Lagavulin 16 yo

43°

Distillery : Lagavulin - Islay

Ex Bourbon Barrels, Virgin Oak and Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 1985

Peated around 38 ppm

This one was included in the Classic Single Malts of Scotland in 1987, which is a selection of the most typical whiskies owned by Diageo.  

Let's Taste It :

A good deal of sticky, boggy peat rises to the nose, along with a dose of lemon and sherry. The smoke binds it all together, wrapping the dried fruits, as well as a maritime and iodine note. Grapes? Blackberries? And, of course, smoked tea. It seems very deep at first, but in the end it's quite fresh and fruity, the peat doesn't absorb everything. A pinch of coarse salt makes your mouth water. Now it's time to dip your lips. The sherry comes through straight away, combined with a hint of salted caramel. The tea is stronger on the finish, and slightly peppery. It has a long aftertaste, without being violent.

 

In Short, 

Incredibly complex and long on the palate, with notes of smoked tea. A must-have classic.

Score : 88 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Antonio Carlos Jobim - Brazil

Ardbeg Ten 10 yo

46°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

1st Fill and Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling

Core Range 
Single Malt
Launched in 2000

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 54 ppm

Although heavily peated, it is the most typical and easy to find expression of the distillery, and the very first to be launched after its reopening in 1997, first as a limited edition, then within the Core Range.

Let's Taste it :

When I inhale a glass of Ardbeg Ten, I always feel like I've been punched in the face. 54 ppm. Yes, it's violent, it's smoky peat that explodes on the nose, pure peat with very few nuances, but very round. As the nose continues to develop, all its complexity is revealed, with hints of oil, salt, wet grass, earth, spices, caramel, blood oranges and a hint of ginger. All in perfect balance. The alcohol plays elbows and muddles the cards, it messes with our senses, it's not an easy drink, it's a furious, runaway horse. The rodeo continues on the palate, with all the pepper and spices pouring out, it's earthy, salty, slightly caramelised, intense, with a touch of citrus fruits on the finish, perhaps clementine. What an explosion when you swallow! It's like being immersed in the earth, with the caramel and citrus fruits coming through. The malt clings to the palate, leaving echoes of smoke. You come away stunned.

 

In Short, 

A powerful and vegetal peat blast accompanied by a hint of citrus. A classic not to be missed under any circumstances.

Score : 88

                                      

                                 
                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love