A Classic Laphroaig and A Gentle Ardbeg

The Islay malts have always been revered and loved by fanatics the world over. Indeed for the longest time, the names Laphroaig and Ardbeg can arguably be synonymous with quality drams that people swear by. SGwhisky has had the opportunity to try a few of these beauties from Islay, but interestingly it is true that they are not mentioned very often in this blog! So it's high time we gave them some air time. Introducing a Classic Laphroaig and a Gentle Ardbeg!

Name: Laphroaig 15YO

Distillery: Laphroaig (Islay)

Type: Single Malt Scotch

Age Statement: 15YO

Alc/Vol: 43%

This expression of Laphroaig is a real classic, and has, to the disappointment of many a Laphroaig fan, been discontinued in favour of the new 18YO official expression. An expression with much more sherry influence than the 10YO, Quarter Cask and 10YO Cask Strength expressions, the 15YO showcases the more classic and more refined side of Laphroaig!

Nose: Rich fruits (berries, cherries), with a hint of acidity akin to slightly unripe fruit. The peat smoke is well hidden, only giving out the gentlest hints of smokiness (21)

Taste/Palate: Fruity entry that is typified by grapes. The medicine and smoke then come in with notes of dry smokiness and Chinese cough medicine. Well balanced and not overpowering (23)

Finish: Pleasant finish with notes of medicine and a hint of fruit (21)

Overall: Pleasant and nice, but in my own opinion, it is a younger and growing version of the spectacular 30YO. It is an unfair comparison of course, and ultimately, this is good stuff for its age! (21) 86/100

Found at: La Maison Du Whisky, The Auld Alliance

Aside from Laphroaig, another Islay brand that can boast a cult like following is the distillery of Ardbeg. Powerful yet balanced, connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike have plenty of good things to say about the whiskies that roll out Ardbeg's doors (it is also worth noting that Ardbeg is my drinking buddy's single malt of choice!). However, the Ardbegs I have tried are what can arguably be termed 'classic' Ardbeg, full-bodied, extremely smoky with notes of citrus and fruit. This Ardbeg was totally different, yet it excelled in its own special way!

Nose: An extremely refreshing nose with notes of Ice Cream Soda, toffee, ripe plums and bananas, and powdered sugar (icing sugar?). No peat? You bet there isn't! Not even a hint! With water though, the peat comes rushing out with a clean citrus note of lemon and lime (23)

Taste/Palate: Sweet and smooth with vanilla and toffee notes coating the mouth. The smoke then comes out and takes over with an ashy sweetness. The flavours then mingle to form a more mellow smoky sweetness with honey ham. A really complex and well developed set of flavours on the palate! (22)

Finish: Fruity and malty sweetness, syrupy mouthfeel, with the sweet smoke trailing on. (22)

Overall: Ardbeg on a leash! I was intrigued at this but further conversations with some of the more knowledgeable members of the Singapore whisky scene led me to understand that Ardbeg has experimented with lightly peated expressions (the Blasda of course comes to mind), perhaps this was a cask from a similarly lowly-peated run (22) 89/100

Found at: B28