Category: Whisky Comparison Page 9 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.

Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/26/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Singleton 12 yo vs Glenfiddich 12 yo single malt whisky side by side comparison
Today, I embark on a captivating journey, comparing Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt Scotch whiskies. There are many distinctive flavours to enjoy in the world of Speyside whisky, a region renowned for its fruity, nutty, and honeyed sweetness.

Nestled within this whisky-rich landscape are two notable distilleries, located just a stone’s throw from each other and offering their own unique takes on the revered 12 year old single malt category.

These two remarkable spirits are separated by flavour and striking bottle designs: the iconic triangular flask of Glenfiddich stands in stark contrast to the hip flask-inspired elegance of Singleton.

Singleton 12 year old Whisky

Singleton 12 yo vs Glenfiddich 12 yo Review and Tasting notes Singleton 12 yo whisky with glass
Our first stop is at the Dufftown Town Distillery, proudly situated in the heart of Speyside and under the ownership of Diageo.

Most of the malt whisky produced at this distillery finds its way into the blends, notably Bell’s whisky and Johnnie Walker releases. Only 5% of the spirit enjoys the limelight as single malt Scotch whisky.

Singleton 12 yo single malt whisky, a product of this Speyside establishment, undergoes maturation in a combination of American and European oak casks.

Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

Singleton 12 yo vs Glenfiddich 12 yo REview and Tasting notes The Glenfiddich 12 yo with glass
Now, let’s turn our attention to the triangular-shaped Glenfiddich bottle, which has earned its place as one of the world’s best-selling single malts. Glenfiddich pioneered packaging, introducing tubes and gift tins for its bottles, a tradition that continues to this day.

What sets Glenfiddich apart is not just its remarkable whisky but also its history of remaining family-owned. Founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Scotland, nestled in the Glen of the River Fiddich, this distillery boasts a legacy that is both rich and enduring.

Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt whisky matures in Oloroso sherry and bourbon whisky casks, further enhancing its distinctive character.

Also Read: Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 yo whisky

Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 yo Single Malt Whisky Comparison

	Singleton 12 yo	Glenfiddich 12 yo
Region	Speyside Whisky	Speyside Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Deep polished copper	Bright amber
Nose	Sweet with caramel, toffee and vanilla mixed with malt. Notes of rich fruit and sweet spice.	Fresh fruit, oak and honey. Floral notes with faint spices in the background.
Palate	Spice, rich oak and toasted malt. It is rich and nutty with a great mouth feel. Heaps of sweet vanilla and hints of fruit dipped in dark chocolate. Well-balanced with the spicy and sweet in perfect harmony.	Creamy wood notes, toffee and dried fruit. Hint of pear and caramel. Cinnamon and nutmeg. Medium bodied whisky.
Finish	Medium length. Notes of fruit, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. There is an underlying layer of nutty toffee sweetness, which is delicious.	Medium length. Notes of oak and spice. Lovely oily mouth feel.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Easy drinking and affordable. It has an underlying nutty complexity that is delicious.	Great fruity whisky to start someone on his or her whisky journey. Not the most complex, but easy drinking, smooth and well balanced.
Price	$41	$54
Pairs well with	Crispy pork belly or a soft cheese.	A pear and ginger crumble.

Both of these 12 year old releases are accessible and affordable and essential additions to a whisky enthusiast’s collection.

The Glenfiddich brings notes of sweet pear, creamy oak and cinnamon. It has a lovely creamy mouthfeel and finishes in warming oak and spices.

The Singleton has toasted malt and toffee sweetness with nuts and vanilla. There is an abundance of ripe fruit and hints of dark chocolate.

The Singleton exhibits a bit more complexity than its Glenfiddich counterpart, while the Glenfiddich has a remarkable smoothness and an enticingly oily mouthfeel.

Choosing a favourite between these two magnificent offerings is a challenging task. So, I’ve chosen the path of least resistance and keep a bottle of each within easy reach in my home.

Yet, if I were to tip my hand, it’s worth noting that the Glenfiddich has graced my shelf more frequently than the Singleton, perhaps suggesting a subtle preference for the smooth and elegant charms of Glenfiddich.

But ultimately, the choice is yours to make, and exploring the flavours of Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old whiskies is an adventure well worth embarking upon.

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Also Read: Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Label

Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/05/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Welcome back to another exciting whiskey comparison. This time, we’re delving into the world of bourbon to pit two stellar releases from the renowned Heaven Hill Distillery against each other: Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams single barrel bourbon whiskey.

These two gems hail from the heart of bourbon country, Louisville, Kentucky. They stand as the flagship brands of Heaven Hill Distillery, a heavyweight in the American alcohol industry, ranking as the 7th largest alcohol supplier in the USA, boasting an impressive portfolio of bourbons and spirits.

But let’s cut to the chase – how distinct are these two bourbons when you put them head-to-head? Are there traces of a shared “family resemblance” when sipping them side by side, or are they so unique that you’d never guess they came from the same lineage?

First, let’s take a closer look at each of them individually.

Also Read: Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Elijah Craig 12 year old Bourbon Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Elijah Craig 12 yo bourbon with glass Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel
The origins of our first contender, Elijah Craig, can be traced back to the late 1700s when Reverend Craig founded a distillery in Virginia. Legend has it that after a fire damaged his barrels, the thrifty Reverend decided to fill the charred ones with whiskey.

Surprisingly, the whiskey from these charred barrels turned out to be superior. Thus, whether deservedly or not, Reverend Craig has been dubbed the “Father of bourbon whiskey.” Elijah Craig 12 year old bourbon is the result, featuring a mash bill composed of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Evan Williams Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon whiskey 2006 Vintage with glass Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel
Meanwhile, our other contender, Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, reigns as the second-largest-selling Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey in the United States.

The Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, in particular, stands out with its vintage distinction, being a 2006 release. Each bottle proudly displays the year it was laid down in oak (in my case, 2006), the bottling date (April 16, 2015), and the unique serial number of the single barrel from which the bourbon was drawn (Barrel No. 108).

Aged for approximately 9 years, it’s hand-selected by the Master Distiller before being bottled as a Single Barrel release. Evan Williams boasts a mash bill comprising 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley, distinguishing it from its Elijah Craig counterpart.

Also Read: Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon comparison

	The Elijah Craig 12 yo	Evan Williams Single Barrel
Type	Bourbon whiskey	Bourbon whiskey
ABV	47%	43.3%
Mash bill	78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, and 10% Rye	75% corn, 13% rye and 12% barley
Colour	Dark red polished copper	Dark amber with hints of red
Nose	Quite spicy with bold notes of toasted oak spice, pepper, toffee, Christmas pudding and cinnamon baked apples. Floral notes, hints of jasmine flowers.	Sweetness and richness with buttery Christmas pudding. Cloves, cinnamon and oak as well as cherries and candied fruits. Faint hints of condensed milk and caramel.
Palate	Sweetness with touches of vanilla and nutmeg. There are notes of citrus peel, candy apple and warm oak. Medium bodied. Water softens the spicy notes and smooths the citrus.	Spicy pepper and cinnamon mixed with oak and bits of fruit. Medium body and not as sweet as the nose suggested. Water makes it easier drinking.
Finish	Medium length with sweetness and hints of flowers mixed with the vanilla and nutmeg.	Quite a long finish and ends in notes of spicy pepper and lemon peel.
My Rating	Very Good	Very Good
Comments	More sweetbness and nutmeg spice with vanilla	Warming pepper spices with oak
Price	$35	$33
Pairs well with	Aged Cheddar Cheese, salami and cold meat platter, KFC Chicken wings	Apple Pie, Flapjacks with maple syrup and bacon,

Now, onto the tasting notes. Elijah Craig 12 year old bourbon whiskey greets your senses with a spicy kick on the nose and a peppery bite on the palate. Hints of bold oak and nutmeg dance on the taste buds, and when you think you have it figured out, the finish surprises you with a delightful sweetness.

On the other hand, Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon whiskey opens with sweeter notes, including vanilla and cinnamon, but takes a spicier turn toward the end, making for a longer and more fiery finish compared to Elijah Craig.

In the showdown between these two bourbons, I preferred Elijah Craig. It is sweeter with a better balance between the oak and nutmeg spices than the Evan Williams.

I’m not alone in this sentiment, as feedback from friends on Twitter and Instagram echoed a similar sentiment. Many favoured the fruitier sweetness of the Elijah Craig 12 year old bourbon.

It’s truly fascinating to witness the stark differences between these two bourbon whiskey expressions originating from the same distillery. Elijah Craig and Evan Williams Single Barrel are prime examples of the rich diversity within the world of bourbon, offering unique flavour profiles that cater to a wide range of palates.

So, whether you lean towards the sweeter complexity of Elijah Craig or the spicy allure of Evan Williams, one thing is clear – Heaven Hill Distillery knows how to craft exceptional bourbons that stand out in their own right.

Cheers to the wonderful world of whiskey!

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Also Read: Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 yo Whisky

Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/15/2019

In Whisky Comparison

In the world of premium whisky, few names shine as brightly as Chivas Regal and Johnnie Walker Black Label. These 12 year old classics share a common origin, originating in grocery stores, and have garnered devoted followings worldwide. Today, I explore Chivas Regal 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label whiskies in the latest instalment of my comparison series.

This blog post is the next instalment of my comparison series. I have looked at quite a few comparisons this year, and it always amazes me how the differences stand out when you taste whiskies side by side. The top read comparison post this year has been the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve bourbon.

Today focuses on two iconic Scottish blends that have stood the test of time.

Chivas Regal 12 year old Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 yo blended whisky

Chivas Regal, a name steeped in tradition and nostalgia, traces its roots back to 1801 when a grocery store opened in Aberdeen. Catering to an affluent clientele, this establishment had a cellar that would become the birthplace of a blending tradition that would endure for centuries.

In the early 1900s, Chivas Brothers crafted a unique blend for export to the USA, ultimately named Chivas Regal. However, production faced interruptions due to prohibition and World War 2.

When the dust settled, Chivas Regal was reintroduced as the Chivas Regal 12 year old blended Scotch whisky. Over time it solidified its place in the pantheon of Scotch whiskies. The Strathilsa distillery serves as the spiritual home of Chivas, with a blend composed of various malt and grain whiskies, with a particular emphasis on Speyside releases.

Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 yo blended whisky header

Since 1909, Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky has consistently ranked among the best-selling whiskies globally. Renowned for its unwavering flavour profile and affordable pricing, this classic also traces its origins to a grocery store.

Now celebrating its 110th year, Johnnie Walker is one of the most widely distributed Scotch whisky brands globally. John Walker’s journey began in a grocery store, where he managed the wine and spirits segment. As whisky regulations relaxed, he embarked on blending and selling a variety of whiskies, ultimately labelling them with his own name.

However, his son and grandson truly transformed the brand into the iconic name we recognize today. Johnnie Walker Black Label is a blend of whiskies hailing from all corners of Scotland, from the smoky Islands to the sweeter Speyside, and featuring some Highland malts, all aged for at least 12 years.

Also Read: Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky

Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky Comparison

	Chivas Regal 12 yo whisky	Johnnie Walker Black Label
Type	Blended Whisky	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Golden wheat with hints of mahogany	Deep polished amber
Nose	Sweet with notes of fresh fruity and cherries, custard, fresh cut flowers and faint hint of dry wood. There is a green freshness on the nose that blend with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.	Faint smoke, red berries and tropical fruit, Christmas pudding with heaps of vanilla toffee and winter spice.
Palate	Toasted oak, spice, malt and heaps of berry sweetness balanced with green notes. Water softens the spicy notes and brings out more creamy toffee and malt.	Smooth and rich with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A creamy toffee sweetness with hints of spice and cereal. You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness.
Finish	Medium length that ends in notes of pepper spice and lemon rind with hints of sweetness.	Awesome. Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, smoke, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice.
My Rating	Very Good	Divine
Comments	It is a smooth, easy drinking medium bodied dram.	Rich and rewarding. Full bodied.
Price	$37	$40
Pairs well with	Hazelnut chocolates, fresh tropical fruit, coconut, tuna and chicken satay.	A cheese platter or roasted pork.

In the face-off between these two whisky titans, Chivas Regal 12 and Johnnie Walker Black Label prove their mettle as enduring classics. While personal preference may sway towards one or the other, there’s no denying the distinct character of each.

The Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky stands tall, boasting bold flavours and a rich history that harks back to its grocery store origins. It is known for its fruity sweetness balanced with toasted oak, malt and toffee notes. Spices, red berries and hints of green mingles with black pepper and lemon. Smooth and easy drinking, this blend offers consistent flavour.

On the other hand, the Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky offers a harmonious blend with a touch of peaty smokiness, making it a perennial favourite. Creamy toffee, oak, cereal and spices stand next to the peat in a perfect balance. Hints of vanilla and Christmas pudding mixed with pepper. Big and bold with a long finish.

The Black Label offers a bolder experience. The peat, toffee sweetness and spices complement each other perfectly. It is well-balanced and inviting. The Chivas Regal is softer with a more fruity sweetness and warming toasted oak notes that offer a smooth, more gentle experience. Perfect for someone who prefers a more fruit-forward drink.

There is a spot in my drinks cabinet for both these drams. In tribute to tradition and sentiment, a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky will always have a place on my shelves, alongside the ever-enticing Johnnie Walker Black Label. Cheers to these two great classics!

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Also Read:Chivas Regal 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/03/2019

In Whisky Comparison

In today’s exploration, we dive into the exciting realm of 18 year old whiskies, pitting two iconic releases against each other. It’s a showdown of Speyside elegance versus the bold Highland spice as we compare Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt Scotch whiskies in the ultimate battle of flavours and craftsmanship.

Let’s make one thing clear from the start – this isn’t about crowning a winner, and choosing a favourite would be akin to picking a favourite child.

Both of these drams are exceptional in their own right, and today, we’re delving deep into their distinctions and uncovering their unique taste profiles. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the captivating world of Glenfiddich versus Glenmorangie whisky.

Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes for the Glenmorangie 18 yo single malt whisky with glass
Our journey begins in the Highlands, in Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland, where Glenmorangie proudly stands as a towering icon. Literally, with the tallest stills in Scotland. The Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt whisky is a testament to their dedication to craft and tradition.

This Highland gem matures in bourbon casks, with some Sherry casks added. The process unfolds over 15 years in standard oak casks, after which approximately 30% of the liquid embarks on a three-year adventure in Spanish Oloroso casks.

Once both components reach the ripe age of 18, they are masterfully blended. This exquisite whisky is in the Glenmorangie Prestige Expressions collection, alongside the Signet and the 25 year old release.

Glenfiddich 18 year old Whisky

Tasting notes for the Glenfiddich 18 yo Single Malt Whisky with glass
Heading south to Dufftown in the Speyside region of Scotland, we find Glenfiddich. This distillery has been delighting whisky enthusiasts since its establishment in 1886. What sets Glenfiddich apart is its continued dedication to family ownership, a rarity in the industry.

Glenfiddich’s 18 year old single malt whisky, a part of their Core range, blends Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. The result is a harmonious marriage of flavours that tantalize the palate.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky

Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 Whisky Comparison

	Glenfiddich 18 yo	Glenmorangie 18 yo
Region	Speyside Whisky	Highland Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Rich gold	Light golden amber
Nose	Oak and fresh apple notes are intertwined with barley and cereals. There is a definite sweetness of dried fruits and hints of toffee in the background.	Toffee sweet, rich and creamy. Creme Brule, honey with hints of spice and oak. An abundance of fresh fruit, dried pear and fruits of the forest.
Palate	Notes of oak, barley and cereal. An extraordinary smooth whisky. Fruit cake and Christmas pudding with warming cinnamon and roast nuts. Multi-layered.	Big and bold. Thick and syrupy with lots of spice and oak. Fresh fruit, pears and rich heather honey. It is rich and complex with a big fruit and spice kick.
Finish	A lingering spicy finish with mild nuts and toffee.	Long and lingering with hints of butter, chocolate and citrus peel.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Wonderfully complex but still easy drinking.	Well-balanced and smooth.
You will like it if you are looking for…	Something sweeter with winter fruits and nut notes.	Summer fruits with a spicy kick that is bold and warming.
Price	$132	$140
Pairs well with	Brebirousse d’Argental cheese, Cassoulet, freshly baked apple pie with ice cream	Coffee and dark chocolate macaroons, aged gouda cheese

The Glenmorangie 18 year old is big and bold with notes of fruity sweetness, hints of warming spices and a creamy texture. Notes of toffee, dried pear and creamy oak mix with cinnamon and chocolate.

The Glenfiddich 18 year old also has fruity notes, but there are more cereals, baked pudding and nuts on the palate. Oak and fresh apples balanced with Christmas spices and fruit cake.

The Glenmorangie is more spicy and fruit-forward than the Glenfiddich. The Glenmorangie has a creamier texture, but the Glenfiddich is more complex. The Glenfiddich showcases more of the creamy nuts and oak mixed with cereals that you don’t get in the Glenmorangie.

When it comes to ratings on platforms like Whizzky, it appears that the Glenmorangie might have a slight edge over Glenfiddich. However, remember that whisky appreciation is highly subjective, and personal taste plays a significant role.

I suspect many connoisseurs would agree to a place for both of these remarkable whiskies in my whisky room.

So, whether you lean toward the fruity nature of Speyside or the robust spices of the Highlands, one thing is for sure. In the Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old whisky showdown, everyone’s a winner. Cheers to exploring these stellar 18 year old masterpieces.

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Also Read: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky

Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/13/2019

In Whisky Comparison

ardbeg 10 vs talisker 10 yo single malt whisky side by side comparison
Today I have a big battle, a courageous battle; the battle of the islands. A side by side comparison of the Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes and salty sea breeze on the Isle of Skye, is a dram that has stolen my heart; the Talisker 10 year old whisky.

In my whisky journey, I’ve discovered that timing matters. If I had encountered this island dram earlier, I might not have fully appreciated its allure. However, there is another Scottish island 10 year old whisky that has achieved cult status and that consistently offers a delicious drinking experience. One of John’s favourites; the Ardbeg 10 year old.

The Talisker 10 year old whisky embodies the essence of a coastal fishing village. In contrast, the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky emanates from the heart of peat. Today, I invite you to join me on a comparative journey as we explore the distinctive flavours of Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old whisky.

Ardbeg 10 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes Ardbeg 10 yo whisky with glass

Ardbeg, situated on the southern shores of Islay, proudly holds the title “Peat Capital of the World.” Their Ardbeg 10 year old Islay single malt is a testament to this reputation. It is crafted from heavily peated malt, boasting a remarkable peat content ranging from 55 to 65 ppm (parts per million).

Aged for a minimum of 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels, this whisky is a prized creation under the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) umbrella.

Talisker 10 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes Talisker 10 yo with glass

Venturing to the windswept Isle of Skye, we discover the Talisker distillery, founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill along the shores of Loch Harport. Now a part of the Diageo family, Talisker plays a vital role in the Johnnie Walker Red Label blend.

The Talisker 10 year old single malt carries an entirely different peat profile, with peat levels typically resting between 18 and 22 ppm.

Also Read: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky

Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old Whisky

ardbeg 10 vs talisker 10 Whisky Comparison

	Ardbeg 10 yo	Talker 10 yo
Region	Islay Whisky	Island Whisky
ABV	46%	45.8%
Peat Level	55 to 65 ppm	18 to 22 ppm
Colour	Pale Straw with green hints	Bright Gold
Nose	Peat and smoke with hints of vanilla, sea salt and citrus sweetness. Not overwhelming, but beautifully balanced and rich.	Smoke and peat mixed with fruity sweetness, seaweed and salty air. A dry bit of sundried fish and orange blossoms.
Palate	The characteristic Ardbeg peat and smoke and medicinal notes balanced with oaky vanilla sweetness and spice and lemon. Dark roasted coffee and a bit of iodine.	Peat, smoke with hints of ash and salt. This is all wonderfully balanced out with a fruity sweetness with hints of black pepper and coastal air. Faint hints of chocolate.
Finish	One of the longest and full-bodied finishes around with salted caramel, peat and hints of sweetness. An epic finish!	Rich and rewarding ending on notes of faint peat, bits of pepper and soft sweetness.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Not chill-filtered Complex, and big, but not overwhelming.	It is rich and wonderfully balanced. This ensures that it is easy drinking and delicious.
You will like it if you are looking for…	If you are looking for the Islay medicinal peat notes, this is it. Perfectly balanced with peat, smoke and fruit.	If you are looking for sea spray, salt type of peat to remind you of the ocean. Warming like a wood fire while the storm rages outside.
Price	$65	$75
Pairs well with	Garlic leg of Lamb or a charcuterie platter, Blue cheese or smoky BBQ pork	Kipper quiche or paté, Strong cheddar or Roquefort, smoked almonds, sushi

Tasting these two whiskies side by side opens up a fresh perspective, allowing us to discern the nuances that might otherwise be overshadowed when sipped in isolation. The distinctions between these two island drams become pronounced in a direct side by side comparison.

Talisker graces the palate with a peaty, maritime essence, evoking the very soul of the ocean. There are notes of sun-dried fish, peat, smoke and orange blossoms. Fruity sweetness mixed with bits of chocolate and black pepper.

Ardbeg leans towards a more medicinal character. There are notes of peat and smoke mixed with vanilla and a medicinal (TCP) note balanced out with oak and dark coffee. Big and bold with a nice complexity.

Both are exceptional in their own right. Personally, I find Talisker to be the easier-drinking option. At the same time, my husband has a penchant for the bolder flavours of Ardbeg. Fortunately, we need not choose between them, as both standard releases are readily accessible and reasonably priced.

In addition to this Ardbeg vs Talisker comparison, I’ve also conducted a side-by-side exploration of Ardbeg 10 yo and Lagavulin 16 yo whisky, further enriching my Islay whisky journey.

So, whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of spirits, these comparative tastings offer a delightful way to appreciate the intricacies and artistry that go into crafting these exceptional island drams.

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Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Whisky