Bay Cask Strength and yes I absolutely agree with the single cask comment. Bruichladdich - Port Charlotte 10 for me please Lagavulin- 16 normally or the 9 Game of Thrones, which I actually like a lot and I still see them around Bunnahabhain- damn it I haven't tried the CS yet so the standard 12 for me Cheers 🥃
Good picks! I haven't tried the GoT Laga but you've piqued my curiosity. Definitely need to get my hands on the Kilchoman 2022 Machir Bay CS. The 2017 release was fantastic. Cheers buddy!
Great list of go-to Islays Geoff. I am currently going through so technically goto's : Ardbeg Weebeastie, Classic Laddie, Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak, Laphroaig QC, Benromach 10. I will include Ardbeg Ugi, Port Charlotte 10 that are next to open.
Same as you with Ardbeg Uigeadail. The price difference here is not all that much higher than the 10, and it is generally easy to find. Though I do get An Oa from time to time as it often has pretty steep discounts, and is a nice 'gentle Ardbeg' if such a thing exists. But the Uigeadail is a fantastic fall/winter bottle. I never touch Lagavulin 16. It costs about the same as Craigellachie 17 or Ledaig 18 for me. I know those two aren't Islays, but bottles in that price range are quite rare and special for me. At that price point they are both bottles I can really get into, savor and explore much more.
havent tryed that much of islay whiskey. I really like kilchoman sanaig. Got port charlot 10, kilchoman bay and laphroig select banked to try in the future. Thanks for your videos!
good reviews! tastes are always more important than de price....collectors fall often for the way a bottle looks....I think most of the 10 years whisky's are the best and the rest....is making money....we make the "Oerfrysk"- single malt whisky in Sumar, in the north of Holland...we now sell only 3 year old ones and hope to reach 10 year old whisky's.
Laphroaig PX if you can still get it as I prefer it to the 18 I have. Cask strength now on my radar, thanks 🙏. Port Charlotte special casks, all good that I tried. Ardbeg 10 ok but miss the Alligator. Caol Ila never disappoints, agree with the 18. Your list leaves me room to explore the rest of the island terrain. Left Lagavulin behind when the 16 lost its magic, or is it mojo? Cheers anyway 🥃
A bit bummed for your Bruichladdich choice, but it is what it is 😂!!! I think my list is: Laproaig--> 10 CS (just obvious) Ardbeg--> Corryvreckan (like it just a bit more than the Uigeadail) Lagavulin--> 12 CS (although I´m not buying it anytime soon, I share your Lagavulin rant) Kilchoman--> Loch Gorm (100% Islay is also a pretty nice choice) Bowmore--> I´d have to go with the 10, just to have a mixer in my list... Ardnahoe--> Scarabus (Batch Strength) it´s not that expensive, you should try it! Caol Ila--> 12yo it´s an easy whisky but i does the trick... for me Bunnahabhain--> 12 CS, the best unpeated whisky I´ve tried, so far Bruichladdich--> Give me an Octomore... any Octomore, I don´t care!😅
Some cool choices in there. I've tried the Scarabus, but wasn't blown away. Maybe I should revisit it. I love Octomores myself, but I actually prefer the Cask Exploration series from PC. Highly recommend those ones. Great list, thank you for sharing!
Great video Geoff! If I factor in price, availability and reachability, here is my list: Bowmore, Kilchoman and Caol ila are really hard to pick. I haven't bought a Bowmore for years now. But if pushed, I am with you on the 18. Kilchoman, definitely the Loch Gorm, Caol ila, I'd pick the 15 unpeated cask strength. Its a fabulous whisky and has the true, Caol ila signature. None of these are available in the PA state stores though. Ardbeg: The wee beastie. At 42$ here and for the quality I get, its a no brainer for me. In the core range, both the Uigi and the Corry are great, but also almost double the price of the Wee beastie. Laphroaig: Quarter cask purely because for me it has stayed the most consistent Laphroaig (I know you have never quite warmed up to it). The 10CS changes every year and is in a different league though and definitely my favorite Laphroaig in general. Lagavulin: With you there on the 8. Bruichladdich: Port charlotte 10 Bunnahabhain: Im going for the standard 12. Has been consistently good ever since I have started my single malt journey. The 2022 CS 12 was spectacular. If they produce that level consistently, it will definitely replace the standard 12. Ardnahoe doesn't have their own line yet. I enjoyed visiting their distillery and visitors center last year on my way to Bunnahabhain. Beautiful locations and they have quite a few tasting tours. Innovative and very enjoyable. I got to taste some rare older whiskies from Port Ellen, Auchroisk etc. Generally, I quite enjoy their old malt cask range and Scarabus whiskies. I had a few tastings of their "journey" series of blended malts. Not too bad either. Eagerly waiting for their own single malt bottles.
Some great choices! I also love the Caol Ila unpeated series. Some of the best stuff I've had from the brand, to be honest. However, not what I'd call a go-to given their limited availability and higher price tag. I'm surprised to hear you'r such a fan of the Laphroaig QC! I haven't always liked it but I admit it's good stuff, especially as a value prospect. Btw I'm curious if you've had any Kilchoman single casks? They're a mixed bag, but some are truly fantastic. Thanks for sharing, my friend. Cheers!
@@Gwhisky Yeah. The LaphQC has always been an emotional favorite for me. It was the first Islay whisky I ever had and it was at the Distillery out near their harbor area. Barring the memories, I find it to be consistent, at 48% and possibly non chill filtered as well. Kilchoman, yes. I love their single casks, but it is very hard to find them here. And I absolutely love the Loch Gorm. Caol Ila, I get their unpeated stuff online and for a decent price. The prices on whiskyworld and whisky exchange is similar to the Laph10CS. Lots of good stuff out there. Cheers!
Lovely video, I chuckled way more than I should have at all the jokes. :D Gotta say Caol Ila and Bowmore have not been visited in my whisky journey yet, but I do love Kilchoman and honestly my favourite is good old Machir Bay (CS if I can get it).. its just such a nice contrast to so much sherry peat we usually get from Islay, full of citrus, vanilla and I just love that creamy mouthfeel (almost like almond milk), always makes me beg for more (thats what she said? too much? :D). Agree with the rest of the picks pretty much, just feel like Ardbeg An Oa isnt getting the love it deserves universally (it usually kills in all the blind tastings Ive seen so imo its some weird bias :p ). I honestly never grab the 10 nowadays after trying it.
I'll have to come back to the An Oa for a review at some point. It's been a long time! Really want to get my hands on the 2022 Machir Bay CS. The 2017 was fantastic! Cheers! 🥃
Nice vid, nice list, and funny jokes as always. Keep up the good work. Also, if you haven't, try the Cask Strength Machir Bay. The latest batch is my favourite whisky right now.
I feel like bunnahabhain are underrated. I have enjoyed everything ive tried from them. Lagavulin 8 is insanely good value imo. Great content as always!
I’ll put in a vote for Bowmore Tempest, they have had several versions and it seems widely available. Otherwise I totally agree. Great idea for a video!
I second Bowmore 18. Surprisingly, there is a lot of a difference, when compared with the 15. Kilchoman Port Cask is insanely good in my opinion. One of my all time favorites. There was this Byzantine aristocratic meal in the middle ages - smoked fish with strawberry jam. That's exactly what this aristocratic Kilchoman tastes like.
I always liked the idea, price and transparency (and cool-looking bottle) of the Classic Laddie, but found it too young and harsh for me. I just discovered the [2013] Islay Barley, and it’s like a grown-up Classic Laddie. Amazingly good stuff. And of course, when I’m in a mood for peated Scotch, Port Charlotte 10 is my go-to.
Here we go, thanks for this hot topic: 1. Lagavulin 16, got to be, simply the best. I know the price is storming up, luckily I have many bottles stashed from the happier times, so it's my go-to! 2. Laphroaig 10- Not a fan of Laphroaig, I've had their Select and PX, but 10 was the most representative I guess. 3. Ardbeg Corryvreckan- The most reachable one when I have it on the shelf, that's the unbearable one. Deep, strong, sophisticated one. 4. Bunnahabhain 12, a classic one, I love it, not too complex, not too heavy, good everyday dram. 5. Caol Ila 12, the most dependable, budget-friendly, consistent, and great quality. 6. Kildonan Senaig, I love the way it's crafted, looks a lot like Lagavulin 16 to me. 7. Bowmore, never had one. 8. Port Charlotte 10, I simply love this one, I wish I had at least 10 of them stashed, just in case.
Pretty much agree with all those…. Apart from the Bruichladdich, - the PC10 is easy winner from them for me. I’d also happily forget all about Bowmore altogether.. at present..
I tend to like the Bowmore 15. It has a stronger Sherry element than the regular 18 which I enjoy and is perfectly balanced. I can’t get the Dark and Complex so I’d love to try that. Would also like to try more Caol Ila but only had the 12 it is unusually expensive here. For Ardbeg Uigee hands down. Friends don’t let friends drink Laphroiag. The others I’m with you on.
Spot on. and you have to old that line all year with the Classic Laddie. Peat is not always the answer. If want to try a really good Bowmore you just have to buy an Aston Martin. I'm sure they throw in a bottle.
Hah I'm not going to back down, buddy. Classic Laddie is something I love, even if others don't. And yes, peat isn't always the answer! Buy an Aston Martin, eh? Let me check my pockets...
The old Bowmore 10 of around 15 years ago was superb. My favourite all time Bowmore is an Independent bottling of Bowmore 8YO by Single and Single released around 5 - 7 years back. Other than that, can't really argue with the list. I am having a strange love hate relationship with Ardbeg at the moment. I find that they have become inconsistent. For years the 10 and Uigeadail were staples for me and I also enjoy the Wee Beastie, but I just do not seem to be drawn to Ardbeg at the moment. Laphroaig is one where I do not like any of the core range. The cask strength is OK and generally really only like the older stuff like some independent 15's I've had and their 18 (no longer available). I have been hunting for the Bunna 12 CS in Europe. Just cannot find a bottle and most retailers, even the online ones do not have in stock. Hoping they release it 2023 and that it rivals the 2022.
Interesting list. Have tried a few of them. I'm waiting for the Bunnahabhain 12yo CS to reach Sweden. Not a big fan of Bowmore, they had a CS bottle some years ago that I liked. With Ardbeg it's an quite easy choise...The Corryvreckan. With Laphroaig, well this bottle is probably not available anymore buy The Cairdeas 2013 Port wood Finish was amazing. Agree with the CS botteling, but I think it has become really over priced. Agree with you, Bruichladdich is fantastic, right now my favorite is Port Charlotte 10YO, but I've never been disapointed with Bruichladdich. Tried a few Kilchoman, agree with the Loch Gorm, but the best so far was a Port wood singel cask, I think it was from 2009. Also agree about Caol ila, the best stuff is the indie bottelings.
Despite the flaws I love Bowmore 12, 15 and yest the 18 however it is almost Eur 130 where I am so too pricy for what it is. Bunna would be next - anything really, then Coal Ila my favourite the 18 but as with Bowmore too expensive. number 3 is Corry hands down, then Laga 16. Great vid, well done
An interesting list, I’ve tried a few of them. Personally I’d go for the Laphroaig Quarter Cask over the 10yo. I don’t know if it gets dismissed as a gimmick but it’s an excellent peated malt.
Laphroaig QC is good stuff. I wasn't a fan initially, and I'm still a bigger fan of the 10, but the QC is one I've come to like over time. Not gimmicky at all! 🥃
I think the list could change a lot depending on area of sale...I can't believe what my area will charge for some and not others. Maybe it has something to do with supply and volume, but I end of rating by bang-for-the buck and that can color a list a lot. Lagavulin 11 Offerman. Good peaty punch with a bit more smoothness and complexity like the 16. I think 16 is overrated...great, but not for what they ask. Bowmore 15. Great price for a 15 year old and much improved over the 12. Port Charlotte...love what they are doing with it. 50% too. Smokehead and Peat Monster can be had on great sales and I will fill a pantry with those for the value. Can't wait to get a few others. I have no #1, just good memories.
Lag8 is a fantastic choice, I think I like it more than the 16. Although the 16 is quite reasonable in my area. Have found it as low as $80-90 USD. It is one of the only 12+ age stated whiskies that I actually saw go *down* in price during the pandemic.
Agreed on the price. i think it's one of the few that has noticeably gone down a bit over the past year or so. I used to not even bother looking at it, but now it seems to regularly be around $85-$95 in the Midwest at least. For me, that makes it worth moving up from the 8-year since the price margin is so narrow. Kind of like why get Wee Beastie when you can get Ardbeg 10 for about $5 more?
I love this review. So much to relate. No Bowmore for me please. And yes, singling out a Whisky from the other great distilleries is not easy. It's way too damn hard! (**** In Michael Scott's voice....****)😂😂😂. The review gets an additional point for so many "that's what she said'
kilchoman Sanaig is my go to, have not tried the loch gorm (sad face). Ardbeg 10 or Ugi (really liked the 8 for discussion, but something was lost after the bottle had been open for a while), Port Charlotte 10. only tried Laga 16 it's pretty good but way to expensive, now i need to get my hands on a bottle of the 8 year. legit list G
Guess I’m a little late .. Well, that’s what she said. Man, I have to admit, I love your weird humour, Jeff .. Bowmore - It’s the *Bowmore 18 Deep & Intense* (Yeah, I know .. Strictly speaking, it’s the only Bowmore I like. And I’m still wondering how anyone would spend the money for a Bowmore Aston Martin. Well, I guess I do .. *cough* Marketing ..) Caol Ila - *Caol Ila 18* (Not very original, but again, it’s my favourite from their core range) Kilchoman - *Loch Gorm* (I know .. seriously, I’m not just copying from you. It’s currently my favourite distillery from Islay, I also love the 100% Islay from 2022) Lagavulin - *Lagavulin 16* (It was my first love, and in spite of Diageo trying everything to ruin it, it still has that beautiful signature. But you can’t blame them for a lack of effort .. Same as with Talisker, such a beautiful signature, and Diageo is really trying to destroy it. Your video about Lagavulin might be controversial, but you’re 💯right, and people just get mad because of some weird kind of brand affiliation). Bruichladdich - *Port Charlotte 10* (It’s just a beauty. I do love the Islay Barley from 2013, but it’s not as consistent as the 10 year old). Bunnahabhain - *Bunnahabhain 12* (I go for the regular 12 year old. I know most people like the CS more, but I had some really sharp, harsh bottles of it. And the 12 year old is such great value) Ardbeg - It’s still the *Uigeadail* (I know it’s not nearly as great as it once was, but I still love it. I think the core range is still very good, the Ardbeg 10 is still an affordable, great Islay Malt) Laphroaig - Same here: Not the biggest Laphroaig fan, but I do love the *Lore*
Nice vid: Corryvreckan by a mile, Lag 16 still, Bruichladdich- PC- Octomore's are generally better but $$, have not found a bowmore i like but did not try 18 yet, caol ila needs to kick up the punch a bit but i'ts fine. Agreed on Laphroaig but yes hard to get- the 16 is not bad. But i'm not a big fan of the medicinal peat...
It pains me to say it because Bowmore 12 was my gateway single malt, but given their abysmal quality/price ratio, I can't recommend any of their stuff, but that 18 is probably the best of their Core Range, although their Vault Editions are considerably better if you can find any at a decent price. Port Charlotte 10 tops The Classic Laddie from Bruichladdich on my list, but I pretty much agree with all of your other choices 👍
Go to Bowmore would be the 15, Caol ila the 12yr, Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dha not sue if that's a core range though. I'm a big fan of Laphraoig 10yr cask strength and Cairdeas. Agree with you on Lagavulin 12 CS really like the whisky but can't afford it anymore.
Always on hand: Bruichladdich Black Art, or Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Laphroaig Lore (must try!) Ardbeg Corryvreckan Lagavulin 16 Bunnahabain Aonadh or 12 CS Not always on shelf: Caol Ila 18 Bowmore 18 Kilchoman Hard Pass (not a fan)
Well....The Port Charlotte 10 went over very well. So well, that it has ascended to the High Council since it's introduction and has basically entirely displaced Talisker in the selection. On the strength of that exploration, I tried Kilchoman Sanaig, to good effect. I adjudged it not quite as good as PC10, but a 'keeper' none the less. The Islay surprise for me was Scarabus. It caught my attention with the ornate steampunk labeling and I caught several online reviews where reviewers were attempting to discern the mystery source distillery (most pointing at Caol Ila). I had it on my list, but urged a friend, who was exploring their peat tastes, to give it a try....their NAS is only a bit over $30 US. Tasting that gave me quite the cred with my friend; we both liked it. If that resembles Caol Ila, then I'm a mark for sampling a full bottle (but Scarabus comes in at 1/3 the cost).
PC10 is such a legendary whisky at this point. I know of quite a few non peat-heads who love the stuff. Scarabus is one I should come back to. It's been a while and I'd like to explore more of their releases. I think there are two or three to choose from, if memory serves. 🥃
@@Gwhisky Yes, indeed. It's not available in my state franchised market, but at least three options, original release, cask strength, and 10 year, are being offered at a commercial outlet across the river in Washington. That's where we picked it up. My friend is already well into his original purchase and he's ready to go back and sample one of the other two. I told him to take me along, and I'll pick up the other and we'll compare and contrast. There is a 'road trip' on the agenda, now. I'm one of those 'non peat-heads', or, used to be. I was one of those blokes who selected an expression and stuck with it, and mostly just it, for decades (that'd be the Glenfiddich 12). Sampling amongst the peated expressions some thirty years back alienated me with regards Islay peateds (I went with Talisker). I consider my bottle of Laphroaig 10 CS to be a 'warning flag' to nOObs sampling in my selection. It's there for educational purposes. Now, my friends think I'm the peat-head. I do have a fairly broad selection, thanks to my quest for a malt modestly peated with highland, rather than Islay, peat. Finding it with a sherry cask was a bonus. Benro15 is my friend. (Westland Peated American single malt is an adequate backup.)
Great video. We agree on most of the lineup except for: 1) Caol Ila: DE; 2) Kilchoman: 100% Islay; 3) Laphroaig: LORE (if its still available?) ... cheers
Not a fan of Bowmore 18 - 40% ABV for $145! Kilchoman Sanaig (easier to find than Loch Gorm), Laphroaid 10 CS, Ardbeg Uigeadahl, Laga 8, Port Charlotte 2013 Islay Barley, Bunna 12 (great value), and an independent Port Askaig 110 Proof (Caol Isla?) would be my list.
Can I ask you, as a whisky collector, how do you preserve your opened bottles of whisky? And also,after what time you.ve noticed changes in the taste? Thank you! PS:very informative and good chanel,go on with new interesting whisky topics!👍
I've only tasted the Bowmore 12 and it comes in far and away the best peated Islay in my collection from Islay. I will be trying their 15 soon. I've never tasted Kilchoman, but of the others, I tasted Laphroaig 10 and decided I never needed to try any other of that label. I have a bottle in my cabinet. A very similar situation transpired with Ardbeg, but I've never purchased a bottle of Ardbeg. I've never tasted a Caol Ila, other than as an additive to JW Black. Bunnahabhain 12 has an honored place in the pantheon of my single malts. I went through a bottle of Classic Laddie and wasn't particularly impressed. I presently have a bottle of Port Charlotte 10 which was recently opened; we are still getting acquainted. I'm struggling to understand the peat style of Ledaig, as it is not an Islay peat, but it is an Island distillate; coastal influences. Is the peatiness different from that of Laph/Ard/Caol? Is it similar to Bowmore, or Benromach? The same with Kilchoman, which is an Islay. I've learned that peat flavors differ, sometimes significantly, and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with location on Islay. To me, the Talisker peat flavor is similar to that of the 'typical' Islay peateds. The peat flavor I really resonate with is Benromach, a peated Speyside. I guess it's the 'white heather', rather than all the coal oil dumped from bilges.
Sorry to hear you didnt get on with the Classic Laddie. Ledaig is very different from the Oslay stuff, but for me it's less about the peat and more about the "funk." I often get slightly lactic notes in it, almost cheesy, which compliment the whisky nicely. 🥃
That's good list. No complaints from me. For my list, I would say there are no "go to whiskies" from Caol Ila or Bowmore - not according to your definition. Overpriced and watered down. Bowmore in particular is committing suicide with their pricing and weak presentation. If I really had to choose a bottle it would be the Bowmore 15 and the Caol Ila 12, but honestly, I don't recommend them. Love Bruichladdich. The classic laddie is a totally respectable choice, but I'm a peathead and the PC10 is the overwhelming choice for me. Fabulous stuff, available everywhere and great value. So much promise from Kilhoman, but they're still a little new and I don't know them very well. I tend to agree that the Lock Gorm probably gets the nod. Bunna 12 is the bomb, but I would take the regular bottling over the cask strength, simply because I've never seen a bottle of the CS available for sale. That's a bit of a drawback. Laphroaig 10 cask strength is in the running for my fave whisky of all time. i like it so much it almost makes all other Laphroaigs obsolete. Just buy the 10CS. Ardbeg is such tough call. The Wee Bestie costs just as much as the 10, but isn't as good, so I'm left with 10, Oogie and Cory. The Cory is overpriced at 120 USD when the 10 is only 50 USD. I love the Uigeadail - big peat, big sherry and big ABV. But I felt like I would go with the 10 year just because I wanted someone's flagship bottle and the 10 is unbelievable value for money. Lagavulin - wow, they're pretty close to Bowmore and Caol Ila. They're just pricing themselves out of existence. Some of the Offerman bottles are decent (Guinness cask, I think, was good). But you're probably right to choose the 8. It's just not a real strong offering, IMO. cheers
Good rundown. Yeah I'm using the term "go-to" pretty loosely. A couple of these brands I don't come back to often. Bowmore, Caol Ila, and Lagavulin are definitely once-in-a-while whiskies. If I'm being honest, it's been a while since I bought a Kilchoman, too. Cheers! 🥃
You mentioned that Caol Ila is typically less peated so if I find Ardbeg 10 is a little too smokey then would Caol Ila 12 be good option for me to try? That might be the only one available around here.
I can't get along with the lagavulin 8 it was just a little to much peat and not enough fruits I like finding hidden in there and for the price it is in my area its never going to be replenished
The Bunnahabhain 12 cask strength is the best whisky I'll never get to try. Bottles are nonexistant in the Chicago area. I think it's too limited to call it a core range product.
I prefer the regular 18y Bowmore over the Deep & Complex so there you go. Totally agree on the Caol ila, Kilchoman. Laphroaig has to be Lore, Lagavulin 16y, Bunnahabhain 18y, Ardbeg, for now at least, 8y for discussion.
My own list... the best whiskies (which most of them no one can get anymore) which I have 😏 1) Bowmore - 21 Astin Martin 2) Dewar's 21 and 32 double double 3) Bunnahabhain Ceobanach 4) Glencadam 15 5) Glendronach 21 Parliament 6) Springbank 15 7) Stagg Jr. 8) Blantons Gold 9) Glen Garioch (chapters 1, 3 and 4) 10) Laphroaig 10 Sherry oak 11) Macaloney's Caledonian Searaidh Braiche 12) Arran 18 13) Glenmorangie Signet 14) Lochlea first release 15) Balblair 17 Limited travel exclusive 16) Bimber Canada Cask 17) Glenfarclas 185 18) Lum Reek 10 If I wait 10 years or so, I might be able to retire early
Ardbeg - Uigeadail, Lagavulin - 8, Laphroaig - Quarter Cask, Bowmore - 15, Caol Ila - 12, Bunnahabhain - 12, Bruichladdich - Port Charlotte 10, Kilchoman - Sanaig. I try to keep the go to category below 60 UK pounds
Excellent picks! Plenty of beautiful Islay stuff to be had on a budget. Cheers Greig! 🥃
@@Gwhisky yeah there’s plenty of others that run these close. Agreed the Laddie is much improved. Bunna Toiteach a dha is a solid under the radar peater. Cheaper Ardbegs can definitely hold their own. Struggling to get behind the Diageo and Beam Suntory boys these days.
My friends and I: OOOOOoooogeadail~~
Love this list, thanks. I just can't leave the island of Islay. Exploring the Kilchomans now, thanks to G-eoff.
Very nice "sherry picking" from Islay distilleries. I enjoy these bottles as well.
Thanks for sharing, Geoff.
Unnecessary to say this is up my sleeve 🙂
And to add some content to this comment. My go to bottles from each distillery are (alphabetical order):
Ardbeg: Corrtvreckan
Bowmore: nope / none (not on the shelf and no intention to change that)
Bruichladdich: difficult as they have really different brands, so cheating here: Bruichladdich bere barley and Port Charlotte Heavily peated (and if on the shelf: de Octomore that is present there)
Bunnahabhain: 18yo (but worth checking out the CS Staoisha's)
Caol Ila: One of the SMWS bottles I have
Kilchoman: 100% Islay
Lagavulin: 16yo (only reason: it's the only one I have)
Laphroaig: 10CS
Slàinte mhath
Wow great list! A few I need to try. I'm particularly curious about the Kilchoman 100% Islay. That's one I haven't tried yet. And yeah... the Bunna 18 is stellar. The bottle I have now isn't quite as good as my last one, but it's still incredible. The peated Bunnas are nothing to scoff at, although they're not widely available so I didn't want to recommend them. One of my all-time favourite whisky is the Bunna Moine Brandy Cask, which absolutely blew my mind.
Hah... Bowmore.
Cheers buddy!
I laughed out loud at the Ardbeg joke.
Last year we visited islay. Bowmore and lagavulin impressed the most. Why. I had a totally not fair impression of their stuff. Impressive tour too. Especially the warehouse tasting led by Ian MacArthur. My favorite is Ardbeg with their core range and coal is the twelve.
Hey Geoff. Intricate topic and a solid list.
I can share my go-to from Islay based on what I have access to in Bulgaria nowadays.
Kilchoman - Loch Gorm is my go-to and a guilty pleasure, given its kinda steep price. Kilchoman is the best presented Islay whisky in Bulgaria. We get the new releases a good half a year later than the rest of Europe, but the prices are good, assortment is good, we also get single casks exclusive for Bulgaria, etc. Great distillery, great whisky, competent importer :)
Bruichladdich - Port Charlotte 10 yo. All Bruichladdich available here consists of PC10, Classic Laddie and a couple of Octomore expressions which I don't care for :) Looking forward to taste the Classic Laddie though.
Bunnahabhain - regular 12 yo gotta be my go-to bottle. The 18 has been not available for quite a while now and even when it was available its price was absurd. I have had the Toiteach A Dha and liked it quite a bit. A few bottles of the 12 Cask Strength 2021 actually had made it to our market but sold out before I knew. The 2022 release will not reach Bulgaria according to the importer. The best we can hope for is the 2023 release if there is any;
Ardbeg - the Ten. Solid malt, OK value. So far I've had the Ten and Wee Beastie. Like the Ten better. Have a bottle of Uigeadail, but haven't tasted it yet;
Laphroaig - Don't have a go-to whisky. I've only had the 10 yo and very brief experience with Quarter Cask. Have a bottle of Lore in the stash, still unopened. The brand is blatantly overpriced in our market. Poor availability: 10 yo, Select, Quarter Cask and occasional Travel Retail stuff. Never seen things like Cask Strength, Cairdeas, etc. Given the prices of the basic bottles I don't dare to think what those high end ones would cost here;
Caol Ila - never had any. The only available expressions are the 12 yo and Moch plus occasional DE. Inadequate prices, especially nowadays. Funnily enough, the first Caol Ila I'll taste is probably going to be from an indie bottle or even from a blended malt :) In fact, I have already tasted it in Johnnie Walker :) ;
Bowmore - never had any. Poor presentation, poor value. I've been ignoring the brand and most probably will continue to;
Lagavulin - never had any. Absolutely cynical pricing, poor availability. The only widely available (kinda) expression is the 8 yo and it is more expensive than Kilchoman Loch Gorm and Port Charlotte 10. Still there is a good chance to taste the 16 yo thanks to a friend of mine, but I doubt there will be a go-to Lagavulin for me in the foreseeable future.
Cheers!
Hah Bowmore and Laga... yeah with the specs for one and the prices for the other... totally get it. Shame to hear Laphroaig is so explensive in Bulgaria. In Taiwan it's one of the cheaper Islay brands.
Fingers crossed that you enjoy the Classic Laddie!
Thanks for sharing, buddy. Great picks! 🥃
"Ardbeg - the Ten"
I thinks its the worst "ten". All of its brothers, the 5y, the 8y and the An Oa are better.
The best Coal Ila ist the Finnlaggan. I like all of Finlaggan range.
@@Asgaia so the mystery distillery behind finlaggan is coal ila? You sure? It’s one of the biggest mysteries we humans have to face
@@gerritgreveling I am quite sure. As well as Port Askaig. Although the last could be also an Bunnahabhain. Or even change! So one PA is a CL and the other a BH.
And even if you dont know, you can guess.
If there is mentioned "Islay" its most likely a coal ila. By far. It's the only destillery that produces high output. Although it can happen that with connections one bottler can buy a cask of Lagavulin or Ardbeg its highly unlikely.
So an unknown Islay is with
80% likelyhood a Coal Ila
15% likelyhood a Bunnahabhain
4.9 % likelyhood a bowmore.
0.1 % the rest.
Only those sold or sell casks. Bowmore does not anymore.
Since I also own a cask (part of it) of Ardnahoe in the near future som small bottlings with this could be available.
But for FInnlaggan I am 99% sure. All people in the whisky community tells this and the taste. Finnlaggan is one of my favorit whiskys. I think I have 4 bottles.
@@Asgaia you’re right. It’s also very hard to find a bad whisky from islay. Last year I was a little disappointed with one of the octomore expressions. Kind of one sided and no finish. But overall islay rocks hard. 💪🏻🤟🏻
Great idea for a new series, Geoff! Regional favs. :). It might be a longer video if you hit Speyside though ... ;)
Oof yeah. Speyside would be a bit of a chore. Islands maybe...
Great list - and I actually got a different go-to on each distillery:
Ardbeg TEN
Bowmore 15
Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10
Bunnahabhain 12
Caol Ila 12
Kilchoman Sanaig
Lagavulin 16
Laphroaig PX Cask
🙂
I wholeheartedly agree with The Classic Laddie. I LOVE Port Charlotte 10 but it's hard to find in my area. The Laddie is delicious and my nearest grocery store has it at a reasonable price.
Awesome! Glad you're a fan! 🥃
Thanks Geoff, another belter if a rundown, certainly made me chuckle.
Hah. Glad you enjoyed it, buddy! 🥃
+1 for the Classic Laddie! I don't think it gets enough praise for how stand-out it really is.
Glad you agree! 🥃
I just picked up another bottle today to replace one that I bought more than a year ago. I can’t believe it’s actually $5 cheaper now, from $59.95 to $54.95. At this price it’s getting very, very easy to ignore the color of the bottle.😁
@@MrMBBM :D I actually dig the turquoise wrap that Bruichladdie gives the Classic Laddie. It's unique and sets it apart from the usual. PLUS it reminds me of my home state's ubiquitous proliferation of decorative turquoise. (New Mexico)
Laga 8 is young but a great one.
I found for $30 per bottle and grabbed 20 of them.
Whoa
"the sheep is not naturaly black, it's been colored with e150a"... 😂😂😂😂
Should they segregate the colored ones?
I really enjoyed this style of video, well done!
Thanks Jeff. Much appreciated! 🥃
Laphroig Quarter Cask. I like the 10, cask strength 10 is next.
Great list, I've added a couple to my "Must Buy" list. Love your deadpan delivery of the "that's what she said" lines. Keep up the great videos!
Great list buddy, love the subtle humor 😂
Hah thanks, man! Appreciate the kind words! 🥃
Ah, the classic “that’s what she said” joke! That never gets old… 😂
Great video as always G. Love it.
Hah thanks Dave. Can't go wrong with a classic. 😉🥃
Hi Geoff, if we’re going on, go to bottlings and of what I’ve actually had then my list would be:- Ardbeg Ugi
Bruichladdich port Charlotte 10/ Islay barley bottles, Kilchoman Saniag
Caol Ila 12 yr, Laphraiog CS 10 yr, Lagavulan 8
Bowmore 18 ( but prefer the tempest 10 yr)
Bunnha 12, the IB’s Staoisha at CS , well worth trying. Excellent list video Geoff, slàinte
Hey David. Seems we have pretty similar tastes. Yeah the Staoisha IBs from Bunna are killers! Cheers my friend. Great list! 🥃
Loved it mate 🤣 good stuff
Thanks man! Appreciate it! 🥃
Great idea for a video! Love this one and the list.
Thanks so much, Ryan. Cheers! 🥃
I'd love to try the Bowmore 18 Deep & Complex. Unfortunately that is a very difficult bottle to find in my market. Great episode. I hope it's the first in a series as you work your way through each region
Bowmore 18 Aston Martin was AMAZING. Kirkland Islay single malt is fantastic. The bunnahabhain 12 is the best Islay on a budget
Kilchoman. Machir Bay Cask Strength. Great stuff!
Loved that one! Sadly not available anymore but it was great!
Thanks Geoff thats a nice lineup! haven't tried any of the 18 year olds apart from a Caol Ilsa Unpeated. Love the Lagavulin 8 and your whiskey of the year is definitely an underrated classic. Very refreshing and a nice wine cask influence that isn't overwhelming!
Glad to hear you're a fan of the Laddie! Cheers! 🥃
Agree with most of your choices. The Bowmore 18 was a very surprising one for me too considering that I hated the 12y (15y was ok). Given the right price I would definitely get it again.
A hard one Geoff...that's what 🤣
Bowmore I would say 15 Aston Martin
Caol Ila - 12
Ardbeg - Corryvreckan
Laphroaig- Lore but if it's hard to find then the PX
Kilchoman- Machir Bay Cask Strength and yes I absolutely agree with the single cask comment.
Bruichladdich - Port Charlotte 10 for me please
Lagavulin- 16 normally or the 9 Game of Thrones, which I actually like a lot and I still see them around
Bunnahabhain- damn it I haven't tried the CS yet so the standard 12 for me
Cheers 🥃
Good picks! I haven't tried the GoT Laga but you've piqued my curiosity. Definitely need to get my hands on the Kilchoman 2022 Machir Bay CS. The 2017 release was fantastic. Cheers buddy!
Another great vid. Your list did a great job of introducing house styles to anyone who may be new to the region.
Very kind of you to say. Thank you! 🙏
Laphroaig 10 CS, Laga 8, Ardbeg Ugie are always my picks. Need to try Kilchoman!!!!
Great list of go-to Islays Geoff. I am currently going through so technically goto's : Ardbeg Weebeastie, Classic Laddie, Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak, Laphroaig QC, Benromach 10. I will include Ardbeg Ugi, Port Charlotte 10 that are next to open.
Same as you with Ardbeg Uigeadail. The price difference here is not all that much higher than the 10, and it is generally easy to find. Though I do get An Oa from time to time as it often has pretty steep discounts, and is a nice 'gentle Ardbeg' if such a thing exists. But the Uigeadail is a fantastic fall/winter bottle.
I never touch Lagavulin 16. It costs about the same as Craigellachie 17 or Ledaig 18 for me. I know those two aren't Islays, but bottles in that price range are quite rare and special for me.
At that price point they are both bottles I can really get into, savor and explore much more.
Agree on the Lagavulin vs Ledaig comparison. In fact no comparison at all. Ledaig 18 all day.
I agree, too. Laga 16 is good, but can't compare to the Craigellachie 17 or Ledaig 18. 🥃
havent tryed that much of islay whiskey. I really like kilchoman sanaig. Got port charlot 10, kilchoman bay and laphroig select banked to try in the future. Thanks for your videos!
Some good bottles there! Cheers! 🥃
good reviews! tastes are always more important than de price....collectors fall often for the way a bottle looks....I think most of the 10 years whisky's are the best and the rest....is making money....we make the "Oerfrysk"- single malt whisky in Sumar, in the north of Holland...we now sell only 3 year old ones and hope to reach 10 year old whisky's.
Laphroaig PX if you can still get it as I prefer it to the 18 I have. Cask strength now on my radar, thanks 🙏. Port Charlotte special casks, all good that I tried. Ardbeg 10 ok but miss the Alligator. Caol Ila never disappoints, agree with the 18. Your list leaves me room to explore the rest of the island terrain. Left Lagavulin behind when the 16 lost its magic, or is it mojo? Cheers anyway 🥃
A bit bummed for your Bruichladdich choice, but it is what it is 😂!!!
I think my list is:
Laproaig--> 10 CS (just obvious)
Ardbeg--> Corryvreckan (like it just a bit more than the Uigeadail)
Lagavulin--> 12 CS (although I´m not buying it anytime soon, I share your Lagavulin rant)
Kilchoman--> Loch Gorm (100% Islay is also a pretty nice choice)
Bowmore--> I´d have to go with the 10, just to have a mixer in my list...
Ardnahoe--> Scarabus (Batch Strength) it´s not that expensive, you should try it!
Caol Ila--> 12yo it´s an easy whisky but i does the trick... for me
Bunnahabhain--> 12 CS, the best unpeated whisky I´ve tried, so far
Bruichladdich--> Give me an Octomore... any Octomore, I don´t care!😅
Some cool choices in there. I've tried the Scarabus, but wasn't blown away. Maybe I should revisit it.
I love Octomores myself, but I actually prefer the Cask Exploration series from PC. Highly recommend those ones. Great list, thank you for sharing!
Great video Geoff!
If I factor in price, availability and reachability, here is my list:
Bowmore, Kilchoman and Caol ila are really hard to pick. I haven't bought a Bowmore for years now. But if pushed, I am with you on the 18. Kilchoman, definitely the Loch Gorm, Caol ila, I'd pick the 15 unpeated cask strength. Its a fabulous whisky and has the true, Caol ila signature. None of these are available in the PA state stores though.
Ardbeg: The wee beastie. At 42$ here and for the quality I get, its a no brainer for me. In the core range, both the Uigi and the Corry are great, but also almost double the price of the Wee beastie.
Laphroaig: Quarter cask purely because for me it has stayed the most consistent Laphroaig (I know you have never quite warmed up to it). The 10CS changes every year and is in a different league though and definitely my favorite Laphroaig in general.
Lagavulin: With you there on the 8.
Bruichladdich: Port charlotte 10
Bunnahabhain: Im going for the standard 12. Has been consistently good ever since I have started my single malt journey. The 2022 CS 12 was spectacular. If they produce that level consistently, it will definitely replace the standard 12.
Ardnahoe doesn't have their own line yet. I enjoyed visiting their distillery and visitors center last year on my way to Bunnahabhain. Beautiful locations and they have quite a few tasting tours. Innovative and very enjoyable. I got to taste some rare older whiskies from Port Ellen, Auchroisk etc. Generally, I quite enjoy their old malt cask range and Scarabus whiskies. I had a few tastings of their "journey" series of blended malts. Not too bad either. Eagerly waiting for their own single malt bottles.
Some great choices! I also love the Caol Ila unpeated series. Some of the best stuff I've had from the brand, to be honest. However, not what I'd call a go-to given their limited availability and higher price tag.
I'm surprised to hear you'r such a fan of the Laphroaig QC! I haven't always liked it but I admit it's good stuff, especially as a value prospect.
Btw I'm curious if you've had any Kilchoman single casks? They're a mixed bag, but some are truly fantastic.
Thanks for sharing, my friend. Cheers!
@@Gwhisky Yeah. The LaphQC has always been an emotional favorite for me. It was the first Islay whisky I ever had and it was at the Distillery out near their harbor area. Barring the memories, I find it to be consistent, at 48% and possibly non chill filtered as well.
Kilchoman, yes. I love their single casks, but it is very hard to find them here. And I absolutely love the Loch Gorm.
Caol Ila, I get their unpeated stuff online and for a decent price. The prices on whiskyworld and whisky exchange is similar to the Laph10CS.
Lots of good stuff out there.
Cheers!
Lovely video, I chuckled way more than I should have at all the jokes. :D
Gotta say Caol Ila and Bowmore have not been visited in my whisky journey yet, but I do love Kilchoman and honestly my favourite is good old Machir Bay (CS if I can get it).. its just such a nice contrast to so much sherry peat we usually get from Islay, full of citrus, vanilla and I just love that creamy mouthfeel (almost like almond milk), always makes me beg for more (thats what she said? too much? :D). Agree with the rest of the picks pretty much, just feel like Ardbeg An Oa isnt getting the love it deserves universally (it usually kills in all the blind tastings Ive seen so imo its some weird bias :p ). I honestly never grab the 10 nowadays after trying it.
I'll have to come back to the An Oa for a review at some point. It's been a long time!
Really want to get my hands on the 2022 Machir Bay CS. The 2017 was fantastic! Cheers! 🥃
There is a Cask Strength Loch Gorm edition, usually released around xmas.
I think you're referring to Machir Bay? I had the 2017 CS version and it was excellent. Hoping to get my hands on the 2022 release. 🥃
Could be, my best mate is a Kilchoman fan, me not so much, so I do get them a bit mixed up.
Nice vid, nice list, and funny jokes as always. Keep up the good work. Also, if you haven't, try the Cask Strength Machir Bay. The latest batch is my favourite whisky right now.
I loved the batch from 2017. I'll definitely grab the newest one if I come across it. Cheers and thanks for the kind words! 🥃
Great video, not tried any Kilchoman yet to my detriment so thanks for the steer, bang up job (That’s what she said)
Hah thanks man! 🥃
I feel like bunnahabhain are underrated. I have enjoyed everything ive tried from them. Lagavulin 8 is insanely good value imo. Great content as always!
Thanks Chris! Cheers! 🥃
I’ll put in a vote for Bowmore Tempest, they have had several versions and it seems widely available. Otherwise I totally agree. Great idea for a video!
Thanks Christ! Bowmore Tempest was good stuff. Sorely missed! 🥃
I second Bowmore 18. Surprisingly, there is a lot of a difference, when compared with the 15.
Kilchoman Port Cask is insanely good in my opinion. One of my all time favorites. There was this Byzantine aristocratic meal in the middle ages - smoked fish with strawberry jam. That's exactly what this aristocratic Kilchoman tastes like.
"Byzantine aristocratic meal."
Now THAT is a tasting note. 🥃
I always liked the idea, price and transparency (and cool-looking bottle) of the Classic Laddie, but found it too young and harsh for me. I just discovered the [2013] Islay Barley, and it’s like a grown-up Classic Laddie. Amazingly good stuff. And of course, when I’m in a mood for peated Scotch, Port Charlotte 10 is my go-to.
Here we go, thanks for this hot topic:
1. Lagavulin 16, got to be, simply the best. I know the price is storming up, luckily I have many bottles stashed from the happier times, so it's my go-to!
2. Laphroaig 10- Not a fan of Laphroaig, I've had their Select and PX, but 10 was the most representative I guess.
3. Ardbeg Corryvreckan- The most reachable one when I have it on the shelf, that's the unbearable one. Deep, strong, sophisticated one.
4. Bunnahabhain 12, a classic one, I love it, not too complex, not too heavy, good everyday dram.
5. Caol Ila 12, the most dependable, budget-friendly, consistent, and great quality.
6. Kildonan Senaig, I love the way it's crafted, looks a lot like Lagavulin 16 to me.
7. Bowmore, never had one.
8. Port Charlotte 10, I simply love this one, I wish I had at least 10 of them stashed, just in case.
The best Bowmore was the Atlantic salt release, shame it was limited edition. Cask strength bourbon Bowmore is delicious
Second that. Bourbon style Bowmore is great. 10yo the Tempest, 17yo the White Sands, like them all!
“Don’t worry, they’re not all going to be 18 year olds.” My court order says I can’t go any younger mate.
😂😂😂
Pretty much agree with all those…. Apart from the Bruichladdich, - the PC10 is easy winner from them for me.
I’d also happily forget all about Bowmore altogether.. at present..
Hah you're not alone on both those points! Cheers! 🥃
I tend to like the Bowmore 15. It has a stronger Sherry element than the regular 18 which I enjoy and is perfectly balanced. I can’t get the Dark and Complex so I’d love to try that. Would also like to try more Caol Ila but only had the 12 it is unusually expensive here. For Ardbeg Uigee hands down. Friends don’t let friends drink Laphroiag. The others I’m with you on.
"Friends don't let friends drink Laphroaig." 😂😂😂
Spot on.
and you have to old that line all year with the Classic Laddie. Peat is not always the answer.
If want to try a really good Bowmore you just have to buy an Aston Martin. I'm sure they throw in a bottle.
Hah I'm not going to back down, buddy. Classic Laddie is something I love, even if others don't. And yes, peat isn't always the answer!
Buy an Aston Martin, eh? Let me check my pockets...
Port Charlotte is my easy go to. Never had the classic laddie, I have the laddie 8 though.
With an empty bottle of Ardbeg 10, my whiskey journey was just started.
🎉 that’s great
That's a really good choice 😊
Try the lagavulin 16
Just tried the port charlotte 10… that was delicious. Im gonna have to try the laddie
It's good stuff, but quite divisive. Hope you enjoy it! 🥃
Laphroiag Lore, Bowmore 12, Lagavullin 16, port Charlotte, ardbeg 10
The old Bowmore 10 of around 15 years ago was superb. My favourite all time Bowmore is an Independent bottling of Bowmore 8YO by Single and Single released around 5 - 7 years back.
Other than that, can't really argue with the list. I am having a strange love hate relationship with Ardbeg at the moment. I find that they have become inconsistent. For years the 10 and Uigeadail were staples for me and I also enjoy the Wee Beastie, but I just do not seem to be drawn to Ardbeg at the moment.
Laphroaig is one where I do not like any of the core range. The cask strength is OK and generally really only like the older stuff like some independent 15's I've had and their 18 (no longer available).
I have been hunting for the Bunna 12 CS in Europe. Just cannot find a bottle and most retailers, even the online ones do not have in stock. Hoping they release it 2023 and that it rivals the 2022.
Interesting list. Have tried a few of them. I'm waiting for the Bunnahabhain 12yo CS to reach Sweden. Not a big fan of Bowmore, they had a CS bottle some years ago that I liked. With Ardbeg it's an quite easy choise...The Corryvreckan. With Laphroaig, well this bottle is probably not available anymore buy The Cairdeas 2013 Port wood Finish was amazing. Agree with the CS botteling, but I think it has become really over priced. Agree with you, Bruichladdich is fantastic, right now my favorite is Port Charlotte 10YO, but I've never been disapointed with Bruichladdich. Tried a few Kilchoman, agree with the Loch Gorm, but the best so far was a Port wood singel cask, I think it was from 2009. Also agree about Caol ila, the best stuff is the indie bottelings.
Some great picks in there, buddy! Cheers Mats! 🥃
Despite the flaws I love Bowmore 12, 15 and yest the 18 however it is almost Eur 130 where I am so too pricy for what it is. Bunna would be next - anything really, then Coal Ila my favourite the 18 but as with Bowmore too expensive. number 3 is Corry hands down, then Laga 16. Great vid, well done
Great picks! 🥃
An interesting list, I’ve tried a few of them. Personally I’d go for the Laphroaig Quarter Cask over the 10yo. I don’t know if it gets dismissed as a gimmick but it’s an excellent peated malt.
Laphroaig QC is good stuff. I wasn't a fan initially, and I'm still a bigger fan of the 10, but the QC is one I've come to like over time. Not gimmicky at all! 🥃
The now discontinued Laphroaig 18. Why it was discontinued remains a great mystery. Fantastic whisky.
It was great. Sorely missed! 🥃
I think the list could change a lot depending on area of sale...I can't believe what my area will charge for some and not others. Maybe it has something to do with supply and volume, but I end of rating by bang-for-the buck and that can color a list a lot.
Lagavulin 11 Offerman. Good peaty punch with a bit more smoothness and complexity like the 16. I think 16 is overrated...great, but not for what they ask.
Bowmore 15. Great price for a 15 year old and much improved over the 12.
Port Charlotte...love what they are doing with it. 50% too.
Smokehead and Peat Monster can be had on great sales and I will fill a pantry with those for the value.
Can't wait to get a few others. I have no #1, just good memories.
Lag8 is a fantastic choice, I think I like it more than the 16. Although the 16 is quite reasonable in my area. Have found it as low as $80-90 USD. It is one of the only 12+ age stated whiskies that I actually saw go *down* in price during the pandemic.
Damn your market is definitely an exception to the rule. That's a great price for Laga 16 nowadays! 🥃
Agreed on the price. i think it's one of the few that has noticeably gone down a bit over the past year or so. I used to not even bother looking at it, but now it seems to regularly be around $85-$95 in the Midwest at least. For me, that makes it worth moving up from the 8-year since the price margin is so narrow. Kind of like why get Wee Beastie when you can get Ardbeg 10 for about $5 more?
I love this review. So much to relate. No Bowmore for me please. And yes, singling out a Whisky from the other great distilleries is not easy. It's way too damn hard! (**** In Michael Scott's voice....****)😂😂😂. The review gets an additional point for so many "that's what she said'
kilchoman Sanaig is my go to, have not tried the loch gorm (sad face). Ardbeg 10 or Ugi (really liked the 8 for discussion, but something was lost after the bottle had been open for a while), Port Charlotte 10. only tried Laga 16 it's pretty good but way to expensive, now i need to get my hands on a bottle of the 8 year. legit list G
Hah thanks buddy. Some good picks there yourself! 🥃
I’m waving from the Orkney island with a highland park 18 years 46% edition 😅
Oh killer bottle and the location isn't bad either! Enjoy, buddy! 🥃
Honestly bowmore is the most underrated of the islay scotchs and I kind of like it that way so it stays cheap.
Cool concept!
Thanks Wade! 🥃
Guess I’m a little late .. Well, that’s what she said. Man, I have to admit, I love your weird humour, Jeff ..
Bowmore - It’s the *Bowmore 18 Deep & Intense* (Yeah, I know .. Strictly speaking, it’s the only Bowmore I like. And I’m still wondering how anyone would spend the money for a Bowmore Aston Martin. Well, I guess I do .. *cough* Marketing ..)
Caol Ila - *Caol Ila 18* (Not very original, but again, it’s my favourite from their core range)
Kilchoman - *Loch Gorm* (I know .. seriously, I’m not just copying from you. It’s currently my favourite distillery from Islay, I also love the 100% Islay from 2022)
Lagavulin - *Lagavulin 16* (It was my first love, and in spite of Diageo trying everything to ruin it, it still has that beautiful signature. But you can’t blame them for a lack of effort .. Same as with Talisker, such a beautiful signature, and Diageo is really trying to destroy it. Your video about Lagavulin might be controversial, but you’re 💯right, and people just get mad because of some weird kind of brand affiliation).
Bruichladdich - *Port Charlotte 10* (It’s just a beauty. I do love the Islay Barley from 2013, but it’s not as consistent as the 10 year old).
Bunnahabhain - *Bunnahabhain 12* (I go for the regular 12 year old. I know most people like the CS more, but I had some really sharp, harsh bottles of it. And the 12 year old is such great value)
Ardbeg - It’s still the *Uigeadail* (I know it’s not nearly as great as it once was, but I still love it. I think the core range is still very good, the Ardbeg 10 is still an affordable, great Islay Malt)
Laphroaig - Same here: Not the biggest Laphroaig fan, but I do love the *Lore*
Nice vid: Corryvreckan by a mile, Lag 16 still, Bruichladdich- PC- Octomore's are generally better but $$, have not found a bowmore i like but did not try 18 yet, caol ila needs to kick up the punch a bit but i'ts fine. Agreed on Laphroaig but yes hard to get- the 16 is not bad. But i'm not a big fan of the medicinal peat...
I need to come back to the Corryvrecken. Great picks! Cheers! 🥃
It pains me to say it because Bowmore 12 was my gateway single malt, but given their abysmal quality/price ratio, I can't recommend any of their stuff, but that 18 is probably the best of their Core Range, although their Vault Editions are considerably better if you can find any at a decent price.
Port Charlotte 10 tops The Classic Laddie from Bruichladdich on my list, but I pretty much agree with all of your other choices 👍
The Bowmore Vault stuff is good! It's been a while since I had them, but I'd agree they're among the best stuff the brand has put out!
Go to Bowmore would be the 15, Caol ila the 12yr, Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dha not sue if that's a core range though. I'm a big fan of Laphraoig 10yr cask strength and Cairdeas. Agree with you on Lagavulin 12 CS really like the whisky but can't afford it anymore.
Good ones! 🥃
Always on hand:
Bruichladdich Black Art, or
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie
Laphroaig Lore (must try!)
Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Lagavulin 16
Bunnahabain Aonadh or 12 CS
Not always on shelf:
Caol Ila 18
Bowmore 18
Kilchoman Hard Pass (not a fan)
Well....The Port Charlotte 10 went over very well. So well, that it has ascended to the High Council since it's introduction and has basically entirely displaced Talisker in the selection. On the strength of that exploration, I tried Kilchoman Sanaig, to good effect. I adjudged it not quite as good as PC10, but a 'keeper' none the less. The Islay surprise for me was Scarabus. It caught my attention with the ornate steampunk labeling and I caught several online reviews where reviewers were attempting to discern the mystery source distillery (most pointing at Caol Ila). I had it on my list, but urged a friend, who was exploring their peat tastes, to give it a try....their NAS is only a bit over $30 US. Tasting that gave me quite the cred with my friend; we both liked it. If that resembles Caol Ila, then I'm a mark for sampling a full bottle (but Scarabus comes in at 1/3 the cost).
PC10 is such a legendary whisky at this point. I know of quite a few non peat-heads who love the stuff. Scarabus is one I should come back to. It's been a while and I'd like to explore more of their releases. I think there are two or three to choose from, if memory serves. 🥃
@@Gwhisky Yes, indeed. It's not available in my state franchised market, but at least three options, original release, cask strength, and 10 year, are being offered at a commercial outlet across the river in Washington. That's where we picked it up. My friend is already well into his original purchase and he's ready to go back and sample one of the other two. I told him to take me along, and I'll pick up the other and we'll compare and contrast. There is a 'road trip' on the agenda, now.
I'm one of those 'non peat-heads', or, used to be. I was one of those blokes who selected an expression and stuck with it, and mostly just it, for decades (that'd be the Glenfiddich 12). Sampling amongst the peated expressions some thirty years back alienated me with regards Islay peateds (I went with Talisker). I consider my bottle of Laphroaig 10 CS to be a 'warning flag' to nOObs sampling in my selection. It's there for educational purposes. Now, my friends think I'm the peat-head. I do have a fairly broad selection, thanks to my quest for a malt modestly peated with highland, rather than Islay, peat. Finding it with a sherry cask was a bonus. Benro15 is my friend. (Westland Peated American single malt is an adequate backup.)
Can't find Laphroaig 10 Cask strength in NC, USA but I have seen the Lore around. Have you had the Lore, if so, how did you like it?
Bowmore 15 Darkest was my choice over 18 :)
Hah fair enough. The 18 all day for me. Cheers!
Bowmore 10YO Dark & Intense Aston Martin LM10 is not bad at all for the money. BTW what about Port Ellen? 😉
Haven't tried that Bowmore. Lol no "go-to" Port Ellen, unfortunately. 😉
Great video. We agree on most of the lineup except for: 1) Caol Ila: DE; 2) Kilchoman: 100% Islay; 3) Laphroaig: LORE (if its still available?) ... cheers
I wasn't in love with my first bottle of Lore, but I did like it. I should revisit it soon. Good picks, man! 🥃
Not a fan of Bowmore 18 - 40% ABV for $145! Kilchoman Sanaig (easier to find than Loch Gorm), Laphroaid 10 CS, Ardbeg Uigeadahl, Laga 8, Port Charlotte 2013 Islay Barley, Bunna 12 (great value), and an independent Port Askaig 110 Proof (Caol Isla?) would be my list.
Can I ask you, as a whisky collector, how do you preserve your opened bottles of whisky? And also,after what time you.ve noticed changes in the taste? Thank you! PS:very informative and good chanel,go on with new interesting whisky topics!👍
Wine gas / argon gas
I've only tasted the Bowmore 12 and it comes in far and away the best peated Islay in my collection from Islay. I will be trying their 15 soon. I've never tasted Kilchoman, but of the others, I tasted Laphroaig 10 and decided I never needed to try any other of that label. I have a bottle in my cabinet. A very similar situation transpired with Ardbeg, but I've never purchased a bottle of Ardbeg. I've never tasted a Caol Ila, other than as an additive to JW Black. Bunnahabhain 12 has an honored place in the pantheon of my single malts. I went through a bottle of Classic Laddie and wasn't particularly impressed. I presently have a bottle of Port Charlotte 10 which was recently opened; we are still getting acquainted.
I'm struggling to understand the peat style of Ledaig, as it is not an Islay peat, but it is an Island distillate; coastal influences. Is the peatiness different from that of Laph/Ard/Caol? Is it similar to Bowmore, or Benromach? The same with Kilchoman, which is an Islay. I've learned that peat flavors differ, sometimes significantly, and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with location on Islay. To me, the Talisker peat flavor is similar to that of the 'typical' Islay peateds. The peat flavor I really resonate with is Benromach, a peated Speyside. I guess it's the 'white heather', rather than all the coal oil dumped from bilges.
Sorry to hear you didnt get on with the Classic Laddie. Ledaig is very different from the Oslay stuff, but for me it's less about the peat and more about the "funk." I often get slightly lactic notes in it, almost cheesy, which compliment the whisky nicely. 🥃
Big, intense and satisfying 😂
how would you say the bowmore deep & complex compares to the vault editions?
Tough call. Love them both. The Vault ones are limited though. I haven't had then in ages and they're getting quite expensive.
@@Gwhisky aside from that, which gave you more enjoyment?
" it's a hard one!" Said the actress to the Bishop!
Nice. 😂
@@Gwhisky sorry couldn't resist, that was one of my dad's sayings.
That's good list. No complaints from me.
For my list, I would say there are no "go to whiskies" from Caol Ila or Bowmore - not according to your definition. Overpriced and watered down. Bowmore in particular is committing suicide with their pricing and weak presentation. If I really had to choose a bottle it would be the Bowmore 15 and the Caol Ila 12, but honestly, I don't recommend them.
Love Bruichladdich. The classic laddie is a totally respectable choice, but I'm a peathead and the PC10 is the overwhelming choice for me. Fabulous stuff, available everywhere and great value.
So much promise from Kilhoman, but they're still a little new and I don't know them very well. I tend to agree that the Lock Gorm probably gets the nod.
Bunna 12 is the bomb, but I would take the regular bottling over the cask strength, simply because I've never seen a bottle of the CS available for sale. That's a bit of a drawback.
Laphroaig 10 cask strength is in the running for my fave whisky of all time. i like it so much it almost makes all other Laphroaigs obsolete. Just buy the 10CS.
Ardbeg is such tough call. The Wee Bestie costs just as much as the 10, but isn't as good, so I'm left with 10, Oogie and Cory. The Cory is overpriced at 120 USD when the 10 is only 50 USD. I love the Uigeadail - big peat, big sherry and big ABV. But I felt like I would go with the 10 year just because I wanted someone's flagship bottle and the 10 is unbelievable value for money.
Lagavulin - wow, they're pretty close to Bowmore and Caol Ila. They're just pricing themselves out of existence. Some of the Offerman bottles are decent (Guinness cask, I think, was good). But you're probably right to choose the 8. It's just not a real strong offering, IMO.
cheers
Good rundown. Yeah I'm using the term "go-to" pretty loosely. A couple of these brands I don't come back to often. Bowmore, Caol Ila, and Lagavulin are definitely once-in-a-while whiskies. If I'm being honest, it's been a while since I bought a Kilchoman, too. Cheers! 🥃
If Bowmore 18 deep and complex 91, how much for Ardbeg uigeadail ?
Like ! Slainte !
Thanks buddy! Gaumarjos! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Gaumarjos Geoff ! You know i like ISLA )))
"why do I keep talking like I'm dating Ardbeg?? ........I should call them tho" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You mentioned that Caol Ila is typically less peated so if I find Ardbeg 10 is a little too smokey then would Caol Ila 12 be good option for me to try? That might be the only one available around here.
Caol Ila is much gentler than Ardbeg. It's still a very peat-forward profile, but it's not quite as intense as Ardbeg. Cheers!
Lagavulin 8 is great and punchy
It's fantastic! 🥃
I can't get along with the lagavulin 8 it was just a little to much peat and not enough fruits I like finding hidden in there and for the price it is in my area its never going to be replenished
That's fair. I'll agree it's not a fruity whisky. 🥃
The Bunnahabhain 12 cask strength is the best whisky I'll never get to try. Bottles are nonexistant in the Chicago area. I think it's too limited to call it a core range product.
I'm willing to exchange my bottles of Lagavulin 8 for yours of Lagavulin 16.Without thinking about it😂.
G- you sound a little under the weather- you ok? Nothing a few drams can’t cure, I hope.
I do? Didn't realize. I'm all good, thanks! 🥃
Best bottle from Islay is port Charlotte 10 at £47
A stunner!
My most recent finding: Kilchoman Madeira
Haven't tried it but I hear it's great! 🥃
Totally agree!
Nothing more to say 🤷.
Sorry
Hah but you commented anyway. Thanks for always being supportive, buddy! 🙏
I prefer the regular 18y Bowmore over the Deep & Complex so there you go. Totally agree on the Caol ila, Kilchoman.
Laphroaig has to be Lore, Lagavulin 16y, Bunnahabhain 18y, Ardbeg, for now at least, 8y for discussion.
Nice! I should revisit Laphroaig Lore. I might feel different about it nowadays...
Why are/were you in Taiwan?
First easy
My own list... the best whiskies (which most of them no one can get anymore) which I have 😏
1) Bowmore - 21 Astin Martin
2) Dewar's 21 and 32 double double
3) Bunnahabhain Ceobanach
4) Glencadam 15
5) Glendronach 21 Parliament
6) Springbank 15
7) Stagg Jr.
8) Blantons Gold
9) Glen Garioch (chapters 1, 3 and 4)
10) Laphroaig 10 Sherry oak
11) Macaloney's Caledonian Searaidh Braiche
12) Arran 18
13) Glenmorangie Signet
14) Lochlea first release
15) Balblair 17 Limited travel exclusive
16) Bimber Canada Cask
17) Glenfarclas 185
18) Lum Reek 10
If I wait 10 years or so, I might be able to retire early