Ardbeg vs Laphroaig | Which Islay whisky is best?

Last updated on August 13th, 2024

As a whisky enthusiast, I’ve always been curious about Ardbeg vs Laphroaig whiskies. Both brands have a long history of producing some of the finest Islay single malt Scotch whiskies in the world. Ardbeg is known for its smoky and peaty notes while Laphroaig has an unmistakable medicinal character that sets it apart from other brands.

In this article, we will compare Ardbeg vs Laphroaig to help you decide which one is best suited for your taste preferences.

I think the best way to do this is to review a selection of comparable whiskies from across both their ranges. From the entry level drams through to their premium, high end 25 year old expressions. And from there we’ll choose our top pick in the battle of Ardbeg vs Laphroaig.

Whisky from Islay is known for its trademark smoky, peaty character. Ardbeg and Laphroaig are renowned for producing some of the finest Islay single malt Scotch whiskies in the world. The heavy peat content within Ardbeg and Laphroaig whiskies is what sets them apart from other whisky distilleries.

Peat is made up of partially decomposed organic matter that has accumulated over time in bogs, lakes and marshes. This organic material consists mostly of mosses, sedges, grasses and other plants that have been compressed by water over thousands of years. Ardbeg and Laphroaig use locally-sourced peat to give their whisky a unique smoky flavor profile.

The peat used in Ardbeg and Laphroaig whiskies is specially chosen to match the distinct personalities of each brand; Ardbeg’s peat has a fruity sweetness while Laphroaig has an intense medicinal character. Ardbeg’s ‘Wee Beastie’ and ‘An Oa’ both contain 10ppm of phenolic compounds derived from their smokey peat source, whereas Laphroaig Select contains 25ppm for a more intense smokey flavour.

Ultimately, Ardbeg vs Laphroaig is a battle between two very different styles of whisky; Ardbeg with its lighter smokier style and Laphroaig with its intense medicinal character provided by their local peat sources. Whichever you choose will depend on your taste preferences – but one thing’s for sure: you won’t be disappointed!

Ardbeg vs Laphroaig: Category Winners

Ardbeg vs Laphroaig: Ardbeg Wee Beastie vs Laphroaig Select

Our first comparison in the battle between Ardbeg vs Laphroaig is the two entry level whiskies in the brand’s ranges: Wee Beastie and Select.

Flavour comparisons: Ardbeg vs Laphroaig (Wee Beastie/Select)

The Ardbeg Wee Beastie is known for its smoky sweet flavour profile, characterized by notes of sea spray, rock pools, smoked malt and damp bonfire wood. Waves of sweet and vegetal smoke are complemented by brown sugar, pear drops and vanilla to create a pleasant sweetness.

Meanwhile, the Laphroaig Select has a classic medicinal peat character intertwined with subtle citrus and chocolate-y sweetness while the barley grounds it all.

On the palate, Ardbeg’s whisky is bursting with citrus oils, orchard fruits, dark berry tartness and peppery steak & creosote for extra depth of flavour – complemented by hints of clove and liquorice for a juicy finish.

On the other hand, Laphroaig Select offers an earthy peat note in the background allowing brighter flavours such as lemon, green apple and mint to come through before baking spice nuances gradually emerge on the palate.

Price Comparison

Ardbeg Wee Beastie and Laphroaig Select are both entry level whiskies in their respective brands’ ranges. Ardbeg’s whisky hails from Islay, Scotland, while Laphroaig’s offering originates from the same region. Ardbeg is renowned for its smoky sweet flavour profile, while Laphroaig is distinguished by its classic medicinal peat character. Both whiskies also have a great price point that allows them to be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

The Ardbeg Wee Beastie has a 5 year age statement, and is matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks before being bottled at 82 proof/ 47ABV%. Priced at £36.45/$44, Ardbeg’s offering offers an experience of waves of sweet and vegetal smoke combined with hints of brown sugar, pear drops and vanilla for an incredibly smoky experience that is akin to standing beside a roaring seaside bonfire. The palate reveals citrus oils, orchard fruits, dark berry tartness as well as pepper steak & creosote for extra depth of flavour – not forgetting subtle hints of clove and liquorice. For an added juicy finish, lychee & peach give you just enough oomph as salted caramel tops it off with a rich, explosive mouthfeel and unbelievably long-lasting oiliness.

Laphroaig on the other hand does not have an age statement (NAS) but is instead finished off with a number of different types of cask including Oloroso Sherry butts, white American oak, Pedro Ximenez seasoned hoggies, Quarter casks and first fill bourbon casks before bottling at 80 proof/ 40 ABV%. At only £31/$37.54 this whisky is remarkably affordable yet still offers an incredibly nuanced experience; upon tasting one can expect a symphony of classic medicinal peat notes entwined by subtle citrus and chocolate-y sweetness while the barley grounds it all. On the palate there are earthy notes of peat lingering in the background allowing bright lemon, green apple and mint flavours to shine through before baking spice nuances eventually emerge to leave you with medium length finish full of peat until it fades away.

In conclusion Ardbeg vs Laphroaig: Ardbeg Wee Beastie vs Laphroaig Select offer two entry level whiskies that are both reasonably priced and offer a great entry point for new burgeoning whisky enthusiasts get started!

Our Pick

The Ardbeg Wee Beastie is a more sophisticated and refined whisky than the Laphroaig Select. Ardbeg’s offering stands out with its unique flavour profile characterised by notes of sea spray, rock pools, smoked malt, damp bonfire wood and brown sugar. Compared to the Laphroaig Select which has a classic medicinal peat character intertwined with subtle citrus and chocolate-y sweetness, Ardbeg’s Wee Beastie is much sweeter and offers a great smoky experience that is akin to standing beside a roaring seaside bonfire.

On the palate Ardbeg’s whisky is bursting with citrus oils, orchard fruits, dark berry tartness and peppery steak & creosote for extra depth of flavour – complemented by hints of clove and liquorice for a juicy finish. Additionally, Ardbeg’s whisky has an age statement of 5 years which allows for more complexity in taste as well as more robust flavours such as lychee & peach giving you just enough oomph as salted caramel tops it off with a rich, explosive mouthfeel and unbelievably long-lasting oiliness.

Overall Ardbeg Wee Beastie provides an experience that is smooth yet powerful and refined while also being incredibly affordable – something that’s hard to find in this range of whiskies. It also serves as a great entry point for youthful whisky enthusiasts due to its sweet yet smoky flavours as well as its comprehensive complexity in contrast to the simpler profile of Laphroaig Select.

Ardbeg vs Laphroaig: An Oa/Quarter Cask

Flavour Comparison

When it comes to whisky, Ardbeg and Laphroaig are two of the heavyweights in the industry. Ardbeg’s An Oa and Laphroaig’s Quarter Cask are particularly highly regarded and sought after, offering rich and nuanced flavour profiles that will delight any whisky enthusiast.

Ardbeg An Oa has a creamy, sweet flavour with notes of butterscotch, fennel seed, tobacco leaf and Honey Nut Clusters. Hints of mixed boiled sweets linger on the palate while a subtle citrus note resonates throughout like a flourless orange cake. Ardbeg’s fusion of Pedro Ximénez, charred virgin oak and ex-bourbon casks creates a waxy mouthfeel that gives Ardbeg its distinctive character. The finish is smoky with treacle intertwining with the subtle hint of peanut brittle for an unforgettable experience.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask follows suit with an aroma of buttery oil, toffee, nuts and hickory balanced with flavours of bicarbonate of soda, rum-soaked raisins and zestful ice cream. Upon tasting this whisky you will be surprised by its wave of sweetness which combines fiery chilli heat, TCP sweet cereals and just enough cola syrup to make it perfect blend. The second maturation takes place in smaller quarter-sized casks allowing the spirit to have more contact with wood giving it its signature full bodied yet smooth mouthfeel. The finish is full of delectable fruit notes intertwined with smooth custard undertones and a lingering smoke reminiscent of cigars. This 5 year old masterpiece is packed full of flavour!

Both Ardbeg An Oa at 81.5 proof / 46.6% ABV and Laphroaig Quarter Cask at 84 proof / 48% ABV offer remarkable whisky experiences that live up to their reputations as fine single malt scotches – no matter which one you choose you won’t be disappointed!

Price Comparison

There really isn’t much in the price difference between these two whiskies, just £3. So here we have two mid-level everyday dram whiskies.

Ardbeg An Oa and Laphroaig Quarter Cask are both great options if you’re looking for a high-quality whisky experience on a budget. Ardbeg An Oa boasts an incredible mix of complex flavours, with notes of butterscotch, fennel seed, tobacco leaf and Honey Nut Clusters intermingling in perfect harmony. At just £43.90/$53, Ardbeg An Oa offers a truly remarkable whisky experience without breaking the bank.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask is another great pick for those looking for exceptional taste without breaking the bank. This 5 year old whisky has an aroma of buttery oil, toffee, nuts and hickory balanced with flavours of bicarbonate of soda, rum-soaked raisins and zestful ice cream. The second maturation takes place in smaller quarter-sized casks allowing the spirit to have more contact with wood giving it its signature full bodied yet smooth mouthfeel. The finish is full of delectable fruit notes intertwined with smooth custard undertones and a lingering smoke reminiscent of cigars – all at just £40.90/$49.50!

When it comes to value for money Ardbeg An Oa and Laphroaig Quarter Cask are unbeatable – offering exceptional flavour profiles that will leave you wanting more but at wallet-friendly prices.

Our Pick

For me, Laphroaig Quarter Cask offers the perfect balance between complexity and affordability – offering outstanding taste at an accessible price point.

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Laphroaig. Its unique flavour profile has captivated me from the first time I tried it, and I have enjoyed exploring its many nuances ever since. It has this heavy smokiness that lingers on your tongue, perfectly balanced with sweet notes of caramel and toffee and hints of spice – making it an unforgettable whisky experience.

What’s more, the fact that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it is just icing on the cake! The Laphroaig Quarter Cask offers all these amazing qualities at a very reasonable price, especially considering its 5 year maturation period. This is what really makes Laphroaig stand out as one of my favourites.

The Ardbeg An Oa is a fine dram as well, but for me there’s something about the smoky complexity of Laphroaig that sets it apart from other whiskies. It’s definitely worth tasting if you’re looking for an exceptional whisky experience.

With its mix of intense aromas, delicate textures, subtle sweetness and lingering smokiness it stands out as one of the best value single malt scotches on the market today!

Ardbeg vs Laphroaig: The 10 year olds

Flavour profiles

When it comes to Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10, there are a few key distinctions that set them apart. Ardbeg’s offering is more complex, featuring notes of creamy vanilla, zesty citrus fruits, smoky bonfire aromas and a hint of salty ocean mist. On the other hand, Laphroaig 10 has a more pronounced smokiness with peaty notes and hints of saltiness and spices. Ardbeg 10 is characterised by its light mouthfeel and an infinite flavour of caramel mixed with the smoky aroma of a beach bonfire; whereas Laphroaig 10 has an intense kick from its tongue-tingling spicy notes and sandpaper-like consistency.

Both Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 are matured in ex-bourbon barrels which gives their signature robustness.

The use of ex-bourbon barrels in Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 whiskies provides a unique flavour profile. Ardbeg 10 is characterised by its light mouthfeel and an infinite flavour of caramel mixed with the smoky aroma of a beach bonfire, while Laphroaig 10 has an intense kick from its tongue-tingling spicy notes and sandpaper-like consistency.

The ex-bourbon barrels used to mature Ardbeg 10 provide a sweet and creamy vanilla flavour that enhances the complex smokey aroma of Ardbeg. The whisky also has hints of zesty citrus fruits along with salty ocean mist. On the other hand, ex-bourbon barrels used to mature Laphroaig 10 offer a more pronounced smokiness with peaty notes and hints of saltiness and spices. This combination creates an array of heady aromatics such as tar, brine, and a hint of robustness which tickle your senses after each sip.

In addition to providing unique flavours, these ex-bourbon barrels also contribute to Ardbeg 10’s sweet vanilla, sour lemon and lime flavours complemented by the iconic smoky essence of Ardbeg. The same applies for Laphroaig 10’s vanilla ice cream to the medical medley of TCP and plasters. The oak flavour is strong yet inviting with hints of cardamom, black pepper and chilli.

Overall, using ex-bourbon casks helps Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 deliver remarkable whisky experiences that live up to their reputations as fine single malt scotches. From Ardbeg’s light sweetness complemented by the iconic smoky essence in each sip or Laphroaig’s robust peaty notes making way for subtle nuances such as vanilla ice cream – both whiskies provide an exceptional world awaiting exploration one sip at a time.

Price Comparison

When it comes to Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10, the price tags are quite similar – Ardbeg 10 is priced at £42.90/$52 and for Laphroaig 10 you will have to shell out £37.75/$46. This is indicative of the fact that both whiskies offer great value for money.

When it comes to Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10, both whiskies offer excellent value for money as these are very accessible priced whiskies with a reasonable age to them. Ardbeg 10 has an age of ten years while Laphroaig 10 has been aged for the same period of time.

Both whiskies offer an explosion of flavour each sip, with Ardbeg 10 featuring sweet and creamy vanilla flavours along with smoky aromas from bonfires, and Laphroaig 10 offering peaty notes, hints of saltiness and spices coupled with an array of heady aromatics like tar, brine and robustness. Despite their difference in strength, Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 both provide remarkable whisky experiences that live up to their reputations as fine single malt scotches.

So if you are looking for a whisky with great taste and value for money then Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 should be your pick! With each sip, you will explore deeper through its inviting flavours, captivating aromas and remarkable complexity taking your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Our Pick

My favourite whisky is Laphroaig 10 because of its unique and intense flavour profile. It has an age of ten years, matured in ex-bourbon barrels which provides a robustness to the whiskyy. It also features peaty notes, hints of saltiness and spices along with an array of heady aromatics like tar, brine and robustness.

The vanilla ice cream is a delicious addition that takes my taste buds on an unforgettable journey each time I take a sip! In addition to providing great flavours, it also offers excellent value for money at £37.75/$46 – making it one of the best whiskies available today!

With every sip, I’m more captivated by its complexity and richness. If you are looking for a whisky with amazing character and depth then Laphroaig 10 should definitely be your pick!

If you are keen to read more about this comparison check out our full review on Ardbeg 10 vs Laphroaig 10

Ardbeg vs Laphroaig: The 25 year olds

Flavour Comparison

When it comes to flavour comparison, Ardbeg 25 year old and Laphroaig 25 year old are two excellent whiskies. Ardbeg offers an aromatic smoke cream, peppermint and toffee mix with Ardbeg’s signature fennel and pine resin. It has a vibrant explosion of sherbet lemons that slowly fades into creamy notes of aniseed, toffee and chilli pepper for a smooth finish.

On the other hand, Laphroaig has a delicate blend of sweet vanilla, hearty wood spice and smoky TCP with smoked bacon enhancements. It gives you a one-of-a-kind flavour experience with fiery pepperiness, spikiness and smokiness along with mild tartness from green apples.

Both Ardbeg and Laphroaig have smooth finishes but Ardbeg’s is more elegant while Laphroaig’s is layered with spices. Ardbeg is 80 proof/46% ABV while Laphroaig is 90 proof/51.9% ABV which indicates the higher alcohol content in Laphroaig. Ardbeg is aged in ex-bourbon oak casks whereas Laphroaig is aged in European oak oloroso sherry and American white oak ex-bourbon casks which adds complexity to their individual flavours.

Price Comparison

Ardbeg 25 year old and Laphroaig 25 year old are both expensive investments compared to a normal whisky. Ardbeg’s price tag of £817/$989 and Laphroaig’s price tag of £450/$545 means that these two whiskies are only for those who seek the highest quality in their whisky drinking experience.

The added ageing time also plays a role in why Ardbeg 25-year-old and Laphroaig 25-year-old are expensive luxuries as they have been aged much longer than most other whiskies. The longer ageing period creates added complexity on top of the craftsmanship used to create them such as using specific cask types or pure ingredients like water sources or malted barley that gives each whisky its unique flavour profile.

In conclusion, Ardbeg vs Laphroaig 25 year olds are great investments if you’re looking for an exceptional whisky drinking experience but be prepared to pay for it!

Whilst the Laphroaig is available to purchase with new editions of the 25 year old released every year. The Ardbeg 25 year olds are released intermittently and if you are looking to purchase you have to register with “The Ardbeg Outpost“. Where you will be notify of the next release.

Our pick

I’m a huge fan of Laphroaig 25 year old whisky. The aroma alone is enough to make me fall in love, as it’s a delicate blend of sweet vanilla, hearty wood spice, and smoky TCP that is further elevated by the subtle hints of dried fruit and smoked bacon. The flavour is even more enthralling, as I get a one-of-a-kind experience with fiery pepperiness, spikiness and smokiness balanced out by mild tartness from green apples.

The mouthfeel is rich and round, with a luscious layered smokey wave that carries a spicy finish. It’s aged for 25 years in European oak oloroso sherry and American white oak ex-bourbon casks which adds complexity to the already pleasant flavour. Laphroaig also has a higher alcohol content at 90 proof/51.9% ABV than Ardbeg which means you can taste it more distinctly after every sip.

The price tag of £450/$545 might be steep for some but it’s worth it in my opinion because this whisky really stands out amongst the rest with its exquisite flavour profile and smooth finish. Ardbeg 25 year old might be twice the price but I’m still a sucker for anything Laphroaig.