Ardbeg 10 vs Port Charlotte 10 : The Mash & Drum Double Bass EP4

[@WhiskyMystery]

A great match up. The obvious answer is to get both.

[@MarkAS56]

Boo yah

[@chapmanwendy219]

thats exactly what I did- Im happy

[@sggjose]

Bought the Port Charlotte today. Looking forward to cracking it open.

[@chapmanwendy219]

They are both soo superb.

[@Kvs-vf9nt]

Jep I always have both. 🥃

[@justinafuchs2619]

I have to say, it’s really refreshing watching a channel I mainly perceived as a “Bourbon channel” reviewing Scotch Single Malts (and other world whiskies), and it’s very obvious you not only know your stuff, you really love those whiskies. And there are plenty of Bourbon lovers having difficulties with the taste of Single Malts and especially with highly peated Islay malts. Keep on rocking, Jason 🥁 (BTW: I also think the Port Charlotte is the more complex dram (from the moment you described the nose for the first time it was really easy determining which whisky you had in the glass), but the Ardbeg 10 is a great core range Islay and it’s price/performance ratio is just hard to beat.

[@criell-sdkwhisky8674]

If you are a fan of ardbeg its hard to miss those characteristic flavours, the color is also pretty revealing. I do agree with you, both are very good and if somone was to ask which I´d rather have, my answer would be; the one i didnt have last time. :)

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Great match up Jason. As a Bruichladdich fan boy myself I have been intrigued by the Port Charlotte 10. You are doing a great job of describing how the Whisky is made before you even start the tasting, combined with your tasting coments I was able to pick what a and b were very early even though I have only had the Ardbeg. This review puts the Port Charlotte 10 on my buy next list even though I am not a big peated Scotch drinker. Cheers

[@Caliban_80]

My 2 favorite whiskies. We must have very similar taste

[@Lockwood360]

Your info given was spot on for the port Charlotte 10. Only you had a bottle of port Charlotte 10 heavily peated. They are in fact 2 distinctly different bottles.

[@Rich542620b]

Try Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ugeadail great bottles .

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I knew glass A was the Port Charlotte just based on your initial comments of it being "fruity" which was something that really stood out and surprised me the first time I tasted it. Both great scotches, if you're in the mood for a peated vs speyside scotch, but I prefer the Port Charlotte, even at the higher price than the Ardbeg.

[@FEWGEE1]

It's cheaper than Ardbeg 10 here. £40 versus £47

[@stephenweiss6001]

Have both. Love both. If forced to choose, I still go with Ardbeg 10 (a bit more smokey/peaty), though it's very close. Love to see these two tasted over/against Laphroaig Quarter Cask or Caol Ila 12.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thats a good idea! thanks!

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

Can’t wait for my Port Charlotte 10 to arrive. I love my Ardbeg 10 but the lemon/ash combo gets old a bit too fast. I expect PC10 to be more complex with the wine casks. Never tried it though so we’ll see.

[@jimm8799]

Didn’t start watching you channel until about a year ago. Going back and listening to your Scotch reviews. I drink about 2/3 bourbon and 1/3 Scotch. Laphroaig Cask Strength and Aberlour A’bunadh are two of my favorites, strange since they are about as far apart as you can get.

[@jaychung6622]

Awesome matchup & great video as always. I really love the double bass series 🥃

[@ThreeToesofFury]

i JUST discovered the Port Charlotte 10 and am LOVING it. Its a great addition to anyone who digs on Islays like Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 or, of course, the exceptional Lagavulin 16.

[@wet-read]

I much prefer it to Ardbeg 10. The taste and balance is wonderful.

[@twisard1]

Thanks, Jason. I really love the Ardbeg, so hearing your take on the PC makes me want to go out and buy it right now. Great episode! Keep 'em coming.

[@graemeyoung5280]

Two of my all time favourite whiskies. I totally concur with your notes, they are killers and both beautiful drams. Cheers and great stuff!!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Graeme! This was an awesome matchup!

[@johnnyjustice9988]

Ardbeg 10 is the best value! Love it@@TheMashandDrum

[@christinedaisy594]

Excellent comparison and review between two solid choices, Jason! Enjoying this format! 😁🥃

[@sasha.v9414]

What a fine contest for real. Thanx for such a positive analize, Man!

[@xiamengbaby]

I've had the Ardbeg 10 for a while and now finally got around to trying the Port Charlotte 10 Heavily Peated. I totally agree with your analysis. The peat on the PC is a bit subdued compared to the Ardbeg (though it is still a very peaty whisky!) but I find that allows the other flavors to shine a little more. I get that tropical fruit note you are talking about and I find that it makes it very interesting. To me, I'm almost tasting mango. Whereas the Ardbeg is more of a lemon sort of citrus note which I find more common in the Islay whiskies. The higher proof of the PC may also lend to the flavor intensity as well. PC also has a cool bottle (though it is a bit tricky to pour). PC gets the edge in my opinion as well, but it also runs $10-15 higher per bottle in my area.

[@Gachain]

Very Well Done, Jason! Loved the detail! I have an ARDBEG 10 and I enjoyed my first experience! I have also enjoyed PORT CHARLOTTE from Bruichlaiddich so I will need to get the 10 year old to see how the years have affected the whisky. SLÁINTE Mike

[@TheMashandDrum]

Cheers Mike! Love what Bruchiladdie is making

[@kylewipert11]

Bring scotch back to the channel. Love the variety

[@neckpour5479]

I'm familiar with both whiskys and could tell which was which from the notes you were getting. That speaks to your nose, palate, and skill at describing the notes you're getting. Lot's of fun and very impressive. Thanks.

[@Bourbinsane]

It's funny that those of us who like peated scotch can say "it is a very sweet, nice scotch, tropical fruitiness" then if you cant handle peat it is all just Smoke and nothing else! Awesome head to head Jason, sounds like you're getting really good withscotch notes!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Definitely getting better. there are so many variations but these two I really thought would be more alike than I thought. But..what do I know!? LOL

[@Bourbinsane]

@@TheMashandDrum episode done now...great... I need to buy the PC10 too...good problem to have I guess

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@Bourbinsane do them head to head when you get it. the differences are pretty amazing even though on paper thought it be closer. Cheers!

[@marksaliba4194]

I really appreciate how detailed your analysis gets. I agree with the sweetness of the PC 10 being greater than that of the ardbeg. Just depends on if you prefer more of the sweetness or a bigger peat punch

[@TheOakandSmokeWhiskeyReviews]

Epic head to head for sure!! Great video!! Cheers Jason!!! 🥃

[@thewhiskyfriend]

great job Jason, you looked like you enjoyed that....you just need a great sherry match up maybe Glendronach 18 v Macallan 18..cheers fella

[@dbroadus1]

Both are mainstays on my bar. Cheers!

[@StuartBeatty]

I was tasting both as I watched, and guessed which was which. Both absolutely awesome whiskeys! Ardbeg a bit cheaper, and so I've bought more of it, but the Port Charlotte is my new favourite. Only the Octomore 7.1 beats them both (by a lot), but a LOT more expensive. Thanks. Enjoyed the review.

[@Lordac]

Never had Octomore. Can you describe it?

[@StuartBeatty]

@@Lordac Ardbeg is 93 points on the peat level, the Octomore is 208! And it's a really nice peat nose and flavour, not just a "dumb thick" one. I'm a bit sick of the Laphroaig flavour. The Octomore manages to have a lot of other more subtle nuances as well. And a shot can last you half an hour, as the aftertastes just keep on and on. I haven't had a taste for a while now, as I'm making it last, and I'm not going to try it now, in the early afternoon, so I can't really be more specific. But definitely the best Scotch I've ever had! If you like peat that is I guess.

[@lucaskok]

Nice review! I hear you mention "tropical" about twenty times, can you explain what that means? Guava, mango, starfruit, durian, jackfruit, banana, mangosteen are all tropical flavors I've detected in the past in different whiskies, but seldom all together. Thanks!

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I've gone through 3 bottles of the Ardbeg 10 but have not had the Port Charlotte 10 although I have had other bottles of Port Charlotte. The scores were fairly close so the other factor to consider is the $15 price difference.

[@TheMashandDrum]

The price is absolutely a factor. You can spend $15 less than PC and get the fantastic Ardbeg 10. The PC however has a higher ABV and some different flavors from the cask finishes. Its a really interesting matchup head to head! thanks for watching buddy!

[@thesplendiferousdram5476]

The price is not a factor you can pick up the Port Charlotte 10 for $55 in many places.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Fantastic comparison sir. I don't think someone could go wrong with either!

[@Glock2201]

I think because they were so close when it comes to your scoring and the same score on the palate I would more than likely go with the Ardbeg because of the lower price. That being said I will probably grab the Port Charlotte. Who knows?

[@donna30044]

Adbeg 10 for warmer weather on the veranda; Port Charlotte 10 for chilly evenings by the fire.

[@richardgillette5759]

this had me on the edge of my seat

[@kellyj5389]

An Oa. My favorite Ardbeg. Only a few more than the Ttn.

[@timsoreno]

Great video! I just today did a Port Charlotte 10 50% alcohol vs Ardberg 10 46% with my daughter. I'm fortunate to have a daughter who appreciates good whiskey. I liked the Port Charlotte a bit better. Because it was sweeter. She liked the Ardberg. She said that peated whiskey shouldn't be sweet. It takes away from the peat. Peat, no sweet. What do you think?

[@TheMashandDrum]

That's the beauty of peat. Some like it full on...no filter....some want it with more nuance and different flavors. Either way you see how peat can vary in flavors.

[@georgekaplan5073]

Very good breakdown of these two whiskies. I haven’t had the PC 10 yet but expect I’ll have a bottle one of these days. Ardbeg 10 is always in stock around here. Since both of these are 46+, did you ever consider adding water to see if one takes it better than the other? Would it dial the smoke down in one or both, making more fruit sweetness shine? Dang, I may have just talked myself into trying this. Great video and great job Jason!

[@Richie.Z]

Great head to head, Jason! Port Charlotte 10 is on my buy list! Great notes and comparisons between the bottles! Cheers brother

[@brandontempleton55]

Another awesome video, Jason! Thank you for making this matchup happen! Depending on whether you’d prefer candied bacon, or smoked tropical fruits, both of these have permanent spots on my shelf. ...Could you imagine unfiltered cask strength, age stated offerings of these two expressions? I wish that would happen!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Omg. I'm drooling at the thought of that. Thanks for the suggestion buddy!

[@jeffswhiskeylounge509]

I'm gonna go ahead and say it. For me, Port Charlotte 10 blows the doors off of Ardbeg 10. Despite having less PPM, the smoke coming from Port Charlotte is bolder, more savory on my palate, which I absolutely love. Ardbeg isn't bad, but the peat just doesn't hit the same for me. Edit: If you want the freight train of smoke ( which I do), Port Charlotte is the way to go. I found the Ardbeg 10 to be weak in comparison.

[@wesleyk7491]

I'm a total Ardbeg fanboy, but Port Charlotte rocks my world, The Port Charlotte 10 stands up to most of the Ardbeg lineup, you have to get into Uigeadail or Correyvreckan before Ardbed can challenge Port Charlotte 10. A very underrated whisky.

[@catnapgee5357]

Great video. Here is a question that I have asked numerous channels, and no one seems to have an answer. How does this new PC10 compare to the PC10 Second edition? Thanks!

[@TheMashandDrum]

From what I remember the older PC10 had a heavier peat flavor where this one had some more sweetness to it. It would be a good side to side but that's what I remember. Thanks for watching!

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

Sounds like the only answer is to have both on hand because they are both incredible and variety is the spice of life. Jason maybe you should add a value component as it sounds like Ardbeg would have won there. 15 bucks is not insignificant but can't wait to get a bottle of the Port C

[@rostislavtraps7148]

great review Jason, love both distilleries

[@PaulWilliam9]

Right on the money! I love them both, but the sophistication of the Port Charlotte is just a bit over the top. Really well done.

[@djbeacon6895]

Double Base or Double Bass?? I kept looking for the two fish!? Not a PeteHead but trying a mild one = Highland Park 12. So maybe you can consider a sherry finished scotch H2H = Glenfarclas 12 vs GlenDronach 12 and about the same price at $55 to 60. Cheers!!

[@revolvermaster4939]

I can’t choose between these anymore than I could choose between my kids!

[@JackOfAllBladesCh]

Time to do one on Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength Vs Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Ohhh...epic! Now to find them . lol

[@JackOfAllBladesCh]

@@TheMashandDrum Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength www.ohlq.com/productDetail.php?findCode=5543&myLoc=39.0334,-85.1539 Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength www.ohlq.com/productDetail.php?findCode=5511

[@NeilAC78]

Good choices, these are totally another level up from the standard bottles but you pay for it.

[@aimee2234]

Great head to head. I agree with Captain 3D. Get both!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Oh heck yeah!!

[@stevem987]

Great video, more like this please.

[@danpopely4610]

Right in my wheelhouse! Love the content and delivery. Kia Ora from New Zealand Jason.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Cheers Dan! Thanks so much!

[@chadwallace3598]

Gonna have to try the ardbeg. How is it compared to lagavulin as far as the band aid taste goes? More or less?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Ardbeg is definitely a bit more intense. But, I would say the sweet flavors you get beyond the peat in ardbeg are amazing. Just need to give it some air and time.

[@PlayedbyInstinct]

Well, should be pretty obvious which one the Ardbeg was if you've had it before, if not from the nose, then definitely from the first sip, haha. I have a bottle of the PC10 in the mail. Ardbeg 10 is my all time favourite, but the PC10 is intriguing me.

[@TheDailyHayes]

Well, after my second bottle of Port Charlotte 10 in the past eight months, I can say with conviction that the experience is excellent but that this child of Bruichladdich unfortunately, powers over some of the mellow peated flavors I was expecting. PC10 has an unmistakable classic burn for 100-proof scotch, which seems to be overbearing to the sweet peat underneath. That lingering peat I have come to look for in Ardbeg 10 and Lagavulin 16. Not saying the PC10 is a disappointment, but that the anticipation of the peat explosion resulted in a slight letdown. Would I purchase a third bottle? Probably not since I am hooked on that rich smoke and mellow peat of some other Islay treasures.

[@brianhennebeul1854]

R.I.P. the Laddie 10, who was taken too soon. Port Charlotte 10 is 80 friggin smackers over here :/ though I'm sure it's more in places elsewhere.

[@droach5241]

I can’t find in anywhere in my city so I have to order it online and yes it comes to $80 schmackers!! Smh

[@Lordac]

@@droach5241 Where do you live? I have to travel 20 miles to get it. My local mega store had it but hasn't stocked it for awhile. So I have to go further to get it. Total Wine sells it for $59. And the Islay Barley is $65 Ardbeg 10 runs about $50.

[@droach5241]

James Daubney Did you get the Port Charlotte 10 Year (Black bottle) or the Port Charlotte Scottish Barley (clear bottle)? I had the 10 Year shipped by Wine Globe to Las Vegas

[@Lordac]

Dom Roach the 10 black bottle. I have the non peated laddie and 2011 Islay barley.

[@foodquig]

Love these wee comparisons... Was sippin' on some Penderyn peated while watching... Time for me afternoon nap now!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Quig! Ive learned alot in these head to heads! Sweet dreams!

[@siddeshbandekar1913]

I subscribed can u do Talisker 10 vs Ardbeg 10 vs port Charlotte Whoever wins compare Talisker 10 with port Charlotte / Ardbeg 10 and Lagavulin 16 or 8 Thanks

[@jamesstamp8567]

Love the Port Charlotte!

[@gman5986]

Jason.......As soon as you mentioned the sweetness in Glass A my gues was the Port Charlotte as it has some wine cask influence. Just finished my Ardbeg 10 and must say its flavor profile and price make it in the A category for me when you consider value for money. Just got into Port Charlotte over the last months with the Cask Exploration series which is extremely delicious and now will get the PC 10 to compare and enjoy. When I first started wathing your reviews a couple of years ago you were mostly about bourbons and glad to see the Scotch has fishhooked your taste buds. Love your reviews and this format with a Highlighted score in each category and showing throughout the video!.........Slainte' P.S. Do you gas your whiskies and why from your experience??

[@TheMashandDrum]

Hey G man! Thanks! More scotch reviews to come. I dont gas my whiskey actually. I experimented with it and didnt yield results. Instead I transfer whiskey I want to save to smaller bottles as I drink it to preserve it longer.

[@bourbonbuddies836]

Love the background information! Double Bass Scotch Head2Head! Both amazing bottles!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yeah they are! Can't go wrong on either.

[@WiseguySTU]

Glad to see the decimals added.

[@utoobia]

1-10 scale would be even better.

[@maboy1994]

Show me another American Whiskeytuber taking Port Charlotte and Ardbeg h2h! Love the content, man. Keep it up🙏

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Andy! Love these head to heads!

[@jimidrammer4187]

I get an herbal note from any Bruichladdich/Port Charlotte that puts it just behind Ardbeg Ten for me. Great H2H though!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Jimi! I can see that! Cheers!

[@alangudgin7145]

Port Charlotte is a magnificent dram, 50 quid a throw is well worth it.

[@lozinho333]

Port charlotte has become a peated staple on my bar

[@Lordac]

The minute you mentioned coconut, I knew it was Port Charlotte.

[@donoldduckben]

I've had both, personally I prefer bruichladdich, the smoke is less in your face

[@kevinnys6667]

Nice vid!

[@wwolf5670]

I get the coconut on Ardbeg 10 every time.

[@efex604]

Gotta do a Octomore next haha

[@Zeddicus1976]

I like both. All in all, my favorite is the Ardbeg by a small margin. Considering the price-performance ratio, the Ardbeg wins by far.

[@chrisb48907]

Boom Called it on instagram..lol cheers Jason ! chris-musicman

[@ninja36inc]

ive had both for me id say the ardbeg 10 all the way

[@geo5291]

Haha. I know you rated Charlotte higher. But based on your cadence your cadence expressions, ya liked the Ardbeg Cvlt more.

[@richb8636]

When Jason mentioned a bacon flavour I knew that was Ardbeg 👌

[@VaryingViewpoint]

Great H2H review!

[@numanuma20]

More Scotch video please.

[@johnzajac9849]

We plan to have each with lots of Dr. Pepper and plenty of ice. Just kidding.

[@yogibearstie]

FREIGHT TRAIN please.

[@RebeccaPaige]

Is it me or does Port Charlotte sound like a band?

[@TheAlanFish]

Man, I've had both of these, and It wasn't even remotely close. Ardbeg was a huge letdown, while Port Charlotte was a hugely pleasant surprise. Ardbeg just tasted like metal, really disappointing to be honest. Zero complexity, nothing like I was expecting. Port Charolette on the other hand was a less expensive equal for a Lagavulin 16. Wondering if I got a bad bottle of Ardbeg now.

[@08yankeefan]

Typing this comment before watching it, but calling the PC10 over Ardbeg 10. Ardbeg just doesnt have the depth of PC10..thats just me tho!

[@08yankeefan]

After watching I actually thought your B was going to be PC 10 based on my own tasting. I always get a Smokey pork, but more like a Smokey sliced deli pork if that makes sense. One of my favorites. Keep up the content, love it!

[@moose7611]

Am I in heaven? Peat on peat with a side of peat....mmmmmm

[@WiseguySTU]

Just came in to say scotch is not worthy

[@RomainRiviere]

Not a fan of the port Charlotte...

[@catnapgee5357]

sure you are! :D

[@RomainRiviere]

@@catnapgee5357 actually you're right, I changed my mind recently

[@catnapgee5357]

@@RomainRiviere there ya go!