LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton commonly known as LVMH, is a French holding multinational corporation and conglomerate specializing in luxury goods, headquartered in Paris, France. They own various perfumes, cosmetics and fashion lines and also the following distilleries and whisky brands: Ardbeg Distillery
Glenmorangie Distillery
Hennessy cognac
Belvedere Vodka
I bought this bottle of whisky for John’s 5oth birthday, and it is only now, three years later that I get around to opening it. The Glenmorangie Signet single malt Scotch whisky is somewhat unusual. It is the world’s first single malt whisky made with high roasted chocolate malt barley.
Glenmorangie is a well-known Highland Scottish distillery in the town of Tain. I have captured tasting notes for the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX, and Glenmorangie Spios and these posts also deal with the Glenmorangie history.
Glenmorangie released the Signet edition in 2008. It takes its name from the elaborate design that embellishes most Glenmorangie bottles. The Signet itself originated from the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, a Pictish item that dates back to around the year 800 AD. The Signet whisky was a creation of Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Master of Whisky Creation.
Back in his student days, Dr Lumsden became a coffee enthusiast. While studying for the PhD in Biochemistry, he became obsessed over the intricacies of single estate coffee beans and the ideal roasting levels for optimum flavour. Years later, this coffee obsession inspired him to create the Glenmorangie Signet.
The Glenmorangie Signet single malt whisky was aged in American virgin oak casks before it was bottled. It is not chill-filtered and carries no age statement. The Signet is part of the Glenmorangie Prestige range, together with the 18 year old and the 25 year old single malt whisky. The Signet release retails for around R2 500 in South Africa and around £ 150 in the UK.
Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Whisky
REGION: Highland
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Dark gold
NOSE: Notes of marshmallow, vanilla, butterscotch mixed with crunchy toffee brittle. Hints of spices and espresso and lemon peel. So delicious.
PALATE: Malty notes with lots of sweet spices, cinnamon dark chocolate. Bits of roasted coffee beans with a fruity hint and honey sweetness. Faint traces of pepper and ginger. A full-bodied whisky. Rich and delicious. Water releases a bit more complexity and sweetness, but it is delicious without water.
FINISH: The finish is long and lingering with notes of lemon peel, toffee sweetness and green pepper.
RATING: EXCELLENT
What a delicious single malt. I can’t believe we waited three years to open this bottle. The coffee and chocolate notes are noticeable and delicious. I can sit and nose this whisky for hours. If they made a candle smelling like this, my whole house would be full of it.
A whisky to enjoy late at night with someone special. Probably my favourite Glenmorangie of all times.
In this latest installment of our side-by-side whisky comparison series, we delve into the world of Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa, two exceptional single malt peaty expressions from the renowned Ardbeg distillery on Islay.
Peaty Ardbeg has unquestionably earned its status as a cult favourite globally in recent years. Whisky enthusiasts eagerly anticipate each Ardbeg Day, hoping for a special release to capture their hearts.
Yet, while the limited editions are indeed enticing, it is the core range that truly shines. These readily available, relatively affordable bottles are the true stars of the Ardbeg show. John’s favourite is the formidable Uigeadail, while I have a soft spot for the softer An Oa whisky.
What could be more enjoyable than a head-to-head comparison of these two peat-driven titans? It’s my favourite versus John’s favourite, and we’re about to uncover the nuances that set them apart.
Let’s begin with the Ardbeg An Oa Islay single malt whisky, a pivotal addition to the core range since 2009. Named after the Mull of Oa in the southwestern part of Islay, this expression draws its inspiration from the Mull’s ability to shield the Kildaton from the harshest Atlantic storms, marking the island’s southernmost point.
The maturation process of Ardbeg An Oa involves a blend of casks, including PX, charred virgin oak, and ex-bourbon. These elements harmoniously meld in Dr. Bill Lumsden’s innovative French oak ‘Gathering Vat.’ Notably, Ardbeg An Oa remains unchill-filtered, preserving its full character and complexity.
Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky
On the other hand, the name Ardbeg Uigeadail single malt Scotch whisky originates from the Scottish Gaelic phrase meaning ‘dark and mysterious place,’ paying homage to the loch from which Ardbeg sources its peat-laden waters. This particular expression marries the traditional smokiness associated with Ardbeg with the rich, raisiny notes imparted by old ex-Sherry casks.
Launched in 2003, it has consistently garnered awards, a testament to its exceptional quality.
In a milestone year, 2009, Ardbeg Uigeadail was bestowed the title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
Murray lauded its “utter silky brilliance” and the “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.” This whisky holds a special place in the hearts of connoisseurs.
Peat, creamy honey, salted liquorice with hints of cough syrup. In the middle sweet vanilla floats about mingling with bits of toasted nuts and pine needles. It’s complex, subtle and different all at once. Faint smoke lurks around.
Peat hits you like a wet cloth in the face. Smoke, iodine and medicinal notes follow soon after. You know you are dealing with an Ardbeg! Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background. It's complex and rich.
Palate
Ash, peat, soft honey, sweet vanilla and cinnamon sugar, hints of chocolate and toasted oak. Faint hints of lemon pepper. It’s smooth and velvety. Water softens the few rough edges and adds more sweetness.
A huge mouthful of peat! Malt, fruity sweetness and bonfire. Peat and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake come through. Some medicinal notes and dark chocolate.
Finish
Smoothly with a long and lingering finish that hug and comfort you like a favourite jersey. Filled with sweetness and bits of nut.
The finish is long and lingering. Starting off with raisins and honey it ends with notes of smoke, pepper and espresso. Along the way, it evolves in complexity and richness and continues long after you have swallowed.
My Rating
Divine
Excellent
Comments
Rich and comforting.
The finish is beautiful!
Price
$65
$90
Pairs well with
Strong Cheese, salmon sashimi and pulled pork
Roquefort cheese, smoked lamb or very dark chocolate
We had a delightful afternoon on the patio tasting and debating which of these two remarkable whiskies reign supreme. Fortunately, we had a friend visiting from Australia, a fellow peat enthusiast, who proved the perfect addition to our tasting panel.
The Uigeadail single malt is a powerhouse, boasting bold, in-your-face peat intertwined with salt and medicinal notes. Fruity sweetness, Christmas cake and sherry mixed with raisins and dark chocolate.
In contrast, Ardbeg An Oa exudes an elegance where peat is gracefully balanced by sweetness and gentle sea breezes. Honey, hints of vanilla and cinnamon, toasted nuts mingle with creamy oak and lemon pepper.
Both are undeniably delicious in their own right. However, the An Oa’s creamy sweetness and balanced complexity tip the scales slightly in its favour. It’s the kind of whisky that’s approachable (so much so that we nearly polished off the entire bottle). Yet, it harbours a complexity that keeps you intrigued with every sip.
And as luck would have it, I had some blue cheese and crackers on hand. The pairing of this robust cheese with the peaty whisky created a symphony of flavours that can only be described as a moment of perfection dancing on your taste buds.
There’s no definitive winner in the debate of Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa single malt whisky; it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you favour the bold, smoky embrace of Uigeadail or the elegant complexity of An Oa, both whiskies are a testament to Ardbeg’s mastery in crafting exceptional peated spirits.
So, gather your friends, pour a dram of each, and embark on your own journey to discover which one speaks to your heart the loudest.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
During the year, I am fortunate to taste many new whiskies. Some are not bad, and some I never want to taste again. Just search for “Ordinary” on this blog, and you will find quite a few examples of these.
However, now and again, I taste something that blows my mind. Something so delicious that I want to go out and buy many more bottles.Sometimes these Divine drams are limited releases, and when my bottle is finished, there will be no more.
But sometimes they are standard releases that are readily available. And this has been such a year. I have tasted 4 whiskies that we rated Divine. And each of these is readily available. They are not mindbogglingly expensive; they are quite affordable actually. But they were stand out drams that I loved.
And as always, at the end of each year, we gathered a few friends and blind taste-tested the year’s Divine whiskies to choose the Whisky of the Year 2018. The friends who helped was Roelia from Boozy Foodie and her hubby Jan from Social Savage.
The process is similar every year, a blind taste test and then every person individually ranked the glasses from 1 to 4. This gives us our Whisky of the Year.
Blanton’s bourbon whiskey was launched in 1984 as a Single Barrel Bourbon. It is part of the Sazerac Company and distilled in Frankfort, Kentucky at the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
What makes the Blanton’s bottle unique is the eight different stopper designs. The stoppers feature a figurine of a racehorse and jockey in eight different scenes of a horse race, from standing at the gate to crossing the finish line with a win. I was wondering if this will be the only stopper in my collection, but after tasting this delicious bourbon, I am going to be looking for more bottles.
The Blanton’s Gold has notes of oak, warming rye, condensed milk, hints of sun-dried oranges and vanilla. It is rich and creamy bursting with a complex mix of tastes. There are notes of toasted oak, fudge, cinnamon, chocolate-covered oranges, Sichuan pepper with faint hints of cherries.
And with an impressive ABV! A beautiful finish that leaves you with fudge, cinnamon, pepper and hints of orange peel.
Best Blend: Johnnie Walker Black Label
Affordable, available all around the world and an icon! Johnnie Walker Black Label is a blend of about 40 whiskies from all around Scotland. Smoother and more drinkable than its little brother the Johnnie Walker Red, the Black Label has reached cult status. And I can understand why. It offers a consistent, delicious experience which I keep on going back to.
The Johnnie Walker Black label Scotch whisky has notes of smoke, red berries, fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A toffee sweetness with hints of spice. You don’t even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness.
This Black Label is an all-together impressive dram. I always have a bottle of this in the house, and I love this (FAR) more than the more expensive Johnnie Walker releases I have tried.
Best World Whisky: Paul John Classic Cask Select
Paul John is a brand of Indian single malt whisky and single cask whisky, manufactured by John Distilleries in Goa. John Distilleries was founded by Mr Paul P. John in 1992, when they began producing several spirits, including Indian molasses-based ‘whisky’.
In 2008, John Distilleries attempted a single malt whisky, and the rest is history. Paul John Single Malt was launched in 2012 in the UK, and there was an overwhelmingly positive response to the golden liquid from this Indian distillery. And I am so glad that it is readily available in South Africa too.
The Paul John Classic Select Cask is an unpeated single malt that has been matured in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled without chill-filtration at cask strength. Again it comes at an impressive 55.2% ABV.
The Paul John Classic Select Cask has notes of freshly baked apple pie sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, barley, faint hints of vanilla and candied fruits. Hints of toffee, oak with warming cinnamon and soft pepper nicely balanced with honey sweetness. It has a delicious finish rich with oak, cinnamon and fruit.
This year, the winning whisky and the runner up was only 1 point apart. But in the end, there can only be 1 winner.
And the winner of the Whisky of the Year 2018 is…
I have to mention the runner up – it was the Paul John Classic Cask select. A delicious dram. From a distillery that I will be exploring more of!
Well, that it is for 2018. Thank you for all your support this year. Wishing you many wonderful glasses of whisky in 2019. Early next year I will start again. But now it is time to sit back and relax and enjoy a glass of An Oa.
Here are the 4 whiskies in alphabetic order.
Best Single Malt: Ardbeg An Oa Whisky
It was with great fanfare that Ardbeg launched an extension to their core range – Ardbeg An Oa. The first permanent expression to join the Ardbeg core range since Corryvreckan in 2009. I have been less impressed lately by the Ardbeg Day releases, so I was rather sceptical about this new release. Was this just another premium-priced release that does not live up to the hype?
O Hell No. This Islay dram was just perfect. It warms you up with the traditional peat and smoke, but it is elegant and smooth. The Ardbeg An Oa single malt Scotch whisky is not the salty, TCP and strong tar pole notes of an Ardbeg Uigeadail, but a softer, more classic version of it.
Notes of peat, creamy honey, salted liquorice with hints of cough syrup. Bits of toasted nuts and pine needles mixed with vanilla, lemon pepper and chocolate. It’s a fascinating and glorious mix of aromas and tastes. It’s complex, subtle and different all at once. It has a finish that is a mile long and lingers around you like a favourite old jersey.
Best Bourbon: Blanton’s Gold Edition
Blanton’s bourbon whiskey was launched in 1984 as a Single Barrel Bourbon. It is part of the Sazerac Company and distilled in Frankfort, Kentucky at the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
What makes the Blanton’s bottle unique is the eight different stopper designs. The stoppers feature a figurine of a racehorse and jockey in eight different scenes of a horse race, from standing at the gate to crossing the finish line with a win. I was wondering if this will be the only stopper in my collection, but after tasting this delicious bourbon, I am going to be looking for more bottles.
The Blanton’s Gold has notes of oak, warming rye, condensed milk, hints of sun-dried oranges and vanilla. It is rich and creamy bursting with a complex mix of tastes. There are notes of toasted oak, fudge, cinnamon, chocolate-covered oranges, Sichuan pepper with faint hints of cherries.
And with an impressive ABV! A beautiful finish that leaves you with fudge, cinnamon, pepper and hints of orange peel.
Best Blend: Johnnie Walker Black Label
Affordable, available all around the world and an icon! Johnnie Walker Black Label is a blend of about 40 whiskies from all around Scotland. Smoother and more drinkable than its little brother the Johnnie Walker Red, the Black Label has reached cult status. And I can understand why. It offers a consistent, delicious experience which I keep on going back to.
The Johnnie Walker Black label Scotch whisky has notes of smoke, red berries, fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A toffee sweetness with hints of spice. You don’t even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness.
This Black Label is an all-together impressive dram. I always have a bottle of this in the house, and I love this (FAR) more than the more expensive Johnnie Walker releases I have tried.
Best World Whisky: Paul John Classic Cask Select
Paul John is a brand of Indian single malt whisky and single cask whisky, manufactured by John Distilleries in Goa. John Distilleries was founded by Mr Paul P. John in 1992, when they began producing several spirits, including Indian molasses-based ‘whisky’.
In 2008, John Distilleries attempted a single malt whisky, and the rest is history. Paul John Single Malt was launched in 2012 in the UK, and there was an overwhelmingly positive response to the golden liquid from this Indian distillery. And I am so glad that it is readily available in South Africa too.
The Paul John Classic Select Cask is an unpeated single malt that has been matured in ex-bourbon barrels and bottled without chill-filtration at cask strength. Again it comes at an impressive 55.2% ABV.
The Paul John Classic Select Cask has notes of freshly baked apple pie sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, barley, faint hints of vanilla and candied fruits. Hints of toffee, oak with warming cinnamon and soft pepper nicely balanced with honey sweetness. It has a delicious finish rich with oak, cinnamon and fruit.
This year, the winning whisky and the runner up was only 1 point apart. But in the end, there can only be 1 winner.
And the winner of the Whisky of the Year 2018 is…
I have to mention the runner up – it was the Paul John Classic Cask select. A delicious dram. From a distillery that I will be exploring more of!
Well, that it is for 2018. Thank you for all your support this year. Wishing you many wonderful glasses of whisky in 2019. Early next year I will start again. But now it is time to sit back and relax and enjoy a glass of An Oa.
I bought this bottle of whisky for John’s 5oth birthday, and it is only now, three years later that I get around to opening it. The Glenmorangie Signet single malt Scotch whisky is somewhat unusual. It is the world’s first single malt whisky made with high roasted chocolate malt barley.
REGION: Highland
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