Whisky Video 50: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs Lagavulin 16

[@freddieslaughter1107]

I just love peated single malt, such as Ardbeg Uigeadail and my favorite Laphroaig quarter Cask

[@leonidasspartan9842]

Just tried the quarter cask holy cow it's amazing

[@soslan1812]

Leonidas Spartan try Laphroaig 10yo cask strength, same caliber as Uigeadail but different taste profile.

[@jjkatter]

Thanks for your review. Please consider making more whisky reviews.

[@Krelianx]

As I see it, the Uigeadail is far more complex and interesting, but abrasive. The Lagavulin is superbly balanced, particularly for an islay. The smoke is very well integrated with the medium bodied malt, with moderate sweetness. It is very smooth, and delightful, if a bit simple. The uideadail is far more forward, boozy, and also more complex. You get a more prominent sherry note from the getgo, and the peat is more forward as well. It's fuller bodied, and has a much longer finish. I think it's better straight than with water, since it loses smoke when diluted. The Lagavulin opens up a bit with water, and you get more smoke and a bit more overarching flavor, since its a bit compact straight up. Both are terrific, but I think the Ardbeg is much more interesting, 'rustic' and bold. Lagavulin is a better entryway mid-tier islay single malt though, since its smoothness makes it quite accessible for someone looking for peat without the boldness of something like Laphroaig or Ardbeg (Bowmore is sweet but not smooth...). Both are fantastic, but I prefer the Ardbeg without question.

[@mrjamesgrimes]

dude this was a great review...i like the way you give concepts and imagery to define what you're experiencing instead of just shouting out 3 dozen different tasting notes as they come to you

[@rembtz83]

Uigeadail, jim murrays whisky of the year 2009, is still the best smokey whisky for me; i rated it 93/100 - and i agree, one of the best finishes i experienced so far!

[@gman5986]

You can also play Blender at home and mix half and half for a unique experience all your own! Both really good.

[@MadDog769]

Great review of two of my favorites, especially in winter. Lagavulin 16 does have some sherry casks in the vatting. There is a Limited Edition 12 year old released annually (I think) that's only ex-bourbon matured and bottled at a higher ABV. Not terribly expensive and makes for an interesting comparison versus the Lagavulin 16.

[@jasonwilley1995]

Hey Luke When are you going to come back and do reviews again?

[@infideler]

Perfect. Excactly the comparison I was looking for! Thanks for being so thorough.

[@lukerymarz]

Yeah when you factor in the No-age-statement of the Ugi, it's really a spectacular whisky! Its a shame the Lagavulin 16 is chill-filtered, colored, and watered down to 43%. Picking a favorite would have been more difficult if that wasn't the case!

[@seanmacdonald5243]

Deciding between Uigeadail, bowmore tempest (batch 3 and 5 available), or lagavulin 16 all pretty much same price for me. Going for that peat and sweet combo. Lagavulin 12 is one of my favourites but too expensive. I also was not a fan of ardbeg 10 - not sure if the uigeadail is different enough for me. I've had none of these and deciding on pure speculation, opinions welcome!

[@scottjeffery6089]

If you have any Ardbeg 10 left check and see if you pick up on any lemon citrus. I don't remember what you had in your tasting notes for it, but I definitely got some of that in my bottle of Ardbeg 10, but not my Laga 16 or Laphroaig QC.

[@vincevirtua]

I tried the Ardbeg in a Whisky bar in Edinburgh tasting session. At the time it was unlike anything else...bacon, bbq, amazing stuff imo.

[@aasche04]

How do u not have a bottle of oogie??

[@kalm1531]

A fine review! Now i'm busy with the Finlaggan, it's a decent whisky for its price.

[@jj6082]

You should do a Laphroaig CS 10 vs Ardbeg Corry.

[@lukerymarz]

added to the list - next time I have those whiskies in hand I'll compare 'em!

[@Orgelix]

Lagavulin 16 is one of my favourite peated whiskies! Never tasted the Ardbeg Ugeadail... Good video! Greetings from Tyrol :^)

[@lukerymarz]

The quality of Lagavulin 16 must've gone down in recent years. I don't doubt it used to be amazing, but I never had the chance to taste the older versions! Try Uigeadail!

[@Orgelix]

Luke Rymarz I tried Uigeadail last week and it was fantastic!!!!

[@HeyItsSim0n]

Try lagavulin with some dark chocolate yummy

[@FMichael1970]

I've had a few bottles of both...Personally I'd take the Lagavulin 16 yr each, and every day over the Ardbeg Uigeadail. Some may enjoy the much higher abv, and no chill filtration of the Ardbeg, but IMHO - it's an over rated whisky...Unless you enjoy mineral spirits mixed with charcoal ash - then you can have it, and I'll enjoy my Laga 16.