Next Big Smokey Peaty Step

[whiskeyme]

Well, my anniversarry and Father's day are coming up (close together), which means I will be asking for whiskey for such occasions (in fact, I may combine the two and ask for one fine bottle). Lately, I've been thinking big peat smoke Islay. I've tried many. Bowmore, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Coal Ila, and Bruichlladich (although it ain't big peat, well most of em'). I know, I know I haven't tried Ardbeg . I liked the Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 16 so much that I bought a bottle of each. The Laph 10 is one of my favorite Scotches. Of the 30+ bottles in my collection, there are many that have little gone (and five or so unopened) There's more gone from my Laph 10 than any other . Considering that I'm looking for another big smokey peat monster, what would you recommend for an anniversary/Father's day gift?

[randall fairbrook]

ardbeg is peaty and meaty!....i would also recommend the bruichladdich port charlotte PC5...i would also choose the uigedeal over the airigh nam beist any day...

[OKDiver1]

The choice is obvious, at least to me: pick an Ardbeg -- as it is something you have not tried yet.
Go for the 10, or for the Nam Beist if you want something even better.

I know, I know I haven't tried Ardbeg.

You basically answered your own question .

[whiskeyme]

A point well made OkDiver1

[OKDiver1]

Side note: I am interested in your impressions of the Lappy 15, now that you have compared the 10, the QC and the CS in a relatively short time.
Sorry for taking time away from your training...
Thanks!

[Knolly]

I'm going to vote Ardbeg Ten as well, because you really should try all the "big three" Islays:

Ardbeg Ten
Lagavulin 16
Laphroaig 10

The great thing about Laphroaig is that there are quite a few standard bottlings available for it:

• Laphroaig QC (which I think is excellent and one of my frequent drinks due to the quality and price)
• Laphroaig 10 (very tasty, but my least favourite of the group - but that's kind of like picking your least favourite child)
• Laphroaig CS (the big @$$ kicker in the range)
• Laphroaig 15 (subtle - I really enjoy the 15)
• Laphroaig 30 (absolutely awesome, but getting to be expensive; if you're in the US it can still be found for about $230 / bottle)

The first four are all available for $60USD or under, so they are really quite affordable to get and they are all Laphroaig, but slightly different. A lot of fun to try them out - ONCE you've had the Ardbeg

Cheers!

[LeoDLion]

I will make a reservation for Octomore but I am afraid it might be too late.

[Ganga]

I went for the other. Ardbeg Uigedal - it's quite a bit more complex than the 10 and less money than the Beist.

[fishboy]

I voted Ardbeg 10.

There are plenty of great peated bottlings around - but this is a standard in my house.

FB

[Bob O.]

I went for the other. Ardbeg Uigedal - it's quite a bit more complex than the 10 and less money than the Beist.

I agree.

[slojo]

Ardbeg Uigeadail definitely, a cut above the others. That or Lagavulin DE.

[badgerbrown]

You have to get the 10 in my opinion, not least because it may well be changing in style when the Renaissance expression and then "new" distillations (since Glenmorangie's takeover in 1997) get released. It really is as good as the hype surrounding it.

[Jimmy321]

I voted the Ardbeg 10, the other Ardbegs mentioned can/should be tried at a later date.

[Willie JJ]

The Ardbeg ten is great and the best value IMO.

[Deactivated Member]

QC gets my vote as you will be delighted by it and can compare it to 10y which you say you enjoyed.
MT

[Reggaeblues]

Any of the above are Ffffantastic...but as Fishbwai sez:

"Ardbeg 10...is the standard in my house."

...and yes, I love that vanilla strand to balance the rawness.

[Klas]

I voted Ardbeg TEN.

It read from your text that like you really enjoyed Lagavulin as well. I would recommend you to try the Lagavulin DE (Distillers Edition) (Pedro Ximinez sherry finished). A bit more expensive though, but really good!

[whiskeyme]

Hey, thanks everyone for the great posts, votes, and advice. Looks like Ardbeg 10 will have to be my next big smokey peaty step. But, I will have to try some others. Definately the Laph 1/4 Cask & Lagavulin DE, and most likely the Uigeadail and the Nam Beist, too.

[Maakun]

You could also consider the Ardbeg Almost there, it's the cheapest Ardbeg cask strength still available, and I really like it. Great value there!

[whiskeyme]

That's too bad, the only Ardbeg expressions available in the USA Southwest are the: Ten Year, Nam Beist (and you have to look! ) and the Uigeadail.

[Drrich1965]

I voted the Beast..Not as in your face tar and peat as the ten, but wonderfully balanced and complex...and, its a gift, let them spend!!

For a cask strenght Ardbeg in the US, try the Ellenstown 10 year old..wonderful stuff..

[hilliamash]

I have to go with the Ardbeg 10 year as well. A truly world class product in my mind.

harry

[Mr Fjeld]

They're all good but if you like Laphroaig you cannot really go wrong with the Cask Strength. It's a riot of a whisky with lots things going on in the taste; tar, dried kelp, a lot of smoke and lots of licorice in the finish. I love it and in my opinion it's miles ahead of the rest of the range! Definately among the top whiskies ever to be made!

[mikeymad]

I put the vote to 'Airigh Nam Beist'. The title does say Big Smokey Peaty step.... That would be the big one.

Cheers,

[Dubois]

Of course (any)Ardbeg is great stuff.
How come when talking about Lagavulin people usualy mean Lagavulin 16 or Lagavulin DE, while one of the greatest Gems is Lagavulin 12...

[adogranonthepitch]

For real peaty hit .. go to local garden centre .. buy a bag of irish moss compost (might be difficult in the US ... but stay with me ... who knows they might have peat in Canada ) .... anyway open said bag and grab a handfull. Mix with water and place in a freezer ice block tray ... place in the freezer for a day ... then next day open said Ardfroiagvulinbeg and pop a couple of frozen peat squares in the drink ...

Feel the Peat

[Lawrence]

Laphroaig Quarter Cask, ofcourse!

[randall fairbrook]

bruichladdich port charlotte PC6 - cuairt-beathe
Brand : Bruichladdich Expression : -
Nose : heavy peat, tootsie rolls - wtf?, grass/corn hairs Palate : immediate peat and smoke, mmmmm leather, a bit of corn syrup sweetness, Finish : long...the sweet and heather peat stay with you, a bit of tang in the cheeks Comment : yum! Colour : ripe corn Score : 0
Age : 6 Years Old Vintage : 0 ABV : 61.6%% Bottler : -	Type : Single Malt Region : Islay Water : none tried Ice : None Glass : riedel fortified wine glass Notes : thank you forrest at hi times for this generous sample!
More tasting notes by None Please do not reproduce or copy this tasting note without permission.

[whiskeyme]

PC5 is not available in my state, I checked a while back.

[Kernow]

QC for me!

[Ryguy]

QC for me!

Kernow - Welcome to the Forums!!!

[irishwhiskeychaser]

I would have to say the Lap QC also.

The fact you love Laga 16 & Lap 10 I'm sure you will really dig Lap QC.

I love Laga 16 & I do like the Lap 10 but I prefer the QC over the 10

[Reggaeblues]

congratulations on what is possibly the briefest, most positive, hit-the-nail-on-the-head first posts ever!

"QC for me!"

Welcome, indeed...and if monday wasn't my "night off" whisky-wise, I'd follow your example. finished a bottle days ago, and have another waiting to be opened!

[Doug1937]

I just tried my first Laphroaig QC...it's marvelous, especially with a little water...for some reason it tastes of chocolate and caramel when I add water. Absolutely delish.

[orangedogofglory]

PC5 is not available in my state, I checked a while back.

being in the SW with limited selection, I feel your pain. but, turn to CA! while not all of their stores will ship to all of the SW states (but some do), you may know someone in CA who would hold or forward a bottle for you.

For the PC5, check out the Wine & Liquor Depot in Van Nuys. I believe they may have the PC5 for about US$120.

And for my vote - you can't go wrong with Laph QC, although the Ardbeg 10 is a safe bet for venturing into new territory. Either way you would not be disappointed.