Ardbeg

[Frodo]

Ardbeg, Laphroaig & Lagavulin are sometimes known as "the Kidalton Three" and all produce extremely smoky whisky with notes of salt, seaweed and iodine. There are differances: Laphroaig has more medicinal notes (like disinfectent), Ardbeg has more citrus notes when young, and I'm not sure how to describe Lagavulin - mostly because I haven't had much. There are smoky whiskies without the coastal influences such as Benriach or Ardmore.

Ardbeg is not cheap stuff and the cost per year of age is significant. But it is widely lauded as a premium whisky.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Ardbeg has more citrus notes when young, and I'm not sure how to describe Lagavulin - mostly because I haven't had much.

Ardbeg is for sure citrusy. I had a bottle of Supernova and I was not expecting that based on how peaty they're supposed to be. Lagavulin to me has iodine taste very strong.

Go for the Ardbeg 10. Tastes a lot better than you'd expect at 10 years old and doesn't break the bank.

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Ardbeg is for sure citrusy. I had a bottle of Supernova and I was not expecting that based on how peaty they're supposed to be. Lagavulin to me has iodine taste very strong.

Go for the Ardbeg 10. Tastes a lot better than you'd expect at 10 years old and doesn't break the bank.

Excellent! I'll try Ardbeg 10 next time I'm at the bar. I'll see what all the fuss is about.

[mastershogun]

Can anyone speak to the differences between the 10 year (which I enjoy very much) and Uigeadail or Corryvreckan? Is it worth the price difference for a bottle? I'm looking to pick up some and was wondering if I should stick with the usual 10yr or move up the line.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by mastershogun

Can anyone speak to the differences between the 10 year (which I enjoy very much) and Uigeadail or Corryvreckan? Is it worth the price difference for a bottle? I'm looking to pick up some and was wondering if I should stick with the usual 10yr or move up the line.

I've only had the 10 and the oogie but for me, the Uigeadail is worth it. More balance and higher ABV which means the bottle will last longer if you add water to your dram. The U is a more complex dram compared to the 10yr.