Ardbeg 10 vs. Lagavulin 16 ⚡ Which islay whisky is better?

Today the two most famous Islay whiskys compete against each other in the ring. Ben and Horst Luening compare their respective favorites Ardbeg 10 and Lagavulin 16!
Nosing 4:00
Lagavulin 16
►www.whisky.com/whisky-databas...
Ardbeg 10
►www.whisky.com/whisky-databas...
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[@thomaswayne1852]

Ardbeg or Laphroig or Lagavulin? The only answer is "Yes!" ^^

[@eduardobenassi3072]

Pretty much, yes, lol.

[@yoda1934]

Roig or ulin?

[@rurugby]

Exactly

[@alexanderdavidson7837]

Bought a Laphroaig Select... It was really hard to drink when i had the Lagavulin sitting on the bar cart

[@bharatnaidu4785]

For me it's Ardbeg, Lagavulin is bit hard for my pallette

[@lth_lch]

I've had the Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 16, Ardbeg10, An Oa, Uigeadail, Corryvreckan, and now the Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10. All incredibly enjoyable Islays, but just something about Ardbeg keeps me coming back for more. Maybe there's crack in it.

[@mustafabaris9681]

It’s truly amazing how much our palates and taste buds could change with time.. I fell in love with Lagavulin 16 a year ago .. There was not even the slightest comparison when I compared it to Ardbeg 10 .. But until recently , don’t really know what the heck happened but I am now in love with Ardbeg 10 ... Every time I am given two options between these two , gotta go with Ardbeg 10 each time .. Truly the best Islay whisky ..! 🥃

[@weesky5222]

talisker 10 is quite good too.

[@phillipbaritone3843]

Yeah I’m a huge fan too, there is something about the phenolic intensity matched with its unique honeyed sweetness that just makes ardbeg stand alone! It isn’t got the herbal and medicinal (iodine) notes of laphroaig

[@Stefan-yt6ed]

for me it started with Lagavulin 16 yo as well - then I got taste for Ardbeg An Oa. Know I'm a great fan of Laphroaig Quater Cask but has also got a taste for a smokey non Islay whisky called Ballechin 10 yo from Edradour Distillery. It's not the most complex whisky taste wise but I got it as birthday present so I cant complain.

[@jdm11060]

Mustafa, I went through the same experience. For years I told everyone that, all things considered, lagavulin 16 was the gold standard of whisky, but that Ardbeg 10 was marginally better because of it's price. Just in the last year I underwent an extensive blind tasting of 9 different Islay whisky's, and while most of them were obvious, the biggest shock for my palate was to learn that the only miss I had was to mislabel the Ardbeg 10 as Laphroaig quarter cask. Imagine my elation when I came to find out that it was actually the Ardbeg 10. Knowing the price of the 10 had my brain downplaying it's superiority. Now, with total confidence, I can say Ardbeg 10 is the new good standard of whisky. It's availability (here in the states) and affordability for what it is, is unmatched.

[@christopherchristianvanlan1809]

Think of me..I tested it today for the first time. I have never tasted peated whiskey ever before. It was a brutal shock to me. How can this even be safe to drink?

[@cyrano33]

Lagavulin 16 is my preference. Both are great Islay whiskys!

[@MrSujano]

More of these videos please! They are highly entertaining and educational. The banter was hilarious!

[@Thomas_Ekstrom]

There is something special about Lagavulin, I wish they bottled at 46%.

[@xiamengbaby]

They bottle the 8 year old at 48%. They should do the same with the 16.

[@justinafuchs2619]

I wish they would bottle it at 46%, stop adding artificial colour and stop chill filtering it to death. And I wish they would stop using more and more weak, inactive casks. There *is* something special about Lagavulin 16, that’s why so many people fell in love with it. Lagavulin has a really beautiful signature, but Diageo is trying everything to castrate it. It has become a shadow of itself in recent years.

[@onYTsince2008]

Lol!! Best father/son debate after the Bourbon vs Scotch video!! Loved it. 😂👌🏽

[@befuddled2010]

Enjoyed the friendly rivalry banter as you set up the actual tasting. It was easy-going and shows how much natural rapport you have with each other. These are two wonderful offerings that both have a perpetual place in my collection and I appreciate your side-by-side of them.

[@dbunce10]

What a great Dad and Son party. That was fun. Ardbeg for me, thanks.

[@kabirarora29]

Love this new format. Would love to see it more often. Cheers!

[@Spyderp99]

These two, absolutely great, funny, interesting, knowledgeable, entertaining, characters. I absolutely love your videos. Thank you!

[@antonrusak3207]

Oh guys you are awesome. Cheered me up on a chilly day! Please make more vids like this.

[@issue15]

Ive been watching this channel for a few months now, and since have fallen in love with Ardbeg 10. Still yet to try Lagavulin 16, but just did a google search for ardbeg vs lagavulin to read some comparison posts or find a video. Blown away to see this was posted 4 hours ago. The universe works in mysterious ways. Happy sipping everyone!

[@whiskywatch4052]

I loved the format. Even if you aren't battling next time I think the dynamic of having both of you adds a lot to the review.

[@CherylHanQian]

Really just simply love them both and both of you hahaha! Thanks for making this interesting and great video!!

[@Y2H]

You definitely need to do more of those versus videos! Maybe Laphroaig vs Ardbeg next. Also maybe a list of top 10's. You guys are the best!!

[@antonikosinski1113]

Loving this series!

[@jakel6473]

love these standoffs with you two !

[@vikinghunter2177]

I Love them both, always have a bottle of each but in a pinch I will go for the Ardbeg.

[@tinnyuk75]

Yes, me too!

[@tronzen9393]

I have both and am looking forward to opening them

[@austintierney4828]

Great review of two great whisky's, gentlemen, and fun to watch! However, I find Laphroaig 10 as opposed to Lagavulin to be a more appropriate match against Ardbeg.

[@ToxicCityOfficial]

Laphroaig rules

[@brainformer2007]

I did start my acquaintance with Isle from Ardbeg 10 and I was quite impressed by it, especially with the long aftertaste, however, when the time went by and my friends presented Lagavulin 16 to me, it's the best Isle I've ever tasted so far )

[@mustavertwang]

Thank you both for cheering me up in these somewhat awkward times.

[@dougwilliams9368]

Great discussion! I love them both, but I’ve got to give the nod to Ardbeg. Such a unique and flavorful taste profile.

[@timmol7742]

It must be fate that you decided to upload this on the very same day I decided to order a bottle of each of these. They're set to arrive tomorrow, so my verdict will have to wait.

[@timmol7742]

After long deliberation and multiple drams I have decided my vote goes to Lagavulin. Both are great though.

[@stalanchoi]

hahahaha thank you Horst, you made my day! really enjoyed watching comparing my two favourite whiskies!

[@dayne746]

Thanks to your videos, I tried both side by side in a controlled study (new bottles, poured simultaneously, same glasses, breathing for same duration, neat, etc.) and finally selected Ardbeg 10 as the "best"... both are really great though! Ardbeg has nicer nose and finish, in my opinion, and is much less expensive (which matters to my brain). Thanks again for making great videos.

[@willemkilian9563]

Love this, I want to do this with my dad too! I like Ardbeg very much, but Lagavulin is just exceptionally special to me.

[@unclenatedrinkswhisky]

Amazing review. I love the friendly rival between you both. BTW ardbeg 10 wins. But lagavulin 16 is amazing. Cheers

[@billscott6819]

Great guys, the banter reminded me of my dad and I who relentlessly give one another a hard time. As for the whisky, I love both. Cheers.

[@peterplam526]

I have all three of them ( including Laphroaig 10). Each and every one has its own place on the top of the shelf! Love them all!!!

[@DDugger]

46%, natural color, and non chill-filtered... Ardbeg is the obvious winner! Lagavulin would be absolutely amazing if it were bottled to the same standards.

[@piotrekfalkon5595]

Is not natural color

[@DDugger]

@@piotrekfalkon5595 Ardbeg 10 is absolutely natural color.

[@jorgenunez1826]

@@piotrekfalkon5595 It is natural color. Check german whisky sites (ewhisky.com, for example), because in Germany is mandatory to declare it. Cheers!

[@Houman7]

Those factors are important but doesn’t prove anything when it comes to taste profile, complexity and character. I’ve had so so scotches like Glenmorangie quinta ruban 14, which is bottled at 46%, non chill-filtered and natural color. It was definitely good not outstanding. I’ve had Scotch like Mac 12 which is bottled at 43% and chill-filtered but it was outstanding.

[@DDugger]

@@Houman7 I have to disagree. Sure, we all prefer some spirits over others. But, if you could try any of the 43% whiskies you like back to back with a non chill-filtered and higher abv version of the same spirit (preferably cask strength) you would be amazed at how much richer and more characterful it is. Chill-filtering strips mouthfeel and depth, ABV delivers flavor intensity. Complexity is in the individual spirit and the quality of its maturation. If it's good chill-filtered, it will be superior at higher ABV and non chill-filtered. Natural color is more an honesty and purity thing, really doesn't have an appreciable effect on taste in small quantities.

[@VazzVegas]

I like the video; great roll playing with two great whisky's!

[@hoonhog28]

Thanks for the video. Fun and informative as always. Huge fan of Laga16 but you twisted my arm, I will grab an Ardbeg.

[@leanidis300]

I've had Lagavulin 16 and absolutely love it but yet to try the Ardbeg 10 and it's on my list to try soon.

[@wholelottanate]

God I loved this video! Always a pleasure to watch the two of you together enjoying what you both love.

[@heavilypeted]

Ardbeg 10 for sure! Just tired L16 for that first time and it didn’t wow me like the A10 did at first sip. L16 to me is sweeter and less smoky, but a little easier to drink. A10 really made me stand up and pay attention. Both excellent choices

[@davidbroughall3782]

I judge which is better by how many bottles I've bought. Since I started on single malts about a year ago, I'm on my third bottle of Lagavulin 16. I finished one bottle of Ardbeg 10 and didn't replace it.

[@samuelmorse784]

Better question. And erg ugeidail vs lag 16. I like lagavulin but I'm taking Ardberg Ugedail in that matchup.

[@ThePookaHarvey]

Yes much better comparison. And I agree Uigeadail wins!

[@daninthepan]

I learned nothing and loved every minute! Great fun video guys.

[@Peter_Box]

Lagavulin 16 was my introduction to peated whisky. I have to say, that I prefer the Ardbeg ten now.

[@ryeguy48]

I haven’t laughed this hard at a whiskey video in some time hahaha Keep these coming!

[@TheRip72]

The last one I laughed at so much was a 55% Whisky. Horst spent 2-3 minutes explaining why he always dilutes whiskies that strong then completely forgot to add water! His reaction was hilarious.

[@ryeguy48]

@@TheRip72 XD do you remember which vid that was?

[@natedizzle7798]

@@ryeguy48 it was the video where he reviewed the Redbreast Cask strength. I remember b/c i was on my way to store to buy it and he talked me out of it.

[@gman5986]

Best Father /Son whisky reviews in the universe!...............uhhh....actually the only ones also. Thanks guys for a very entertaining review of two of my collection!.........Slainte'

[@efex604]

Cannot wait to buy some of those Glasses you guys use once available :)

[@Asmoc23]

Just google Stolzle 194ml glass, you will find something similar. Thank me later.

[@onYTsince2008]

@@Asmoc23 just google Highland nosing tasting glass

[@drews5206]

Buy a Glencairn glass instead

[@kabirarora29]

Lagavulin all the way!

[@emtcubby]

They both win!

[@JarekZoglowek]

You Guys are great!! The funniest video ever!! 😁👍

[@leonardchan3893]

Very entertaining!

[@bekemdangiu]

I saw some Lagavulin 16 got a red stamp over the cork but some doesn't, is there any different?

[@robertfrost5346]

Love the friendly play down. You right they both unique. I love both. Due to price Ardberg is my more go to whisky, while Lagavulin my special occasion dram of choice. I'm proudly a peat-head. Thanks as always for your excellent reviews and extra information. Best regards from Durban. Kwa Zulu Natal. South Africa.

[@benRB33]

I think you’ll find people love these types of videos!

[@TextieruL]

Hahaha. You guys are so funny 🤣🤣🤣 I didn't expect this kind of video I can't stop laughing...

[@tatumutanen8156]

I like them both and like ben said, they're barely comparable with each other. I have one of both bottles In my shelf and there is time and place for each one and both are beautiful In their own way.

[@cdav2199]

Would love to see a Laphroig vs whatever you guys think suits best!

[@rpfree]

Only the 15 ... the Laphroaig 10 is junk.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Here's a good comparison... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnTNeoGfitmokJo

[@BR279]

@@rpfree the Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength and the Quarter Cask are both superior to either one of these

[@ToxicCityOfficial]

​@@rpfreethe 10 is Godly, wtf are you on about??

[@bendorrington9988]

Lagavulin - comfy winner

[@davidowen2834]

When push comes to shove I would choose the ardbeg 10, but I love them both. Enjoyed this video, maybe more v's videos ?

[@venumadhav6796]

Hey it's really good video... Good smiles

[@Sousleek]

at first i was interested in Ardbeg but few weeks ago i changes my mind and now want to try a Lagavulin first ))

[@crossfitloughborough4589]

They are same price in UK, love the Ardbeg, not tried the Lagavulin 16 yet

[@BillMcGirr]

Very enjoyable video.💪👍🤣🥃

[@Soul_Blazer]

makes me want to see you two debate over bowmore and octomore :) cheers~

[@Amber57499]

What about the corryvreckan? I'm a newbie when it comes to whisky. I own both the Lagavulin 16 and the Ardbeg Corryvreckan, but I'm not sure I really understand the complexity of them.

[@jonahartistdavis1858]

Give it time take you’re time they are very complex.

[@jameseverett9035]

Both are great malts and Lagavulin 16 began my passion for whisky. I would say Lagavulin 16 would win if it had no E150 colouring added to it and was non chill filtered but as it has colouring added and is chill filtered then Ardbeg 10 wins for me in this comparison. Slainte!

[@dh2838]

love these guys, please do a car review for fun

[@princeofwine]

Both lovely but very different !

[@flittermice3522]

Great fun video! Obviously it's all a matter of personal taste regardless of age, abv, chill-filtration, colouring etc. I'm sorry Ben but I'm going to have to side with Horst on this one and say that I much prefer the Lagavulin 16 although the Ardbeg 10 is just as highly enjoyable and drinkable.

[@desertfox432]

Depends better for what. Arbeg is definitely more regular, but I don't mind because Lagavulin is so expensive and usually a treat. So is Coal Ila.

[@phillipbaritone3843]

I’ve only ever had Ardbeg 10, I do have a bottle of lagavulin being shipped to me, however! I love ardbeg, laphroaig and bowmore. All of the islay whiskeys I have had have been great. It’s been a goal to try lagavulin for some years! I initially thought it might be better to just try a dram at a Nice bar before dropping the money on a bottle. But, something tells me I won’t be disappointed, and I feel a whisky of that prestige deserves a few drams To get a clear glimpse at its character

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

In the end it is a matter of personal preferences. Both malts are standout examples of Islay whiskies. IMHO price/quality ratio wise Ardbeg Ten wins against all of the Islay peated malts. Hands down. Where I live Ardbeg Ten costs about 42 Euro and Lagavulin 16 costs about 58 Euro. Since price is (almost) always a factor maybe Lagavulin 16 should be compared to Ardbeg Uigeadail. The Uigeadail costs only 5-6 Euro more but then it is a product of far grater caliber.

[@bobfish3176]

I'm with you Horst! As good as Ardbeg is I will reach for the Laguvulin first.

[@clintgreive]

Really enjoyed the format and while the humour was most enjoyable, I still think I’d prefer a less adversarial style and more truthful comparison focus. Perhaps a companion of the most popular pleated whiskies on a budget i.e. Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Legaig, Laphroaig etc in one video? Either way, love your great channel - thanks!

[@benjaminwang6544]

A very funny video! I just have these two whiskeys, and I like them both. Lagavulin 16yo has more deepness, so I like it better. I think to make the comparison fair, the competitors should be between Ardbeg 10yo and Caolila 12yo. Both bourbon casks matured and aged around 10 years old. The Ardbeg 10yo has more oakness, and Caolila 12yo is more sour-sweet.

[@tarbaris]

Bowmore in the middle looking down :)

[@fritsdonninger]

Ardbeg! Although I really don’t mind laphroaig or Lagavullin. Great whiskies! Different kinds of peat flavour. But the Ardbeg really does it for me.

[@z1reticuli]

And Arbeg has a purifier! To me, Laga wins, though. I once made a mistake and compared Ardbeg 10 to Ledaig 10, since then, I do not have that much regard for Ardbeg. About the video: Always nice to see German people making fun videos.

[@nomansvan827]

I have both of these, I enjoy the Lagavulin 16, just not as much as the Ardbeg 10

[@crushingbelial]

Ardbeg 10 for flavor, Corryvreckan to demonstrate touch of water transformation, Lagavulin for night time music listening for me :)

[@michaelleung0510]

Lagavulin 16 is much more complex. Ardbeg 10 a wonderful whiskey also. It is great to enjoy no matter what mood of occasion. My choice: Lagavulin 16.

[@jonahartistdavis1858]

Ardbeg Corryvrekken is the right contender for this. I put that over the lagavulin. And it’s more complex!

[@lewisbh2092]

Where I live, Lagavulin 16 is only a little more expensive than Ardbeg 10 (only 20% more), so for me the choice is obvious :)

[@miagy420]

Nice vibe video...

[@briartime3024]

Lagavulin 16 is a favorite of mine, so the winner for my palate.

[@hakansoderling7404]

Nice whiskys and funny tasting. Thank you. Laphroaig 10 cask strenght will take out both of your drams.

[@williamhyland4253]

I like the Lagavulin better but I buy the ardbeg more often because it’s less expensive

[@hkopper68]

Ardbeg all of way for me.

[@crysiscore2051]

I actually tried Lagavulin 16 the first time on Sunday. It’s definitely more complex flavor, but I wouldn’t buy it for myself! Ardbeg is a wonderful dram with more immediate appeal for me.

[@mustafabaris9681]

Discovered the amazing world of whiskey just two years ago , believe it or not my first introduction to single malt scotch was Ardbeg 10 given to me by a friend of mine whose face I punched hard after I had my first sip of Ardbeg.. Went home that night and the first thing I did was to block his phone number and all the other social media shit .. Fast forward 2 years , I am so much in love with Ardbeg now that I can’t get enough of it ..! The journey of discovery has been nothing but amazing and whiskey is definitely an acquired taste ..! Lastly , if you have a friend who wants to get into single malt scotch , pour him some Ardbeg 10 if he’s someone that you kind of wanna get rid of in your life .. Cheers malt mates ..! 🥃 ☺️ 🥃

[@anirutvideo]

LOL. Great story. My first peated whisky was the A10, too, but by my own choice. I never knew what peated whisky was. Well, I fell in love with the A10 immediately ever since.

[@mustafabaris9681]

@sneksnekitsasnek Nope .. My best friend now and we are planning our trip to the wonderful island of Islay .. 😉😉

[@antonioristovic1610]

Lagavuling 16 currently 115€ in Europe, wild!

[@marcinnowak3293]

Have you tried Lagavulin 10 YO? Excellent as well.

[@mikedarroch7247]

I’ve got to go with Ardbeg 10

[@andrewagredano9968]

Just get both

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

Fun and playful is a good fit for whisky. (We all know they're both great Islay whiskies...)

[@ConnahJay]

Ardbeg has tons of whiskies I prefer over Laga 16, Uigeadail and Corryvrekan come to mind. :)

[@philcallighan6322]

Lagavulin. I like the comparison battle format.

[@cruepprich]

I like the whisky warriors battling out!

[@TheJusnic82]

Both are great. Id probably go with Ardbeg 10, plus its half the price of the Lagavulin

[@Kvs-vf9nt]

Ardbeg 10 is between 48-52 euro and lagavulin is 76euro. Imo not much difference. I just buy both.

[@puressenceuk35]

Both great but Lagavulin more rewarding and complex.

[@wesleyk7491]

Ardbeg= complex, Laphroig= earthy/elemental, Lagavulin=balanced/refined. I think the big three Islay's all have their place

[@blckbldng]

lagavulin distillers edition is the best peateed whiskey for the money imho. i like the 16 but for a little bit of extra money distillers edition is worth it

[@donna30044]

Both are excellent, and each has its own unique flavors and characteristics. The Ardbeg 10 has the advantage in pricing, but the Lagavulin 16 has a slightly more mature taste and complexity. Restricting one's experience to only one drink is, to me, not at all satisfying; I'd rather change things up often in order to really appreciate what each offering presents. High marks to both, but the Ardbeg has the edge because of higher ABV* and lower price. * -- The higher ABV allows a few drops of water into the dram, and that lets the whisky "bloom" a bit if you wish. The 43% ABV of the Lagavulin doesn't offer much room for water before it turns weak and boring.

[@annetteb4930]

Lagavulin16 is my preference to Ardbeg 10. The complexity and influence of the maturity is evident in the Lagavulin. Overall, a more interesting dram. Now, I have never been a fan of the 10 but the Uigeadail is a mid range favorite of mine so as not to take away from Ardbeg.