ted nightshade wrote on Sun, 17 October 2004 12:45 |
I wonder what that Ardbeg 10 is like, and what the Laphroig 15 is like... could it be the 10 year stuff is just better for gettin' physical?
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The 10 year old Ardbeg is peatier and more intense. In fact, the Ardbeg 10 has the highest peat ppm of any Islay malt (and hence any SMS). Personally I prefer it to the 17 which is much more mellow and, in my opinion, a bit watery.
The difference between the 10 and 15 year old Laphroaigs I find to be less dramatic, but again, as a fan of vigorous peatieness, I prefer the younger malt. Somewhat paradoxically, however, something really magical happens to the Laphroaig 30; but these days the price is prohibitive so now I drink beer.
Also, if you like Islay malts, don't forget Lagavulin, it's a bit less intense but has, I believe, the best aftertaste.
Other personal favorites:
Springbank 12
Macallan 18
Highland Park 18
YMMV