This week, we’re having another Islay peat battle: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs Lagavulin 16 year old whisky. Both these single malt Scotch drams achieved cult status with peat heads. The Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of John’s favourite drams. So, to ensure we remained unbiased, we blind-tasted them.
Exploring whisky side by side to understand the nuances and differences makes for a fun weekend activity.
Peaty Ardbeg has unquestionably earned its status as a cult favourite globally in recent years. Whisky enthusiasts eagerly anticipate each Ardbeg Day to see what exciting whisky the master distillery has for them.
The name Uigeadail derives from the Scotch Gaelic for ‘Dark and Mysterious Place’ and is named for the Loch from which Ardbeg draws its peat-laden waters. The Ardbeg distillery and the Glenmorangie distillery are part of the Louis Vuitton stable.
The distillery launched this award-winning expression around 2003. It is non-chill-filtered and matured in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon barrels. The Uigeadail Islay single malt Scotch whisky has a peat level of around 50 ppm. It is a NAS release.
Lagavulin is a historic distillery with centuries-old roots in a picturesque bay along Islay’s south coast. The name “Lagavulin” translates from Gaelic to “Lag a’ Mhuilinn,” meaning the hollow of the mill.
Lagavulin was one of the six whiskies marketed as part of the Diageo’ Classic Malts of Scotland’ range. The others include Cragganmore, Oban and Talisker whisky.
Lagavulin Distillery is known for its slow distillation speed and pear-shaped pot stills. The Lagavulin 16 year old single malt Scotch whisky is peated to 35 ppm.
| Ardbeg Uigeadail | Lagavulin 16 yo | |
|---|---|---|
| ABV | 54.2% | 43% |
| Region | Islay Whisky | Islay Whisky |
| Peat Level | 55 to 65 ppm | 35 ppm |
| Colour | Light amber | Dark Gold |
| Nose | Bold peat, smoke, iodine, and medicinal notes. Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background. | Liquorice, smoke, hints of peat with a fruity sweetness. Bits of oak, iodine, and vanilla. Delicate and balanced. |
| Palate | A big and bold mouthful whisky. Peat, drying ash and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake mixed with honey and dark chocolate. | Dry oak, peat with hints of cherry sweetness and smoke. Medium body with iodine and tar and a fruity sweetness. |
| Finish | Long and lingering. Raisins and honey, pepper and espresso. | Medium length with peat and hints of smoke, oak and vanilla. |
| My Rating | Excellent | Very Good |
| Comments | Complex and well balanced | Lacks some complexity and has a few sharp edges. |
| Price | $67 / £51 | $74 / £58 |
| Pairs well with | Fresh oysters, sashimi | Blue Stilton or Roquefort cheese |
As we uncork these two formidable drams, both are memorable and robust. They are not suitable for novice whisky drinkers. Each delivers the quintessential Islay experience with potent peat, iodine notes, and smoke.
The first difference between these two Islay drams is the peat level. The Uigeadail is peated at 55 ppm, and the Lagavulin is peated at 35 ppm .
The Lagavulin peaty notes are slightly more medicinal, while the Ardbeg has more seaweed, salt and fishy notes.
The Lagavulin 16 year old Scotch brings notes of dry oak, iodene, cherries and vanilla. It is peaty with smoke and fruity sweetness. It has a wonderful nose, a medium body and a medium-length finish.
The Ardbeg Uigeadail offers fruitier notes and a sweeter profile balanced with bold peat, smoke and a touch of seaweed and salt. It has notes of old leather, espresso, Christmas cake, and dark chocolate.
Ardbeg is less medicinal than Laphroaig. However, it is more balanced and complex. The Lagavulin displayed a few rough edges and didn’t quite live up to its nose’s promise of impeccable balance.
The best thing about the Uigeadail vs Lagavun 16 whisky comparison is the difference in finish. The finish on the Uigeadail is long and complex, warming your soul with lingering smoke, pepper, and raisins.
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