Lagavulin 16 vs Laphroaig 15 vs Talisker 18 vs Caol Ila 18

[kass]

whaddya think? the ardbeg 17 is to my knowledge not as widely available and more expensive. maybe the beast or uigedail? i think the laga 16 has more competition now. i personally would take the laph 15. then laga with the talisker a close third.

[Knolly]

Awesome poll!

I have to admit that you've hit many of my favourite Islays

I would put the Laga 16, Talisker 18 and the Lappy 15 in a tie for my three favourites: it really just depends on my mood. Of course Laga 16 has a special place as it's the SMW that really got me started...

I really like the Caol Ila 18 as well, but for me it doesn't quite hold up to the other three.

Laphroaig 15 has become one of my regular drams - it probably would be smart to stock up on a bit more of it!

Cheers!

[kass]

Awesome poll!

I have to admit that you've hit many of my favourite Islays

I would put the Laga 16, Talisker 18 and the Lappy 15 in a tie for my three favourites: it really just depends on my mood. Of course Laga 16 has a special place as it's the SMW that really got me started...

I really like the Caol Ila 18 as well, but for me it doesn't quite hold up to the other three.

Laphroaig 15 has become one of my regular drams - it probably would be smart to stock up on a bit more of it!

Cheers!

right you are about stocking up on the laph 15. did you try the 18 yet? im curious as to where it stands.

[borgom]

Laga 1st then the rest is too tough to call!

[kass]

how to get that poll chart thingie on top?

[Holysinner]

how to get that poll chart thingie on top?

After clicking "New Topic", you'll notice several tabs below the Save/Preview/Submit buttons, one of which is "Poll Creation".

Unfortunately it may be too late for you to edit the opening post of this thread to add a poll, but at least you'll know for future reference.



I can't give my opinion on the thread topic, as I haven't tried any of these whiskies. I have unopened bottles of Talisker 18 (200ml) and Laph 15, and hope to treat myself to the Laga 16 eventually, though that will blow my whisky budget for a while. I'll probably try the CI12 before the 18.

[Knolly]

right you are about stocking up on the laph 15. did you try the 18 yet? im curious as to where it stands.

No, I haven't had a chance to try the new Lappy 18 but Lawrence gave me the run down a week or two ago and said that it's a worthy replacement for the 15yo. I'm hearing that it's like a 15yo with perhaps more teeth, but then, the whole beauty of the 15yo was that it was a very mellow whisky for a distillery with such a powerful style.

Either way, I'm looking forward to checking out the L18yo!

[Bloody Marvellous]

I just ran into a bottle of Talisker 18 and it was a very happy collision

Decided to Google it a bit and found to my shock that most retailers are running out of the stuff. Though Talisker still lists the 18 on their website (http://www.taliskerwhisky.com/), it appears it's no longer being made.

Get one while you still can.

[The Third Dram]

Haven't yet tried Laphroaig 15 Year Old, alas, but may have the opportunity in the near future.

Of the other three, the 18YO Talisker strikes me as the most complex and sophisticated, the 16YO Lagavulin as the most broadly textured and substantial and the 18YO Caol Ila as the one that offers the most momentarily exciting thrusts of flavour. A really, really tough choice... I'll go with the Talisker by a hair's breadth over the Lagavulin. The Talisker is a truly exceptional whisky in so many ways.

[talisker10]

I had a bottle of T18 just before they ran out here in Houston. Very good stuff, a bit disappointed by the lack of the 10's pepper but it is still very good. Also Laphroaig 15 is no longer being made, replaced by the 18, but that's not available in the U.S. I have not had the Caol Ila 18, bit I would have to go:

1) T18
2) Laga 16
3) Laph 15