LAGAVULIN 16 VS ARDBEG 10 VS TALISKER 10 VS LAPHROAIG 10

[v1p]

After trying many island malts (Lagavulin 16, Lagavulin DE, Talisker 10, Talisker DE, Laphroaig 10, Laphroaig QC, Ardbeg 10, etc), I have to say that Caol Ila 12 is an unbeatable stuff. Wide availability, reasonable price, stylish package, charismatic aroma, classic Islay character with superb balance, great spicy finish and sublime drinkability. I believe it's hard to find a better dram.

[kass]

hey there new member. laph 10 has got to get some more respect than this. its like fresh vanilla ice cream. ardbeg is great but its like an ashtray compared to the laph.

[talisker10]

Yeah I don't get the lack of respect in general for Laph 10. For the price, especially, it is an incredible whisky. In general (not saying this applies to any posters here), I think people THINK it's medicinal, and just never notice how sweet and fruity it is. Following the distiller's recommendation of a few drops of cool water is a good idea as well..really brings out the fruit.

[Reggaeblues]

hey there new member. laph 10 has got to get some more respect than this. its like fresh vanilla ice cream. ardbeg is great but its like an ashtray compared to the laph.

Well I'll be damned!!

Lap 10 was one of my "growing up" whiskies, and wen I tried Ardbeg 10, it was like "Laphroaig's sweeter sister" to my senses!

You and I is diametrically opposed
palate-wise!

but who cares? We're enjoying great whisky either way!

Tho' as time goes by, i prefer both CS and QC to the 10..which is still a great dram!

[talisker10]

I definitely prefer the QC and CS over the standard 10..but both are a bit above my daily dram price range. I think the standard 10 at $40 or so is tied for the best bang/buck with HP 12 at about the same price or a little less.

[scotchdrinker]

I have not voted because I have only had the Talisker 10 and I wasn't a fan of it. To me it was just too in your face and over peaty, couldn't tell any of the undertones. I tried twice and felt the same way both times.

Does anyone have any recommendations of what I could try?

[Reggaeblues]

Talisker has become one of my favourites, in all guises and bottlings.

But I must admit when I first tried it I just didn't "get" it until the bottle was almost empty...

Come back to it in a year, or a few "drams" down the line.

[scotchdrinker]

Ok, thanks. I will do that. The bottle was opened 5 months ago and only 3 drams are out of it

[kass]

truth to be told as is evident in the poll the laga should be taken out and the other 3 subject to a new poll. im sure it would be intertesting to see what the lagalovers choose second. also, its simply unfair to put the other 3 against the laga. its a different price point (as far as i know the laga 70-80 and the others in the 50 usd range) and substantially older. i propose a new poll with the ardbeg laph and talisker ,additionnally with the caol ila 12. any thoughts?

[kass]

another idea. if the laga is to get some competition lets put it against tlisker 18 and laph 15. not sure which ardbeg would be a fair opponent.

[borgom]

not sure which ardbeg would be a fair opponent.

The ANB would be the relevant Ardbeg. Coal Ila 18 should probably be in there too.

[pmullin]

All fine drams, but I went with the Lagavulin.

[Novice Scotch Fan]

Laga is the winner for me too. Just received a case of laga 16 from New Jersey, ahh life is good.