Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10 | Top of the Peats, which is best?

Last updated on August 13th, 2024

As a whisky lover, I’m always looking for ways to explore and expand my palate. Today’s exploration is one that many Scotch whisky fans have ventured into before me – the comparison of Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10.

These two Islay single malt whiskies are some of the most popular peated malts on the market today, but how do they compare? In this article, I’ll be diving deep into these two expressions to uncover their differences in order to help you decide which one is right for you.

These both being Islay whiskies means peat heavily features in the flavour profile of these whiskies.

Peaty whisky is polarising as it can be an acquired taste. Many veteran whisky drinkers either love or hate peated whisky. The smoky and medicinal notes from the peat can be too intense for some palates, while others find it incredibly enjoyable. Furthermore, the intensity of the flavour varies greatly depending on how long the barley is exposed to the smoke before the distillation process begins. This means that even peaty whiskies within the same category can differ drastically in their levels of intensity.

If you’re a seasoned peated whisky drinker or intrigued to give them a go for the first time this article will help you establish if Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 is best for you.

Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10: Quick look comparison

Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10: Ardbeg 10 review

Ardbeg 10 is an extraordinary single-malt whisky featuring a unique and inviting aroma. Its bouquet of creamy vanilla leads the way to its peat capped with citrus fruits and circled by clouds of sea spray, transporting you to the Islay coast. Aromas of sweet smoke, leather and a hint of oak can be detected as well as a subtle sweetness from the ex-bourbon oak barrels over which it has been matured for 10 years.

The taste of Ardbeg 10 is complex, made up of a harmonious blend of sweet vanilla and sharp citrusy notes such as lemon and lime, with an unmistakable smoky peatiness that is strongest on the finish. The finish is long and luxurious with caramel nuances and smoky notes reminiscent of a beach bonfire.

Ardbeg 10 displays a unique and refreshing savouriness to the flavour, with a salty sea-air tang that characterises the Islay region. Its peaty notes are intense, yet balanced by sweet undertones of vanilla and citrus fruits. These sweeter aspects appear first on the nose and are followed by a smoky complexity that resonates on the palate.

The classic beach bonfire finish is deep and long-lasting, marrying together salty sea spray with smoky sweetness. The ex-Bourbon oak in which it was matured gives Ardbeg 10 its smooth texture and full-bodied taste.

Thanks to its 92 proof/ABV46%, Ardbeg 10 has a light mouthfeel that allows each flavour note to shine through without being overpowering or too intense on the palate. It’s no wonder Ardbeg 10 is one of the most popular Islay whiskies on the market today – its perfect balance between smokey notes, sweetness and subtle oakiness makes it incredibly enjoyable for whisky lovers both beginners and veterans alike.

Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10: Laphroaig 10 review

Laphroaig 10 is often referred to as the ‘Marmite’ of whiskies for it’s intense and divisive flavours. On the nose, this whisky offers strong peaty notes with a hint of spices, liquorice and salt. In recent years, the underlying sweetness has become more pronounced, however, there is still that unmistakable iodine/sticking plasters aroma accompanied by wood smoke.

The palate is a symphony of scents that range from sweet vanilla ice cream to notes from the first aid box including TCP and plasters. The oak is bold and assertive on your palate with an upsurge of spices such as cardamom, black pepper and chilli. This whisky has a fiery kick to it which adds some excitement to its unique flavour profile, while at the same time leaving a furry texture in your mouth that dries out the roof of your mouth.

The finish of this beverage exudes a robust aroma with hints of tar and brine, which intensifies as it develops an enticing complexity. With 80 proof/40% ABV, Laphroaig 10 sits on the lower end of the alcohol scale for whisky making it more accessible for those looking to venture into whisky tasting without being too overwhelming or intense.

In summary, Laphroaig 10 is known as ‘the Marmite’ of whiskies due to its intense peaty taste matched with subtle undertones of sweetness that can polarise opinions between whisky enthusiasts. With an exciting flavour profile ranging from spicy notes to sweet vanilla ice-cream aromas – as well as an ABV strength that allows each flavour note to shine through – Laphroaig 10 certainly won’t disappoint!

Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10: The Comparison

Both Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 offer a complex mix of smoky peaty flavours with sweet undertones of vanilla and citrus fruits. The ex-Bourbon oak in which both whiskies have been matured provide a full-bodied taste and smooth texture. Both whisky’s finishes are deep, long-lasting and marry together salty sea spray with smoky sweetness.

The main difference between the two lies in their intensity; whereas Ardbeg 10 is light on the palate, Laphroaig 10 has an assertive woodiness accompanied by a punchy spicy kick. Ardbeg 10 also has a higher ABV of 92 proof/46%, compared to Laphroaig’s 80 proof/40%.

This makes Ardbeg 10 more intense on the palate than its counterpart, allowing each flavour note to shine through without being overwhelming or too strong. On the other hand, its lower ABV makes Laphroaig 10 more accessible for those who are just starting out in whisky tasting. In summary, while Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 both offer complex smoky peaty flavours with subtle sweet undertones, they differ primarily in terms of intensity and ABV strength.

Ardbeg 10 is light on the palate yet intense in flavour thanks to its higher alcohol content, while Laphroaig 10 offers an assertive woodiness that mellows out to reveal subtle sweetness beneath the spicier notes – all thanks to its lower ABV strength.

Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10: Food Pairings

Food pairing with whisky is a great way to enhance the flavour of both the whisky and the food. The flavours in a whisky can be incredibly complex, so it’s important to find complementary ingredients to bring out different notes and layers within the spirit.

When paired with certain foods, Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 can each become even more dynamic on your taste buds. As tasting spirits is as much about appreciating their complexity as it is about enjoyment, food pairing helps to bring out some of these nuances that might normally go unnoticed.

Additionally, opting for specific snacks or dishes when consuming Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 permits you to enjoy different flavour profiles from the same whisky – pairings such as sweet treats for Ardbeg’s sweeter smokiness or warm hearty dishes for Laphroaig’s peaty punch increase variety without having to purchase other bottles!

Whisky-food pairings aren’t just limited to classic ‘light bites’ either – they can also be incorporated into main courses too; smokey barbecue salmon goes particularly well with a glass of Islay Scotch like Ardbeg.

Pairing Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 with food can be a fantastic way to enhance the flavour of both the whisky and food, as the taste of each is transformed by the presence of the other.

For example, pairing Ardbeg 10 with a rich chocolate dessert such as a chocolate mud cake brings out sweet, smoky notes in the whisky, while allowing its signature citrusy notes to shine through.

Similarly, Laphroaig 10 pairs perfectly with a strong blue cheese such as Roquefort, allowing its intense peaty notes to soften and creating a delicious harmony between both flavours.

Foods that are naturally salty are great to pair with either whiskies as they help to bring out their unique savoury aspect, providing balance to their sweeter notes.

Aged cheeses such as Parmesan or mature cheddar work particularly well with either whisky due to their creamy texture and intense flavour.

Similarly, steak tartare is a great dish for matching Laphroaig 10 due to its savouriness and freshness.

In addition to savoury dishes, sweet desserts can be used to bring out different aspects of these whiskies too. For Ardbeg 10 this could mean contrasting against something light like apple tarte tatin – allowing its darker more complex flavours to stand out without being overpowered by sweetness.

With Laphroaig 10, opting for something more indulgent like crème brûlée would provide balance between its smokiness and subtle sweetness while still allowing those core flavours of iodine and TCP aromas to come through.

Overall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing food with either Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10; from classic cheese dishes like macaroni cheese or grilled halloumi – which bring out their smoothness – through to traditional steak dishes which favourably complement their robust smoky taste. The key is experimenting with different combinations until you find what works best for you!

Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10: Cocktails

When it comes to creative cocktail concoctions, incorporating peated whisky can be a great way to spice up a classic drink. Peat is a natural product made up of decomposed organic matter and adds a distinct smoky flavour to your cocktails. For those looking to experiment with their mixology skills, peated whiskies such as Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 are perfect candidates for adding an extra kick of flavour!

When adding peated whisky to classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, the smokiness from the whisky helps to elevate these drinks in ways that other spirits simply can’t.

The smoky notes complemented by the other ingredients create an entirely new kind of flavour profile that’s sure to delight anyone who takes a sip. Additionally, due to its complexity, this type of whisky makes for an excellent ingredient in whiskey sours and Pina Coladas – classic tiki drinks with more depth than their original versions.

Furthermore, when used in modern twists on traditional classics like the Smokey Negroni, Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 can really add something special – transforming ordinary cocktails into truly unique experiences. Just one ounce of either type of whisky brings out complex layers within the flavours of the classic gin-based beverage; sweet notes mingle with earthy aromas creating an unforgettable taste sensation!

Finally, peated whiskies like Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 can also be used in hot drinks like Irish coffees and hot buttered rums for those looking for something extra special during colder months. Adding just a splash of either spirit not only enhances the heat of these beverages but also creates some wonderful wintery undertones that are truly delightful!

Overall, adding peated whiskies like Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 to classic cocktail recipes is one way to spruce them up and give them unique character that’ll impress even the most discerning connoisseurs! Experimenting with different combinations will help you find recipes that work best for your palate – so don’t be afraid to try something new!

Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10: Final Thoughts

When it comes to Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10, the decision of which whisky is better is ultimately up to personal preference. Both of these Islay single malts offer complex, smoky flavours and aromas, making them a great choice for any whisky enthusiast.

Ardbeg 10 has a medium-bodied character with intense peatiness and an explosion of flavour on the palate. It has an ABV of 46% and has a smokiness that can be detected in every sip.

In terms of aroma, Ardbeg 10 has notes of sweet vanilla and oak that are complemented by hints of leather, tobacco and bitter chocolate. Meanwhile, Laphroaig 10 has aromas reminiscent of seaweed and iodine along with smoky peat smoke and oak woodiness.

Both whiskies are excellent sipping spirits that make for perfect after dinner drinks or nightcaps but they also work well in classic cocktail recipes like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Whisky Sours, Pina Coladas and Hot Buttered Rums (Whiskys). The bolder flavours of Laphroaig 10 tend to pair better with richer cocktails while the lighter notes from Ardbeg 10 make it an ideal complement for sweeter mixers like pineapple juice or cream liqueurs. Ultimately, it all boils down to individual preference – so whether it’s Ardbeg or Laphroaig you decide to go with depends entirely on what kind of experience you’re looking for when enjoying your favourite malt whisky!

Authors pick

When it comes to whisky, I’m a big fan of Laphroaig 10 year old. With its intense peatiness and smoky aroma, it’s one of the most flavourful whiskies out there. The aroma is a complex combination of seaweed, iodine, peat smoke and oak woodiness – all of which come together for an incredibly aromatic experience.

On the palate, Laphroaig 10 has a robust flavour that goes beyond typical smoky notes. It has an oily texture with hints of sweet vanilla and caramel underneath the smoke, making it incredibly smooth and enjoyable.

Overall, Laphroaig 10 is a great Scotch whisky for those who are looking for something bolder and more complex in flavour than what you’d typically find in other single malts.

If you are interested in learning more about Ardbeg and Laphroaig we have another article review several expression from each brand here.