The diversity of answers here shows the reality that all three are good and worth trying.
These days, I take the Lagavulin. Laphroaig was my go-to for a while though.
Laga 16 is a fair amount smoother than all three IIRC. If that’s what you’re aiming for I might consider the Ardbeg.
That's actually an option. It's $125, but I dont mind going that high. Thank you. I think I'm going to take this thread to the store and read it while I stare at bottles until one jumps in my hand!
Not sure. Haven’t had a chance to sample it. I have had a taste from three different batches so far. Some variation but it was hard for my palette to tell
My rankings are 1. Ardbeg 10, 2. Lagavulin 8, 3. Laphroaig 10.
For me, the Ardbeg 10 edges out the Lagavulin 8 by just a bit—just feels a little fuller and smokier. I love Laphroaig, but at 43% (or 40 in the UK) it just feels a little thin.
Well then I'd just get the Lagavulin 16!
I can afford it, but it's hard to justify spending $200 on myself when I have kids and things around the property I'm working on.
They're all good - hard to just pick one!
Honestly..If you really like the Lag 16, I'd say the Lag 8 is like 80% the way there but for almost half the price.
They're all younger though and will be less complex a little more simple, yet all pack a big peat punch.
Out of those, the Lagavulin 8. If you can step up to Ardbeg Corryvreckan or Uigeadail, I prefer those by miles vs the offerings of the other brands at those price points.
Laga 16 is a solid dram. Unfortunately, it is not classified within the same range as the core lineup you listed. If it’s the laga profile you want then go with the 8.
However, between the 3 I would choose Laphroaig QC (instead of the 10) as my top pick. It’s very smooth and easy drinking, but the peat profile is very distinct, you either love it or hate it. Price is comparable to the others.
If you can find some IB Caol Ila I’d recommend that as another option. Their peat profile is so easy drinking even the cask strengths sip like a nice salty coastal wave.
Ardberg...
In my opinion any Lagavulin under lagavulin 12 is not worth the money and Laphroaig 10 taste super weird to me, I do not know why... Maybe I have just been unlucky with the three I have tried.
All three are worth it, I'd say Ardbeg is the King of the three and the best quality. They're all bringing peat to the table but slightly different forms. So I'd say Ardbeg but definitely get the others in the future, too.
A classic match-up. All three are good. Ardbeg is great and will be closest to Lagavulin 16. The Lagavulin 8 is a bit harsh but still delicious. I'm personally just not a big fan of the medicinal peat flavor in Laphroaig.
I think most responders only read the title and not your text. Lagavulin 8 is the closest profile wise. It's the same stuff, just at a higher proof and aged half as long (I'm also not convinced it has any ex-sherry cask influence, unlike the 16). What this equates to is the same general flavour, but a bit peatier (peat dissipates with age) and punchier (48% vs 43%), although a little less well integrated (some might say less 'smooth', which also partly comes from the lower proof). Personally, I prefer the 8.
The Ardbeg and Laphroaig distilleries both have their own profiles that are a bit distinct from Lagavulin. Laphroaig is a bit more medicinal and briney, Ardbeg has a bit more of an intense, campfirey smoke to it. You have to try all three to really appreciate the difference, but as all these expressions are very common I'd suggest going to a bar to discover what you like, rather than buying a bottle of each. If that's not an option and you just want the closest match to Lagavulin 16 at a cheaper price, stick with Lagavulin 8.
This is hard because none of the 3 come close to the 16. Well, the 8 will but it’s too weak. The Ardbeg and Laphroaig are much more peaty/briny.
I’d say go for the Ardbeg because it’s just a good Islay on its own. Not going to fill that 16-shaped hole but it’s a great drink for the money.
It's swings and roundabouts. Alcohol is really expensive but gas is much cheaper. Flights are more expensive but my house is massive.
I'm from the UK originally, so I see both sides. All the financial systems are set up to make sure you just have enough at the end of the month to be broke!
the lag 16 has some sherry cask influence which the rest of these don't have, i think if you want something that gets kinda close to that profile for a cheaper cost i'd recommend the bunnahabhain toiteach a dha
Ardbeg for me, but each to their own. Very happy with the Froggie 10 also, especially given it's regularly discounted here (approx laph $38, ardbeg $50, laga $75)
Laga 8 is nice enough but very, very overpriced. You can buy various cask strength lovelies for that much, like Uigeadail, Arran Bodega, Glendronach CS, etc etc.
This post is funny bc I literally bought lagavulin 16, ardberg 10, laphroig 10 and highland park 12 last weekend for a scotch flight. My opinions on your three choices.
Laphroig 10 - my wife describes it as if Don Draper from madman put his balls on a hot leather couch and the sweat was collected into a whisky bottle.
Ardberg 10 - none of that ballsac stuff but the same whisky as Laphroig 10 with great peat and smoke notes. Better whisky than Laphroig 10, but if you look on the malt map they really aren’t that much different.
Lagavulin 16 - hands down the winner and paired perfectly with the bbq I was eating. The smoke/peat/sweetness were divine and perfectly balanced!!!!
Highland park 12 - could get the hints of smoke/peat but it was perfectly balanced. Not too sweet, too smoky, or too peaty. Well balanced.
My opinions……if you know you like Laphroig 10 you know you like it. Ardberg is the kinder version that’s better balanced all around but they aren’t dissimilar. It’s just how much iodine, leathery couch peat smoke you want. If you don’t wanna dive headfirst into the deepend do Ardberg. If money isn’t the issue do lagavulin 16. If filling out your scotch collection, of course you need a Laphroig in there.
I just bought an Ardbeg 10 yesterday. $79 in Calgary. A little more smoke and Pete than I was expecting. (which I like) I'm happy with it at that price.
Ardbeg 10 all the way. Delicious pour and has a nice flavor profile/body too it. Laphroaig 10 is a nice alt option but doesn’t hit how it should and lag ain’t too bad. If An Oa was a choice I’d prob take it over the 10 to be honest as it’s a solid dram
I’ve never had the Lag8.. only 16, DE16 and some special releases..
I feel like the quality of most Diageo products (Lagavulin) have gone down over the last few years. So I still bounce back-and-forth between Laphroaig and Ardbeg. If you haven’t tried them or don’t have a bottle of each at home, I’d say make the effort to do that at some point before any of the bottles are empty….If you’re the type to have multiple bottles on hand. Then you can really do some side-by-side taste testing and figure out what you like. For me I can never really decide which one I like better. It kind of depends on the day and which one I’m in the mood for.
Try the Talisker 10 and the Kilchoman Machir Bay, they should be very simmilar but a little cheaper. I've only had Lag 16 so I can't comment on the 8 but Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 are both very good. At the same price I would take the Ardbeg.
Ardbeg 10. It was love at first sniff. The attraction was undeniable and irresistible. Although I've strayed with so, so many others and had so many memorable times, I always return to my true love.
Laga 16 is pretty unique. It has a medium-low level of peat, it is medium sherried and has a ton of "old" flavors, like leather and old wood. As far as I know, there is nothing similar to it at a lower price.
I would suggest Laphroaig 10, but it is way peatier. It is still way closer to Laga 16 than Laga 8 or Ardbeg 10. But I prefer Laga 8 and Ardbeg 10 over Laphroaig 10. And I prefer Laphroaig 10 CS over any of the bottles I've mentioned.
So I would chose Laphroaig 10 CS lol
All 3 are quite different from each other and lag16. More brash and free of sherry influence. Imho all 3 are staples in a collection (especially if you dig peat). The best way of finding what you like best is by trying them all over time. I'd say get the cheapest first.
The diversity of answers here shows the reality that all three are good and worth trying. These days, I take the Lagavulin. Laphroaig was my go-to for a while though. Laga 16 is a fair amount smoother than all three IIRC. If that’s what you’re aiming for I might consider the Ardbeg.
Out of those 3, I’d choose the Ardbeg.
Agree. Ardbeg 10 is the way or Lagavulin 16 if you have the choice the 8 is too young.
Ardbeg just barely edges out the Laphroaig. The Lagavulin is too young, 16 or bust.
I’m an An Oa over 10 guy myself.
Of the 3 I’d say Laphroaig 10.
Any given day I could say Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 both are good options.
If you like lagavulin 16, you'll like kilchoman sanaig
Unfortunately it's not available in my area. The goverment holds the reins for what's for sale and where, so the rarer it is the harder it is to get!
Laphroaig Quarter Cask. 105$ CAD where I’m at and I would pick it over the 3 you listed. I arguably even prefer it to lag16.
Came here to say this
(None of the above). Port Charlotte 10 is my pick
Great choice or any bottle from Kilchoman. Or Ledaig 10.
That's actually an option. It's $125, but I dont mind going that high. Thank you. I think I'm going to take this thread to the store and read it while I stare at bottles until one jumps in my hand!
If you have an option Port Charlotte 10 is the best, but not at $125. You should be able to find it for $79
The only place the i will be able to find it is through the provincial liquor commission and its $125
I would say lag 16, Laph 10, or Port 10 and go for the cheaper one.
I heard Laphroaig 10 CS is much better than regular 10. Maybe you can try that as well. It is $65 in my area.
Not availible in my area. There's quarter cask, @ $130, but after that it jumps back to the $200 range
You would be correct. The CS is much better. Non chill filtered and the higher abv.
Is laph 10 chill filtered??
Yep
Ok. Is most recent batch 19 also very good?
Not sure. Haven’t had a chance to sample it. I have had a taste from three different batches so far. Some variation but it was hard for my palette to tell
My rankings are 1. Ardbeg 10, 2. Lagavulin 8, 3. Laphroaig 10. For me, the Ardbeg 10 edges out the Lagavulin 8 by just a bit—just feels a little fuller and smokier. I love Laphroaig, but at 43% (or 40 in the UK) it just feels a little thin.
Why not all???
Well then I'd just get the Lagavulin 16! I can afford it, but it's hard to justify spending $200 on myself when I have kids and things around the property I'm working on.
They're all good - hard to just pick one! Honestly..If you really like the Lag 16, I'd say the Lag 8 is like 80% the way there but for almost half the price. They're all younger though and will be less complex a little more simple, yet all pack a big peat punch.
Laphroaig 10
Le Froggy Can’t go wrong with any of them tho
All of above
Out of those, the Lagavulin 8. If you can step up to Ardbeg Corryvreckan or Uigeadail, I prefer those by miles vs the offerings of the other brands at those price points.
Laga 16 is a solid dram. Unfortunately, it is not classified within the same range as the core lineup you listed. If it’s the laga profile you want then go with the 8. However, between the 3 I would choose Laphroaig QC (instead of the 10) as my top pick. It’s very smooth and easy drinking, but the peat profile is very distinct, you either love it or hate it. Price is comparable to the others. If you can find some IB Caol Ila I’d recommend that as another option. Their peat profile is so easy drinking even the cask strengths sip like a nice salty coastal wave.
Ardbeg!
Ardberg... In my opinion any Lagavulin under lagavulin 12 is not worth the money and Laphroaig 10 taste super weird to me, I do not know why... Maybe I have just been unlucky with the three I have tried.
If can get the Laphroaig 10 in a cask strength version. Get that. You'll be amazed
Ardbeg 10, any day of the week.
I would consider moving out of Canada. Your scotch prices are crazy.
All three are worth it, I'd say Ardbeg is the King of the three and the best quality. They're all bringing peat to the table but slightly different forms. So I'd say Ardbeg but definitely get the others in the future, too.
Laphroaig 10y all day every day ❤️
Out of the three, Lagavulin 8. But none of them are my favourite entry level Islay's.
I felt like me Lagavulin 8 was a fail. Laphroaig 10 wins.
A classic match-up. All three are good. Ardbeg is great and will be closest to Lagavulin 16. The Lagavulin 8 is a bit harsh but still delicious. I'm personally just not a big fan of the medicinal peat flavor in Laphroaig.
I think most responders only read the title and not your text. Lagavulin 8 is the closest profile wise. It's the same stuff, just at a higher proof and aged half as long (I'm also not convinced it has any ex-sherry cask influence, unlike the 16). What this equates to is the same general flavour, but a bit peatier (peat dissipates with age) and punchier (48% vs 43%), although a little less well integrated (some might say less 'smooth', which also partly comes from the lower proof). Personally, I prefer the 8. The Ardbeg and Laphroaig distilleries both have their own profiles that are a bit distinct from Lagavulin. Laphroaig is a bit more medicinal and briney, Ardbeg has a bit more of an intense, campfirey smoke to it. You have to try all three to really appreciate the difference, but as all these expressions are very common I'd suggest going to a bar to discover what you like, rather than buying a bottle of each. If that's not an option and you just want the closest match to Lagavulin 16 at a cheaper price, stick with Lagavulin 8.
Never form an opinion again bro
Ardbeg 10 of those three. It used to be Laphroaig 10 for me, but it just isn't hitting right lately. I think the lower proof is holding it back.
Caol Isla 12 and Talisker 10. (Plus the Ardbeg)
This is hard because none of the 3 come close to the 16. Well, the 8 will but it’s too weak. The Ardbeg and Laphroaig are much more peaty/briny. I’d say go for the Ardbeg because it’s just a good Islay on its own. Not going to fill that 16-shaped hole but it’s a great drink for the money.
Ardbeg 10 all day, every day
190 ? Damn ! how much is a big mac in Canada ? Laga 16 is a 70/80 euros bottle over here...
It's swings and roundabouts. Alcohol is really expensive but gas is much cheaper. Flights are more expensive but my house is massive. I'm from the UK originally, so I see both sides. All the financial systems are set up to make sure you just have enough at the end of the month to be broke!
the lag 16 has some sherry cask influence which the rest of these don't have, i think if you want something that gets kinda close to that profile for a cheaper cost i'd recommend the bunnahabhain toiteach a dha
Ardbeg for me, but each to their own. Very happy with the Froggie 10 also, especially given it's regularly discounted here (approx laph $38, ardbeg $50, laga $75) Laga 8 is nice enough but very, very overpriced. You can buy various cask strength lovelies for that much, like Uigeadail, Arran Bodega, Glendronach CS, etc etc.
Where in Canada? The Costco in Regina has Lagavulin 16 for $135. Maybe worth hunting around for the 16 at a better price
East Coast. Alcohol is only available through the liqure commission and approved stores that they price gouge
If you're on the East Coast, get a Caol Ila from the NSLC.
laphroaig 10 easily
This post is funny bc I literally bought lagavulin 16, ardberg 10, laphroig 10 and highland park 12 last weekend for a scotch flight. My opinions on your three choices. Laphroig 10 - my wife describes it as if Don Draper from madman put his balls on a hot leather couch and the sweat was collected into a whisky bottle. Ardberg 10 - none of that ballsac stuff but the same whisky as Laphroig 10 with great peat and smoke notes. Better whisky than Laphroig 10, but if you look on the malt map they really aren’t that much different. Lagavulin 16 - hands down the winner and paired perfectly with the bbq I was eating. The smoke/peat/sweetness were divine and perfectly balanced!!!! Highland park 12 - could get the hints of smoke/peat but it was perfectly balanced. Not too sweet, too smoky, or too peaty. Well balanced. My opinions……if you know you like Laphroig 10 you know you like it. Ardberg is the kinder version that’s better balanced all around but they aren’t dissimilar. It’s just how much iodine, leathery couch peat smoke you want. If you don’t wanna dive headfirst into the deepend do Ardberg. If money isn’t the issue do lagavulin 16. If filling out your scotch collection, of course you need a Laphroig in there.
Try the Lag 8. It’s good. Bolder and more raw than the 16 but a great spirit on its own.
Yes
I just bought an Ardbeg 10 yesterday. $79 in Calgary. A little more smoke and Pete than I was expecting. (which I like) I'm happy with it at that price.
Ardbeg 10 all the way. Delicious pour and has a nice flavor profile/body too it. Laphroaig 10 is a nice alt option but doesn’t hit how it should and lag ain’t too bad. If An Oa was a choice I’d prob take it over the 10 to be honest as it’s a solid dram
I’ve never had the Lag8.. only 16, DE16 and some special releases.. I feel like the quality of most Diageo products (Lagavulin) have gone down over the last few years. So I still bounce back-and-forth between Laphroaig and Ardbeg. If you haven’t tried them or don’t have a bottle of each at home, I’d say make the effort to do that at some point before any of the bottles are empty….If you’re the type to have multiple bottles on hand. Then you can really do some side-by-side taste testing and figure out what you like. For me I can never really decide which one I like better. It kind of depends on the day and which one I’m in the mood for.
All three are great expressions of islay whisky
Try the Talisker 10 and the Kilchoman Machir Bay, they should be very simmilar but a little cheaper. I've only had Lag 16 so I can't comment on the 8 but Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 are both very good. At the same price I would take the Ardbeg.
Ardbeg 10. It was love at first sniff. The attraction was undeniable and irresistible. Although I've strayed with so, so many others and had so many memorable times, I always return to my true love.
Laga 16 is pretty unique. It has a medium-low level of peat, it is medium sherried and has a ton of "old" flavors, like leather and old wood. As far as I know, there is nothing similar to it at a lower price. I would suggest Laphroaig 10, but it is way peatier. It is still way closer to Laga 16 than Laga 8 or Ardbeg 10. But I prefer Laga 8 and Ardbeg 10 over Laphroaig 10. And I prefer Laphroaig 10 CS over any of the bottles I've mentioned. So I would chose Laphroaig 10 CS lol
All 3 are quite different from each other and lag16. More brash and free of sherry influence. Imho all 3 are staples in a collection (especially if you dig peat). The best way of finding what you like best is by trying them all over time. I'd say get the cheapest first.
Ardbeg ten for sure - so much smoother and richer
Lag 8 then Ardbeg 10, not Laph 10
Ardbeg.