Tag: LVMH Page 3 of 6

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

Ardbeg Corryvreckan Islay Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/30/2021

In Single Malt whisky

In honour of Ardbeg Day, I decided to try the Ardbeg Corryvreckan Islay single malt Scotch whisky. The Corryvreckan is seen as the personification of ‘the untamed spirit of Islay’ and was released to replace Airigh Nam Beist. Ardbeg Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay.

Ardbeg Distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery on the south coast of the isle of Islay, in the Inner Hebrides. Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy owns the distillery. Ardbeg was legally established as early as 1815, but claims of some distilling pre-dates its legal start by a decade or two.

With the official 2014 FIFA World Cup start just weeks away, the theme for this year’s Ardbeg Day is predictably Football. Or as Ardbeg define it “the Ardbeggian take on the football World Cup.”

Football has a rich and noble history in mainland Scotland where kings and lords would take to the pitch and teams were made up of gentlemen. Playing on Islay, however, has its own unique challenges like playing knee-deep in peaty pitches.

Wild About Whisky in Dullstroom hosted Ardbeg Day in South Africa this past weekend. Events for the day included Peaty Football South African style and shorty foosball. And the most important activities during the day was Ardbeg tastings.

Limited information is available on the age and what casks this Corryvreckan single malt was aged in, but some sources indicate that it was ex-bourbon and virgin French Limousin oak.

Related Article: Kilchoman Sanaig Whisky

Ardbeg Corryvreckan Islay Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 57.3%

COLOUR: A dark amber. It is a wonderfully oily whisky that clings to the side of the glass.

NOSE: Peat even at a distance. Classic peat, smoke and sea salt come through. There are medicinal notes with some creamy butter and hints of sweetness. All dark and brooding and the smell of seawater and fishing boats during a storm at night.

PALATE: The Corryvreckan is a huge mouthful. 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 on the tongue.

This whisky is wonderfully smooth with hints of salt, spice and perhaps a little fresh fruit. Both the nose and palate have a remarkable complexity that stays.

FINISH: Long and lingering. It slowly builds and reaches a crescendo long after you put your glass down. It builds and builds warming your soul along the way. There are notes of spice, pepper and toffee. Oak and vanilla float about. This complex whisky leaves you with some liquorice and salt at the finish.

RATING: DIVINE

It is my first Divine rating for a single malt this year. And it is well deserved. If you have another dram of Ardbeg Corryvreckan, a whole new range of nose, palette and finish pops out. It is, however, a polarizing whisky.

You will either hate it or love it. Nothing about this whisky is average. There will be some firm opinion from people. The price for the Ardbeg Corryvreckan whisky is around £62 in the UK.

I paired this single malt with some Lindt Cranberry Intense chocolate, and the results were terrific. This Ardbeg Corryvreckan is part of the Ardbeg standard release and readily available. Some other magnificent Ardbeg core range releases include the Ardbeg Uigeadail and Ardbeg An Oa whisky.

Also Read: Aberlour A’bunadh whisky

Ardbeg 10 vs Lagavulin 16 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/15/2021

In Whisky Comparison

Ardbeg 10 yo whisky vs Lagavulin 16 year old Whisky side by side comparison
Today I look at another battle of big Islay malts; Ardbeg 10 vs Lagavulin 16 year old whisky. Both these single malt Scotch drams achieved cult status with peat heads. When you mention Islay whisky, one of the first drams that come to mind is the Lagavulin 16 year old whisky.

Another Islay legend is the Ardbeg Scotch whisky and the passion for Ardbeg reaches fever pitch all over the world on Ardbeg Day. But when you put these drams in a blind tasting next to each other, how do they stack up?

Ardbeg 10 year old Whisky

Ardbeg 10 yo whisky with glass
Ardbeg Distillery is situated on the south coast of the isle of Islay. Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy owns the distillery and produces a heavily peated Islay whisky. Ardbeg single malt Scotch whisky is peated to 55 ppm. The Ardbeg 10 year old whisky is aged for at least 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels.

Lagavulin 16 year old Whisky

review and tasting notes Lagavulin 16 yo whisky with glass
Lagavulin’s name is the English translation of the Gaelic ‘Lag a’a’ Mhuilinn’, which means the mill’s hollow. Lagavulin was one of the six whiskies marketed as part of the Diageo’ Classic Malts of Scotland’ range.

Lagavulin distillery is known for its use of a slow distillation speed and pear-shaped pot stills. The Lagavulin 16 year old single malt Scotch whisky is peated to 35 ppm.

Also Read: GlenDronach 18 vs 21 yo Whisky

Ardbeg 10 vs Lagavulin 16 year old Whisky

Ardbeg 10 vs Lagavulin 16 yo whisky comparison

	Ardbeg 10 yo whisky	Lagavulin 16 yo whisky
ABV	46%	43%
Region	Islay Whisky	Islay Whisky
Peat Level	55 to 65 ppm	35 ppm
Colour	Pale Straw with green hints	Dark Gold
Nose	Peat and smoke with hints of vanilla, sea salt and citrus sweetness. It is not overwhelming but inviting and intriguing.	Liquorice, smoke, hints of peat with a fruity sweetness. Bits of oak, iodine, and vanilla. Delicate and well balanced.
Palate	After the initial peat, some warming citrus and hints of vanilla. It continues to bring you hints of coffee and a bit of iodine. This Ardbeg 10 yo is a big whisky but not overwhelming at all.	Dry oak, peat with hints of cherry sweetness and smoke. Medium body with iodine and tar in the background. A bit one-sided.
Finish	What an epic finish! You will remember the Ardbeg 10 yo long after you have emptied the glass.	Medium length with peat and hints of oak and vanilla.
My Rating	Excellent	Very Good
Comments	Complex and well balanced	Lacks some complexity and has a few sharp edges.
Price	$65	$108
Pairs well with	Garlic leg of Lamb or a charcuterie platter	Blue Stilton

When John and I first tasted the Lagavulin 16 year old whisky, we looked at each other and frowned. It did not live up to our expectations. We felt that it was a bit one dimensional and boring. In the blind tasting, against the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky, the difference was even more evident.

The first difference between these two Islay drams is the peat level. The Lagavulin is peated at 35 ppm, and the Ardbeg sits at 55 ppm. There is also a big difference in the taste of the peat. The Lagavulin has more medicinal notes, and the Ardbeg has more ocean salt and fishy notes.

The Lagavulin 16 year old Scotch brings notes of dry oak, cherries and vanilla. Yes, it is peaty with smoke and fruity sweetness, but it lacks the complexity and wow factor. It has a medium body and a medium length finish.

The Ardbeg 10 year old has peat, smoke, sea salt, vanilla and citrus notes. There are hints of coffee and light iodine with an epic finish. It is big, bold, and complex. Just delicious.

Ardbeg is less medicinal than Laphroaig, however, it is more balanced and complex. Lagavulin has a more oily mouthfeel than the Ardbeg; however, the oiliness also seems to capture some raw alcohol notes.

The Ardbeg is drinkable and smooth and invites you back time after time. For my palate, this has a clear winner! The Ardbeg 10 year old every time.

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

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Whisky

Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/13/2020

In Single Malt whisky

I have had this bottle of Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare single malt Scotch whisky in my collection for so many years; I can’t even remember where I got it. It has stood in the back of the cupboard for at least seven years. I have not touched it in many a moon.

Glenmorangie is a Highland distillery in Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland. The brothers William and John Mathesen established the Glenmorangie distillery in 1843, on the Durnoch Firth. The site previously held a brewery and made use of the Tarlogie Spring. Glenmorangie boasts the tallest stills in Scotland.

Also Read: Glenfiddich 18 yo Whisky

World events significantly impacted on the Glenmorangie history. The distillery was mothballed between 1931 and 1936 due to prohibition in America and the Great Depression. The distillery was affected by the Second World War, and it was mothballed until 1944.

Glenmorangie plc took over the Ardbeg distillery in 1997 and revived it. The French drinks company Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton bought Glenmorangie in 2004, for around £300 million.

Glenmorangie matures all spirits in white oak casks. The white oak is manufactured from trees grown in Glenmorangie’s own forest in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, USA. These new casks are left to air for two years before being leased to distillers Jack Daniel’s and Heaven Hill for them to mature their bourbon in.

Glenmorangie then uses these barrels to mature their whisky. The total Glenmorangie production is reserved for bottling as single malt whisky. The Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt whisky spent 15 years maturing in white oak casks.

After this time, about 30% is transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks to spend a further three years maturing. Then, when both elements have reached 18 years, they are blended back together.

Also Read: Aultmore 18 yo Whisky

Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV:43%

COLOUR: Light golden amber

NOSE: Toffee sweet, rich and creamy. There are notes of crème brûlée, honey with hints of spice and oak. An abundance of fresh fruit, dried pear and fruits of the forest fills your senses. Water seems to soften the nose a bit.

PALATE: A big and bold mouthful. It is thick and syrupy with lots of spice and oak. There are notes of fresh fruit, pears and rich heather honey. Adding a bit of water smooths out the sweetness, and citrus notes come through. It is rich and complex with a big fruit and spice kick.

FINISH: Long and lingering with hints of butter, chocolate and citrus peel. The Glenmorangie 18 year old is a well-balanced and smooth dram.

RATING: EXCELLENT

After this tasting, the Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare Scotch whisky will certainly not be at the back of the cupboard anymore. I am moving the Glenmorangie bottle right to the front of the line. This Cinderella is going to the ball! A lovely well put together release.

I have also tried the Glenmorangie Spios, a whisky aged in casks that previously held American rye whiskey as well as the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX.

I have done a comparison with the Glenfiddich 18 year old whisky to see how these two iconic 18 year old’s stack up against each other.

Also Read: Springbank 18 yo whisky

Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/24/2020

In Whisky Comparison

Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa single malt whisky comparison
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.

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

Ardbeg An Oa Whisky

Review and tasting notes Ardbeg An Oa whisky with glass Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa single malt whisky comparison
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

Review and tasting notes Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky with glass Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa single malt whisky comparison
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.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa Whisky

Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky comparison

	Ardbeg An Oa	Ardbeg Uigeadail
Region	Islay Whisky	Islay Whisky
ABV	46.6%	54.2%
Colour	Light gold	Light amber
Nose	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.

I have also looked at the side by side comparison between Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Uigeadail whisky and evaluated their differences.

Also Read: Evan Williams vs Jim Beam Bourbon

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.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky