Lagavulin 16 and Ardbeg Uggie are two of my three most purchased bottlers of any whisky. Both Islay whiskies are peated which is common on the island and both offer solid value for the money. Join us on Patreon @ / topshelfwhisky
Like most everyone, I loved Lag 16. I did the same thing as you and tried it side by side with Uigeadail out of curiosity, fully expecting the Lag 16 to kick its ass. I was shocked when I found the Uigeadail better in every way. Granted, I was using an older bottle of Lagavulin from a couple of years ago when they still had the seal. Maybe I’ll give the Lag 16 another look if the quality has improved as much as you say. Thanks for the review.
Awesome video....for me it’s not a fair comparison because I think I would like the Lag 16 way better if it was the same ABV as the oogie. As they currently stand it’s about a tie for me. I had an awesome time dramming with you the other day!
Originally I thought Uigeadail was my favorite of the two until I tried them side by side. Although I love both of them, I agree, the Lagavulin is so much more complex than the Uigeadail. Of course that is my personal, humble not an expert, opinion. I wouldn't refuse either for a gift.
Interesting comparison Mike. I think I prefer the Corryvreckan to the Oogie - at the moment I feel the sweet sherry influence squashes too much of the subtleties to the Ardbeg character in the Oogie. That's just based off of the pours, samples & mini's I've had so far though. I've got a bottle sat waiting to be appreciated and I'm hoping that I'll get that same 'revelation' part way through the bottle as I keep experiencing with Ardbegs 🥃👍 How's that whisky throne coming along now? 😜
Newbie to your channel and to whiskey and scotch. Enjoyed this review thanks... I recall Roy of Aquivitae saying a really useful way to pull out aromas and flavours is by doing side by side comparisons.... So thanks for reinforcing that tip.
Welcome! I definitely pick up different or "hidden" aromas when I compare at times, it's a good bit of the fun... Roy is a very knowable guy, I wish he would do his live streams later in the day so I could attend more. But he is absolutely someone I have a lot of respect for regarding whisky.
@@topshelfwhisky I have the ardbeg ugi (untried saving for fall) and 200ml samplers each of the kilchoman Sanaig and Machir bay, and the Port Charlotte 10 heavily peated... All unopened... Will order in the lagavulin 16 too... Fall's going to be a good time for comparisons... I'm a newbie to whiskey...admire how you can pick up so many aromas and flavours... I'm also using an aroma wheel to help out.
I think I have read/heard from Ardbeg that all their normal line of bottles always start with the 10 year old. So it is at least a 10 year old at its youngest barrel in it.
I just recently like peaty whiskies, Laga 16 is my fav.. recently picked up Uigeadail as well.. i like the vibrancy and complexity.. but find it a bit bitter in the end.. Have you tried Laphroaig Lore?
I'm surprised at how expensive the Lag 16 is by you. I'm in NYC and I pay about $64 at Astor Wines when they have their periodic 15% off whisky sale. At $64, the Lag 16 is an absolute steal. Even their regular price is $75 and Astor is generally an overpriced NYC wine and liquor store. Couldn't agree with your review more. I really love them both.
I sure have, it's review #53. Probably a better whisky but I prefer the sherry notes of the Uigeadail and the price for a bottle thats was a regular drinker. At least I used to.
Nice review Mike but totally disagree lol. I love both of these too but think the oogie beats out the lag 16 in nose, taste, finish, price.... I have only had Uigeadail bottles from 2014 and 2013. I have heard the newer ones are not as good. The e150, low abv, and chill filtering certainly doesn't help. Can you imagine a 48%-54%, nat color, and ncf Lag 16yr? Has Lagavulin ever confirmed the types of casks used? I know the Uigeadail has oloroso casks in it.
i always got at least half bottle of lagavulin 16. An ardbeg Corryvreckan appeared in my local bottle shop, but 50% more than lagavulin 16. what do you think?
I like Corryvrevkan, very unique dram with high abv... I would put it this way. Lagavulin 16 is much older and probably a better whisky IMO but corry is cask strength and probably my favorite Ardbeg of the core range. If you like cask strength whisky, give it a try.
@@topshelfwhisky well after 62 bottles I think you might know! Lol altho I do like the look of the bottle with a paper seal over the non paper sealed version.
