Category: Whisky Comparison Page 2 of 10

Whisky Comparison

A combination of side by side whisky / bourbon / whiskey comparison blog posts. A look at all the most popular whiskies and how they rate next to their rivals. From bourbons and Scottish whisky to blends and single malts. A broad collection of comparisons I have tried.

Laphroaig 10 vs Quarter Cask Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/15/2024

In Whisky Comparison

Laphroaig 10 year old vs Quarter Cask Whisky
Embarking on an Islay adventure, I delve into the exquisite realm of Laphroaig with a head-to-head comparison of the renowned Laphroaig 10 vs Quarter Cask single malt Scotch whiskies.

Islay – a name that conjures visions of a windswept, solitary island amidst the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Its history, rich with tales of exploration and conquest, is woven into the fabric of its rugged landscape, adorned with a few remaining Neolithic standing stones atop granite hills.

And what better way to immerse oneself in the essence of Islay than with two bottles of Laphroaig Islay single malt Scotch whisky?

Laphroaig, the epitome of Islay’s essence, draws its name from the waters of Loch Laphroaig on the island’s southern coast. Established by the Johnson brothers in 1815, this distillery has changed hands over the years, now residing in the Beam Suntory stable. Other Scottish distilleries in the portfolio include Auchentoshan and Bowmore distillery.

The distinctive characteristic of Laphroaig emanates from its proximity to the ocean and the abundant moss-laden peat of its surroundings. Now, let’s uncover how these two exceptional expressions fare when placed side by side.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Green vs Blue Label Whisky

Laphroaig 10 year old Whisky

Laphroaig 10 yo vs Quater Cask with glass
The 10 year old Islay single malt Scotch whisky is part of the Laphroaig core (Iconic) range. It was aged for ten years in ex-bourbon barrel casks. There are various cask-strength versions, as well as the standard 40% ABV release.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask Whisky

Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay whisky with glass b

Introduced in 2004, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay single malt Scotch whisky undergoes a unique ageing process. Initially matured in standard ex-bourbon oak barrels, it is transferred to smaller quarter casks, intensifying the interaction between whisky and oak. It is a NAS release.

Laphroaig 10 vs Quarter Cask Whisky

Laphroaig 10 vs quarter cask whisky comparison

	Laphroaig 10 yo	Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Type	Single malt whisky	Single malt whisky
ABV	40%	48%
Colour	Dark gold	Sparking gold
Age statement	10 year old	NAS
Nose	Big and bold with notes of moist ocean air, seedweed, smoke, peat, iodine and ash but with hints of fruity sweetness, bits of salted caramel.	Burnt peat, seaweed and medicinal iodine. Mild smoke and a surprising hint of spicy sweetness. A bold, rich, and complex aroma.
Palate	The peatiness and the sweetness is nicely balanced. Notes of iodene, charred wood, smoke, earth and malt softened by sweeter ripe fruit drizzled with honey. A burnt coffee bean note in the background. Big and bold bold, but with class and finesse.	There are notes of peat, smoke and seaweed. Hints of iodine, citrus and honey. In the background oak, smoked bacon, cinnamon and tobacco. The addition of water makes the Quarter Cask smoother and softens the medicinal notes.
Finish	Long and lingering with reminders of burning driftwood and caramel.	It's long, and it's lingering, and it's complex. It changes from peat to sweet to spicy.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Price	$47 / £40	$70 / £47
Pairs well with	Smoked ribs or brisket, blue cheese, or dark chocolate	BBQed meats, cured salmon, and strong cheeses

While both whiskies embody the quintessential Laphroaig essence of peat, ash, and smoke, they are very different when compared.

The Laphoriag 10 year old whisky’s nose has notes of salty ocean air and fresh fruit sweetness. Tasting continues the peat and smoke, mixed with toasted oak, honey, and a light note of burnt coffee beans. The finish is long and lingering.

On the other hand, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask whisky has bolder medicinal notes mixed with spices on the nose. On the palate, the Quarter Cask has more citrus, smoked bacon, cinnamon, and hints of tobacco. Again, there is a long and lingering finish, but it is spicier than the 10 year old.

In terms of affordability, the Laphroaig Quater Cask single malt whisky retails for around £47 and the standard 10 year old single malt Scotch for £40 on Amazon.

Choosing a favourite proves challenging. The Laphroaig 10 year old has a more seaweed and fruit vibe, while the Quarter Cask is medicinal and spicy with more wooden notes.

I enjoyed the 10 year old release because of the sweet notes, but hubby prefers the Quarter Cask due to the spice. Both are excellent drams; it just comes down to your own preference.

Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky

Johnnie Walker Green vs Blue Label Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/11/2024

In Whisky Comparison

Today’s whisky exploration revolves around the intriguing duel of Johnnie Walker Green vs Blue Label whisky. Known worldwide as a beacon of whisky excellence, the Johnnie Walker brand spans a colourful spectrum from Red and Black to Green and Blue Label releases.

However, it’s the esteemed Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky that often steals the spotlight, symbolizing the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication.

Yet, amidst this grandeur, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the subtleties of the Johnnie Walker Green Label whisky. Its enticing blend of chocolate mint and fruity undertones captured my palate, much like the ever-reliable Black Label.

Thus, driven by curiosity, I embarked on a side-by-side comparison to unravel the nuances between the Green and Blue Label expressions.

The tale of Johnnie Walker traces back to a humble grocery shop in Ayrshire, Scotland, where John “Johnnie” Walker initially crafted whiskies tailored to individual preferences. As his blends became successful, he started creating blended drams that he labelled Walker’s Kilmarnock whisky.

This laid the foundation, but the ingenuity of his grandsons, Alexander Walker II and George Walker, revolutionized the business by introducing the colour-based naming system.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky with glass b Crafted by Master Distiller Jim Beveridge, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky is a testament to tradition, blending 35 grain and malt whiskies, some aged for an astonishing 60 years.

While the Blue Label lacks an age statement, each bottle boasts a unique serial number. The Blue Label, however, is firmly in the exclusive (expensive) category. A bottle of Blue Label retail for around £190 on Amazon.

Johnnie Walker Green Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Green Label with glass
On the other hand, the Johnnie Walker Green Label blended malt whisky was initially introduced as the Pure Malt 15-year-old. The release boasts a blend of 27 single malts, each aged for a minimum of 15 years.

The blended malt includes spirits from distilleries like Cragganmore and Linkwood, together with Caol Ila and Talisker. A bottle of Green Label retails for around £50 on Amazon.

Johnnie Walker Blue vs Green Label Whisky

	Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky	Johnnie Walker Green Label whisky
Type	Blended whisky	Blended malt whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Amber	Golden Honey
Age statement	NAS	15 year old
Nose	Peat, smoke with oak and malt. Christmas cake, spice and dried fruit. Adding some water unlocked fresh flowers and florals.	After-dinner mints, aniseed, oak, and subtle hints of smoke. A fruity sweetness, malt, and a slight dash of pepper. Fresh-cut grass and vanilla.
Palate	Peat and old wood with toasted nuts, toffee and pepper. Water releases a sweeter note with hints of florals.	Highland peat, hints of smoke, vanilla, fruity sweetness, and a touch of cinnamon. Notes of oak, malt, and the spiciness of white pepper and a citrus zing. After-dinner mints and espresso.
Finish	Medium length with notes of pepper and nutmeg, caramels and oak.	Medium-length with a combination of pepper, fruity sweetness and a faint wisp of smoke.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Price	$250	$70
Pairs well with	Hoisin duck, dark chocolate mousse	Smoked salmon, BBQ chicken

In the glass, the Blue Label’s deeper hue reflects its prolonged maturation, while the Green Label exudes a slightly lighter tone.

On the nose, the Blue Label presents oak, malt, and Christmas cake aromas. In contrast, the Green Label offers a diverse spice bouquet with hints of aniseed and vanilla intertwined with peaty notes and a subtle after-dinner mint freshness.

Moving onto the palate, the Blue Label’s creamy nuttiness and refined floral notes exude elegance, contrasting with the Green Label’s vibrant blend of chocolate, peat, and smoke, accentuated by hints of vanilla and malt.

While both offer a medium-length finish, the Blue Label whisky concludes with refined oak and spices. In contrast, the Green Label leaves a fruity sweetness lingering, accompanied by subtle hints of pepper and smoke.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended whisky epitomizes sophistication and refinement, ideal for commemorating special occasions. Conversely, the Johnnie Walker Green Label blended whisky embodies vibrancy and approachability, perfect for unwinding on a casual evening.

Personally, I find the Green Label more memorable and enjoyable, with its unique after-dinner mint notes and versatile character.

Moreover, the substantial price difference between the two labels makes the Green Label an appealing choice for regular indulgence. At the same time, the Blue Label remains reserved for exceptional occasions.

Ultimately, if pressed to choose a favourite, the Johnnie Walker Green Label blended malt Scotch whisky wins my vote for its approachability and sheer drinkability, making it a staple in my collection.

GlenDronach 18 vs 21 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/12/2024

In Whisky Comparison

GlenDronach 18 year old vs Glendronach 21 year old single malt Whisky
The GlenDronach 18 year old is one of the best sherry cask-aged drams I have tasted. As someone who enjoys whisky, this expression quickly secured a spot in my top 10 favourite drams. Intrigued by the prospect of even greater delights, I ventured into the GlenDronach 21 year old Scotch whisky realm, expecting an unparalleled sensory experience.

Unfortunately, it was not the experience I hoped for, so today, I do a GlenDronach 18 vs 21 year old single malt Scotch whisky side-by-side between these two releases to see why.

Situated near the Scottish Speyside town of Huntly, the GlenDronach distillery, founded in 1826 by James Allardice, has witnessed many different owners throughout its rich history. The distillery’s legacy evolved from Chivas Brothers to Charles Grant and William Teacher and Sons. To name but a few.

In 2008, under the ownership of BenRiach, a revival took place with the introduction of a visitors centre and the relaunch of the core range, featuring the 12 year old, 15 year old, 18, and the GlenDronach 21 year old releases. The innovative touch extended to the addition of a Peated expression.

In 2016, Brown-Forman acquired the GlenDronach distillery. The deal included BenRiach and Glenglassaugh distilleries.

GlenDronach 18 year old Whisky

review and tasting notes Glendronach 18 yo whisky with glass
Named after the distillery’s founder, James Allardice, the 18 year old GlenDronach whisky is a testament to the excellence of ex-oloroso Sherry cask maturation. This single malt was first released in 2009 and is a non-chill-filtered and natural colour.

GlenDronach 21 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes Glendronach 21 yo whisky with glass
The GlenDronach 21 year old whisky draws inspiration from the Parliament of Rooks nesting near the warehouse. It is aged in a mixture of Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks from Andalucía. The whisky is a non-chill-filtered single malt Scotch with a tapestry of flavours.

GlenDronach 18 vs 21 year old Whisky

Glendronach 18 vs 21 yo whisky

	Glendronach 18 yo	Glendronach 21 yo
Region	Highland Whisky	Highland Whisky
ABV	46%	48%
Colour	Burnished mahogany	Polished amber
Nose	A big and rich sherry bomb. Christmas cake and fresh red berries. Chocolate covered cherries and fudge with bits of cinnamon, nuts and vanilla.A tropical note mixed with raisins and lemon peel.	Red fruit sweetness, creamy oak with bits of dark roasted coffee, an underlying ginger note mixed with bits of vanilla and orange.
Palate	Brandy soaked Christmas cake sweetness, chocolate-coated nuts, stewed fruits and allspice mixed with rich sherry. Overripe figs with bits of dried orange peel, vanilla, fresh cream and pepper. Adding water releases a bit more complexity in the dram.	Full-bodied and with a big mouthfeel, there are notes of bold sherry, dry oak, chocolate-covered cherries, red berries, cinnamon and pepper. In the background is the subdued sweetness of honey. A few drops of water softens the alcohol heat, but bring more pepper. It is a thick and oily dram.
Finish	Red berries and cinnamon sugar. Complex and long.	Long and lingering with notes of dry wood, cinnamon and lemon pepper.
My Rating	Divine	Excellent
Price	£ 138	£ 185

The GlenDronach 18 year old captivates with sherry, Christmas cake, and chocolate-covered cherries. There are notes of figs, nuts and cinnamon. It is rich, chewy and delicious, with a wonderful balance between the sherry sweetness, vanilla and cinnamon spices and fruity notes. It is smooth and full-bodied.

On the other hand, the GlenDronach 21 year old introduces creamy oak, roasted dark coffee, and red berries. The spice profile leans towards cinnamon and pepper with hints of ginger. The 21 year old single malt has a rich, oily character.

In the comparison of the GlenDronach 18 vs 21 year old whisky, it is interesting to see that both expressions share red fruits and sherry notes, with a similar cinnamon spiciness. However, the GlenDronach 21 year old has more pepper, wood spice and chocolate notes than the 18 year old. It is delicious but not an easy-drinking whisky. It has more of a pepper bite to the finish.

The nose and the palate of the GlenDronach 18 year old is more complex. It has a more accessible and easy-drinking nature, coupled with bold and delicious characteristics. While the 21 year old showcases a refined elegance and restraint, the 18 year old remains my first choice, delivering a symphony of flavours that resonates with both connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.

For those seeking the pinnacle of GlenDronach‘s sherry-cask magic, the 18 year old single malt is, in my opinion, the undisputed champion.

Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/15/2024

In Whisky Comparison

Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs ARdbeg Uigeadail single malt Whisky comparison
In the world of peaty whiskies, the battle of the Titans takes centre stage today as we delve into the intriguing matchup of the Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Islay single malt Scotch whisky. These two expressions from the renowned Ardbeg distillery are not for the faint of heart.

Deciding a favourite between them might be challenging. Ardbeg, hailed as a bastion for bold, peated, and complex whiskies, has garnered a cult following, especially among peat enthusiasts.

The Ardbeg distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery on the south coast of the isle of Islay. The distillery is part of the Louis Vuitton stable, that also includes the Glenmorangie distillery.

All the malt for Ardbeg is peated to a level of 50ppm. There have been no floor maltings at Ardbeg since 1981, so all the malt that is used in production comes from the maltings in the village of Port Ellen.

I have examined the difference between the Ardbeg 10 year old and An Oa, and there are pronounced differences. The differences between the Uigeadail and the Corryvreckan seem less clear in my individual tasting notes.

The Corryvreckan and Uigeadail are part of the Ardbeg core range together with the An Oa and the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky.

However, today, I shine the spotlight on the Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Uigeadail whiskies from their core range, exploring the nuances that set them apart.

Ardbeg Corryvreckan Whisky

Ardbeg Corryvreckan whisky with glass
Let’s kick off our expedition with the Corryvreckan Islay single malt Scotch whisky, often regarded as the embodiment of the untamed spirit of Islay. Released in 2008 to succeed Airigh Nam Beist, this non-chill-filtered dram takes its name from the notorious whirlpool north of Islay.

Matured in a blend of French oak and Burgundy wine casks, the Corryvreckan Islay single malt Scotch whisky is a non-age statement (NAS) release. It has a peat level ranging between 50-55 ppm.

Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky

Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky with glass
On the opposing side, we have the Uigeadail Islay single malt Scotch whisky. The name derived from the Scottish Gaelic for ‘dark and mysterious place’. It pays homage to the loch that provides Ardbeg with its peat-laden waters.

Launched around 2003, this award-winning expression 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.

Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky

Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs uigeadail whisky

	Ardbeg Corryvreckan	Ardbeg Uigeadail
Region	Islay Whisky	Islay Whisky
ABV	57.3%	54.2%
Colour	Dark amber	Light amber
Nose	Peat even at a distance. Earthy peat, smoke and sea salt come through. There are medicinal notes with some creamy butter, hints of sweetness, pepper, and leather.	Peat hits you like a wet cloth in the face. Smoke, iodine, and medicinal notes will follow soon after. Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background.
Palate	At first, it tastes like having a peat bog in your mouth. The initial notes are followed by liquorice and vanilla. There are smoke, tar and medicinal notes mixed with ash and wood. This whisky is wonderfully smooth with hints of salt, lemon pepper and a little fresh fruit.	A big and bold. Peat, drying ash and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake mixed with honey and dark chocolate.
Finish	Long and lingering. There are notes of fishy peat, spice, pepper and toffee. Oak and vanilla float about. Smoke and salt at the finish.	Long and lingering. Raisins and honey, pepper and espresso. Along the way, it evolves in complexity and richness and continues long after you have swallowed.
My Rating	Divine	Excellent
Price	£61	£51

As we uncork these two formidable drams, both are memorable and robust. They definitely are not suitable for novice whisky drinkers. Each delivers the quintessential Islay experience with potent peat, iodine notes, and a symphony of smoke, ash, and wood. Despite their high alcohol by volume (ABV), neither succumbs to overpowering alcohol heat.

The Ardbeg Corryvreckan showcases a more traditional Islay influence. It echoes the ocean with notes of seaweed, sea salt, and wet fishy peat. Bold smoke and hints of lemon pepper dance on the palate, creating captivating flavours.

In contrast, the Uigeadail takes a different route, offering fruitier notes and a sweeter profile with a touch of medicinal peat. Old leather, espresso, Christmas cake, and dark chocolate come together harmoniously. Its elegance is apparent without compromising on the inherent boldness of Islay peat.

Personal taste plays a pivotal role in the subjective world of whisky preferences. For some, the Corryvreckan’s in-your-face boldness and pronounced peat might be the pinnacle of Islay perfection.

On the flip side, the Uigeadail, with its more refined and elegant character, captures the hearts of those seeking a sweeter, sherry-influenced experience.

Personally, the Ardbeg Uigeadail resonated more with my palate, thanks to its delightful sherry notes. In John’s case, the Corryvreckan emerged victorious. He enjoyed the bolder, medicinal nuances it offered.

The beauty of this showdown lies in the diversity of flavours. It shows that there’s an Ardbeg for every discerning whisky lover. Whether you lean towards the untamed seas of the Corryvreckan or the dark mysteries of the Uigeadail, one thing is sure – Ardbeg has once again proven its prowess in crafting exceptional peated whiskies.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Ardbeg Uigeadail and Lagavulin 16 year old whisky as well to see how they measure against each other.

Also Read: Ballantine’s Finest vs Teacher’s Whisky

Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/31/2023

In Whisky Comparison

More side-by-side fun, and this time I am back comparing bourbons. Today I look at the Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey. Comparing Saceraz vs Brown-Forman Corporation bourbon next to each other.

In the past I have done many side by side comparisons, the most resent when I compared the Maker’s Mark against the Woodford Reserve. As usual, we did it as a blind tasting to remove some bias.

But as always, comparing drams side by side is always fun and leads to discoveries about the liquid in our glass and our taste buds.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon with glass b

The Buffalo Trace distillery is in Frankfort, Kentucky, and is owned by the Sazerac Company. Its namesake bourbon brand, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight bourbon, was introduced in August 1999. It has no age statement. The Buffalo Trace mash bill is not disclosed. However, it is speculated to contain a high corn percentage and less than 10% rye.

The bourbon was named in tribute to the mighty buffalo that carved paths through the wilderness in the trek to the Great Planes and the rugged, independent spirit of the pioneers who followed them.

The distillery also produces other spirits, such as rye whiskey and vodka. Other brands in the SAzerac portfolio include Blanton’s, Sazerac Rye, 1792 Bourbon, WL Weller and Eagle Rare, to name but a few.

Readily available around the globe and is priced in the affordable category. The Amazon retail price is around £28. It is perfect for cocktails such as an Old Fashioned and pairs well with chocolate.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon with glass Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is a Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. The distillery changed hands a few times, and Brown-Forman purchased the property in 1993 and refurbished it. They renamed it The Woodford Reserve Distillery in 2003.

Woodford Reserve bourbon was introduced to the market in 1996. In 1995 the distillery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2000, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

The mash bill for Woodford Reserve bourbon features a high percentage of rye. It has a 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt ratio. Unusual also for being triple distilled and having the lowest proof upon entering the barrel, where it matures for at least six years.

The retail price for this release on Amazon is around £35.

Other brands in the Brown Forman stable include Jack Daniel’s, GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh whisky. There is also a Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey as well as a Double Oaked release.

Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

buffalo trace vs woodford reserve bourbon

	Buffalo Trace	Woodford Reserve
Type	Bourbon whiskey	Bourbon whiskey
Mashbill	Not disclosed	72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt
ABV	45%	43.2%
Colour	A reddish copper	Dark copper
Nose	Fruity sweetness, rich and bold. There are hints of candied fruit, caramel, vanilla, brandy pudding and oak. Bits of spice float in the background.	Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. Bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla, dark chocolate and hints of spices.
Palate	There are notes of fruit, orange marmalade, white pepper and oak. Bits of cinnamon with toasted oak. Water tones down the spice.	Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with apricot and cinnamon spiciness. Tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Creamy and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouthfeel.
Finish	Before adding water long and ended in notes of spicy sweetness. After adding water, the finish was quite flat.	Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweetness and spices
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	Drink it neat!	Delicious and bold.
Price point	$35	$40

Guessing which glass contained the Buffalo Trace was relatively easy. I find the Buffalo Trace quite spicy and concentrating on the spicy notes on the palate in the two glasses allowed me to identify it. From the nose alone, I would not get it.

The nose on the Buffalo Trace was bold and sweet with lots of vanilla and fruity sweetness. Quite pronounced. The nose of the Woodford Reserve is softer and sweeter with notes of fruity apricot, vanilla and oak. More elegant.

When you taste them, the differences come through, and the differences are big and bold. The Buffalo Trace is spicier and less complex. It has fruity notes and a nice drinkable mouthfeel. Buffalo Trace has a medium body and lovely toasted oak notes. However, don’t add water.

The Woodford Reserve has a creamy base with sweetness, oak and vanilla notes. Much bolder than the nose suggests. The Woodford Reserve was my favourite. The condensed milk, vanilla, and dark chocolate notes suit my sweeter palate.

Both are great bottles to have in your collection. If you prefer spicier bourbon, the Buffalo Trace is perfect. If, like me, you like something a bit sweeter, grab that bottle of Woodford Reserve. Whatever your choice, it is a good one.

Also Read: My Favourite Margarita Recipe