Laphroaig vs Ardbeg – The Ultimate Peated Whisky Comparison

Peated whisky is special in the world of drinks. Its smoky taste comes from burning peat while malting barley. This gives it a strong and memorable flavour. Two famous peated whiskies are Laphroaig and Ardbeg. But how are their taste, making process, and popularity different?

Key Takeaways

• Laphroaig has a strong, smoky taste with a medicine-like hint. It is great for people who enjoy bold flavours.

• Ardbeg is smoother and more balanced. It mixes smoky peat with sweet and fruity tastes, ideal for those who like layered flavours.

• Both whiskies show Islay's special character. Their unique tastes come from local peat, weather, and how they are made.

The Legacy of Laphroaig and Ardbeg

Laphroaig’s Rich History

Laphroaig started in 1815, founded by Donald and Alexander Johnston. It is located on Islay’s rocky coast. The name "Laphroaig" is Gaelic and shows its seaside origins. In the early days, it faced money problems and legal fights. By the late 1800s, its smoky taste gained many fans.

In 1954, Long John International bought the distillery and expanded it. This helped Laphroaig become famous worldwide. Its bold, smoky flavour makes it a top choice for whisky lovers.

Ardbeg’s Storied Past

Ardbeg began in the late 1700s when illegal whisky was common on Islay. In 1815, John MacDougall made it official by registering the distillery. Ardbeg had ups and downs, like making 1,100,000 litres in 1887 and closing during the 1930s Depression.

Big changes came in 1997 when Glenmorangie bought Ardbeg and improved it. In 2023, a cask from 1975 sold for £16 million. This sale showed how rare and valuable Ardbeg’s old whiskies are. Collectors and fans love its long history.

Their Modern-Day Influence

Today, Laphroaig and Ardbeg are big names in whisky. More people want high-quality spirits, boosting their fame. Their rare and creative whiskies attract collectors and fans.

Online shopping has made these whiskies easier to buy worldwide. Laphroaig’s strong taste and Ardbeg’s smooth balance keep whisky lovers excited. Both brands remain favourites in the world of peated whisky.

Flavour Profiles: A Peated Whisky Showdown

The Nose: Unique Smells

When you smell Laphroaig or Ardbeg, their scents stand out. Laphroaig hits you with strong peat smoke, like a seaside fire. It smells salty, with hints of seaweed and medicine. This gives it a bold and unique character. Ardbeg smells different but still smoky. It mixes peat with citrus, chocolate, and a little sweetness.

These whiskies have very different smells. Lore focuses on peat, making it bold. Uigeadail blends sweetness and sherry, creating a softer scent.

Whisky Nose Description

• Laphroaig: Strong peat, smoky wood, and salty air. The smell is bold and stays long after sniffing.

• Ardbeg: Heavy smoke and sea notes, like being by a beach fire.

The Palate: Smoky and Full of Flavour

The taste shows the real personality of these whiskies. Laphroaig tastes very smoky, with hints of medicine and the sea. It starts sweet but quickly turns to smoky wood and pepper. Its strong taste makes it a favourite for bold whisky fans.

Ardbeg tastes more balanced. Uigeadail mixes peat with sherry, giving it a rich flavour. Corryvreckan is bold, blending smoke and sea notes perfectly. Ardbeg’s whiskies are complex but not too strong for the tongue.

Islay whiskies, like Laphroaig and Ardbeg, are famous for their peat. Laphroaig has 35-40 PPM (phenol parts per million), giving it its smoky and medicinal taste. Ardbeg, with over 50 PPM, is even smokier and more refined.

The Finish: Memorable Tastes

The finish is what you remember after drinking. Laphroaig’s finish is long and warm, with flavours of cheese, salt, and pepper. It leaves a slight burn in your throat. Adding water can bring out hidden flavours.

Ardbeg’s finish, like in Uigeadail, is just as good. It changes from sweet smoke to sharp pepper and salt, leaving a smooth aftertaste. Islay’s weather and ageing process help create these finishes, making each sip special.

• People say pairing these whiskies with food improves the finish. For example, Laphroaig with gingerbread is unforgettable.

• Most whiskies have strong flavours, like spice or fruit, that affect their finish.

Laphroaig and Ardbeg have finishes for different tastes. Laphroaig is bold and smoky, while Ardbeg is more balanced and layered.

Production Methods: Making the Whisky

Peat and Malting Steps

Making Laphroaig and Ardbeg starts with peat, which gives them their smoky taste. Peat is a type of soil made from old plants. It is burned to dry barley, adding smoky flavours that make the whisky special.

Both brands use Islay’s peat, which has a sea-like influence. This gives Laphroaig a medicinal, iodine-like taste, while Ardbeg tastes earthier and smokier. The land, water, and weather of Islay affect the whisky’s flavour, a concept called 'terroir'.

Laphroaig still uses old-style floor malting for some barley. This hard work keeps its flavour consistent. Ardbeg buys malted barley with more phenols, making it smokier.

Tip: Think of peat as a spice. It adds layers of flavour to whisky.

Distilling and Ageing

Distilling and ageing are where whisky gets its magic. Both brands use copper pot stills, but they do things differently. Ardbeg uses Oregon pine washbacks, which add fruity and smoky flavours. Its distilling balances the smoky malt, making the whisky smooth.

Ageing is just as important. Barrels shape the whisky’s taste. Bourbon barrels add vanilla and coconut flavours. Sherry barrels bring dried fruit and spice. Laphroaig often uses bourbon barrels, boosting its smoky and medicinal taste. Ardbeg tries different barrels, like for Uigeadail, which mixes sherry and bourbon for a rich flavour.

Younger whiskies taste more like the distillery, while older ones take on barrel flavours. Both brands balance these well, making whiskies for all kinds of tastes.

Islay’s Weather and Whisky

Islay’s weather plays a big role in making Laphroaig and Ardbeg. The island’s cool, wet weather and salty air are perfect for whisky ageing. These conditions slow down ageing, letting the whisky develop deep flavours.

The Kilbride Stream gives mineral-rich water, which helps fermentation, especially for Laphroaig. The island’s soil and peat also add to the whisky’s unique taste. The humid air and changing weather help the whisky soak up flavours from the wood, making it smoother.

When you drink an Islay whisky, remember it carries the island’s wild weather and rugged land.

Picking Between Laphroaig and Ardbeg

For Smoke Lovers: Laphroaig’s Boldness

If you enjoy strong smoky tastes, Laphroaig is for you. Its heavy peat flavour stands out in every sip. The whisky has a medicinal taste, like iodine, making it unique. You might also taste seaweed and salty air, showing its seaside roots.

Laphroaig’s boldness is perfect for those who like strong flavours. It’s a favourite for experienced whisky fans. If you want a whisky that feels like Islay’s wild coast, Laphroaig is a great choice.

For Balanced Whisky Fans: Ardbeg’s Layers

Ardbeg gives a smoother and more layered experience. Its whiskies mix smoky peat with other flavours, creating depth. Each type of Ardbeg whisky offers something special.

Ardbeg Ten

Starts sweet with vanilla, then turns smoky and iodine-like.

Ardbeg Uigeadail

Begins with honey and toffee, then shifts to smoke, ash, and dried fruit.

Ardbeg Twenty One

Combines ripe fruit and smoke, with a smooth, velvety texture.

Ardbeg’s variety suits those who like complex flavours. Whether you enjoy Uigeadail’s sweetness or Twenty One’s balance, there’s an Ardbeg for you. Its mix of smoke and other tastes makes it both easy to enjoy and refined.

Pick Laphroaig for strong smoke or Ardbeg for softer layers. New whisky drinkers might like Ardbeg’s smoothness. Experienced fans may prefer Laphroaig’s bold taste. Both whiskies honour Islay’s whisky-making traditions.

FAQ

What makes Laphroaig and Ardbeg stand out from other whiskies?

They use Islay peat, giving a smoky taste. Laphroaig tastes bold and medicinal. Ardbeg is smoother and has more balanced flavours.

Can beginners enjoy smoky whiskies like Laphroaig or Ardbeg?

Yes, they can. Beginners should try Ardbeg Ten first. Its balanced taste is easier to enjoy than Laphroaig’s strong smokiness.

How should you drink Laphroaig or Ardbeg?

Drink them plain to taste everything. Add water to make the flavours softer. Eating food with them makes the experience better.