Ardbeg 5 Wee Beastie VS Lagavulin 8 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Round 1)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 พ.ค. 2020
  • In this video Erik Wait compares the Ardbeg 5 Wee Beastie with the Lagavulin 8 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Round 1).
    If you want to watch more of my Islay whisky reviews check out my playlist: • ISLAY SCOTCH WHISKY
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    THIS VIDEO IS INTENDED ONLY FOR VIEWERS WHO ARE OF LEGAL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DRINKING AGE IN THEIR COUNTRY.

ความคิดเห็น • 69

  • @thomasb1813
    @thomasb1813 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I’ve never had an Ardbeg that I didn’t like.

  • @jackthepickledhound
    @jackthepickledhound ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Two years later......the Lag 8 has improved even more. The Wee Beastie, almost 2 years down to the top of the label and it's still a big meaty nose, simple punch of ashy green fruits on the palate and a minty finish.
    I love my rye, but I don't always dig that mint.
    The Lag, which I decanted into a 375ml, God knows when, is now a sweeter rounder much more integrated dram.
    I haven't had a 10 year old Islay whisky open in quite a while so this is a nice head to head of some dusty bottles.
    I really enjoyed this series you did way back when, and then the sherry was awesome too. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you!!!!

  • @freddiejones4598
    @freddiejones4598 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    The lagavulin 16 is probably my favourite scotch whiskey

  • @agrainofmalt
    @agrainofmalt 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Enjoy this head to head, Erik! And that fact you're revisiting the bottle once it has been opened for a bit... definitely one I expect to change. Can't wait til I can find a bottle near me.

  • @lh8372
    @lh8372 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Can’t wait to try both! Digging Islay malts. Love your vids, keep it up.

  • @cliffnorman178
    @cliffnorman178 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Another great comparison review. Really like the Lagavulin 8 and look forward to trying the Ardbeg 5. Thanks Erik.

  • @theorangevestarmy4255
    @theorangevestarmy4255 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Ardbeg 5👍

  • @flying_hussar3034
    @flying_hussar3034 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I am really curious about this Ardbeg. Hopefully it will be available here in the UK soon. Nice comparison Erik

  • @mistermalt3234
    @mistermalt3234 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Interesting Review. I had a bottle of the Lagavulin 8 and I was not impressed. In the moment i have a Bunnahabhain Stoaisha 4 y old in my glass. This is big fun for peat lovers. Cheers mate.

  • @courtcomposer
    @courtcomposer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Erik. What I love about the 8 is the doughy/cereal character unique to the 8 and the 12.

  • @Jameus01
    @Jameus01 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Really great review, Erik! I'm excited to try and pick up a Wee Beastie! I too am an Ardbeg lover, but the few Lagavulin bottles I've tried are also very good. It would appear that the choice to age in sherry casks in addition to the bourbon really helped the Ardbeg develop more flavor at such a young age. Thanks for doing this side by side for us.

    • @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies
      @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I have at least two more competitors that will be going up against the Ardbeg Wee Beastie, so stay tuned!

  • @matthewjryan4574
    @matthewjryan4574 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great review ! i really love them both...i am a true lagavulin lover at heart but i do have a strong soft spot for ardbeg. saying that i agree its a real back and forth what one could be better.

  • @zedman8720
    @zedman8720 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Eric, Excellent reviews. keep them coming. Would there be much difference if you compared the Lagavulin 8 year old 200th anniversary edition?

  • @revolvermaster4939
    @revolvermaster4939 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your whiskey collection looks like my cigar collection! WOW, zoomed in and I’m jealous.

  • @UsedBrain4U
    @UsedBrain4U 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Unfortunately the selection of the Big Three Islay Scotches is quite limited in Ontario. I have only had a bottle of the Lag8. I like it a lot and I used it to turn a number of people onto Islay Scotches. If the Wee Beastie comes here I will definitely be getting one.

    • @Kvs-vf9nt
      @Kvs-vf9nt 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Look online👍 You'll find it.

    • @jackhammer8439
      @jackhammer8439 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I’m in Ontario too. The Ardbeg 5 is pretty widely available here. I’m sure you’ll track it down

  • @MrChristopherMolloy
    @MrChristopherMolloy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Okay, I ran out and bought a bottle of Finlaggan O.R. for $25, and I forgot how much I like this stuff. I have no idea what it is? People have told me that it's got to be Caol Ila, but my instincts tell me it's Lagavulin. So very enjoyable, and much better from memory, than bottlings from a year or two ago. No vinegariness, and far more developed than I recall.

  • @johng5710
    @johng5710 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Lag 8 probably $20-$30 more than Ardbeg 5 where I'm at

    • @stanislavmigra
      @stanislavmigra 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Lag 8 is twice the price of Ardbeg 5 here :-O

    • @Kvs-vf9nt
      @Kvs-vf9nt 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lag8 55euro and Ardbeg5 44euro. Not much difference here in Belfium

    • @Coffeendonuts
      @Coffeendonuts 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      They are the same wheee I’m at

  • @dccoletrain
    @dccoletrain 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I like the Ardbeg because it’s $35 cheaper here at TW....

  • @funkyskypilot
    @funkyskypilot 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    For me the nose of the Ardbeg 5 has an over-ripe funk of slightly decaying tropical fruit about it. The Lagavulin 8, for me, is more citrusy and - contrary to Eric - has a fresher nose and cleaner finish.

  • @revolvermaster4939
    @revolvermaster4939 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Been a Laphroaig fanatic for 40+ years and just tried the Lagavulin 8 yesterday not expecting much, but surprised to find I like it a lot. Saw the Ardbeg 5 at the store today, didn’t get it because my favorite whiskies are usually 12-18 y/o and 5 scared me. Going back tonight to get it based on your thorough review and the last few years it’s impossible to find my favorites!

    • @Coffeendonuts
      @Coffeendonuts 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Wee beastie is excellent don’t be fooled by the young age.

    • @revolvermaster4939
      @revolvermaster4939 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Coffeendonuts yeah, it’s one of my gotos now, love it!

  • @lawyerglebbredikhin
    @lawyerglebbredikhin 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Interesting

  • @ronaldbeerguy
    @ronaldbeerguy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I really like mint chocolate and mint in general. I still haven’t seen it in Canada yet. I’m really looking forward to tasting the 5 year especially if the price point is reasonable. Good head to head vid. 😃🥃👌🏻

  • @jackhammer8439
    @jackhammer8439 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Always like it when my personal opinions are validated by others!
    A 5 is $75 here and Lag 8 here is $110. Plus I like the 5 way more, which is a win!
    Thankfully the LE Offerman 11 is only $120 here and it is twice the whisky as the 8 for only $10 more!

    • @mikehannigan848
      @mikehannigan848 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ...you need some milk with those prices.

  • @jasrfjr
    @jasrfjr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the Lagavulin 8. It is probably my favorite young whisky. The thing about the Ardbeg 5 Wee Beastie I can't get past, is the aspartame/Diet Coke/artificial sweetener taste. Totally off-putting for me, although I love Ardbeg 10.

  • @foodquig
    @foodquig 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'm a sucker for Ardbeg... When the 5 gets here, I will probably buy the first bottle I see on the spot.

    • @gseivert
      @gseivert 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I already did. Grabbed it right out of the box.

    • @drax14QC
      @drax14QC ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gseivert talking about boxes, it would be nice if the Ardbeg Wee Beastie came with a box.. :/

  • @utoobia
    @utoobia ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Un-pro tip (but it works for me)…Use warm water - really warm - to cleanse palate between drams.

  • @michaelmills9796
    @michaelmills9796 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    When I'm trying different whiskeys, and they seem to be similar, I have rinsed out my mouth with warmer water. Almost as hot as fresh coffee. The warmer water breaks down the oils and tends to wash them away better. Just my experience. I don't know if it will work for you. Another great review Eric. Thanks

  • @rob850
    @rob850 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Would love some of these in little $hooters. 5-10 each would be proper. Gotta find a tasting bar.

  • @Kvs-vf9nt
    @Kvs-vf9nt 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I prefer the Lagavulin8 it's 55euro and ardbeg 5 is 44euro. Not that expensive. I love them both.

  • @michaelhassler7446
    @michaelhassler7446 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Choosing your favorite Islay, isn't too far away from choosing your favorite child.

  • @undivided_unified
    @undivided_unified 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I tried both and I am going with the Ardbeg 5, its more layered and flavorful. The younger lagavulin's just dont deliver. The 9 yr GOT was underwhelming and not a very good showing either. Ardbeg, it really is in a class of its own.

    • @Longenecker1776
      @Longenecker1776 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I couldn’t disagree with you more. There’s so much to love about the Lagavulin 8…

  • @MrChristopherMolloy
    @MrChristopherMolloy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I paid $40 for that Ardbeg 5, and Lagavulin 8 goes for about $60+, Lagavulin 16 only a few bucks more, I think I can find 16 for $65. Similarly, Ardbeg 10 only sells for a few bucks more too, like $46, so there seems to be a pattern.
    I agree that about halfway down the bottle, Ardbeg 5 get a lot more interesting, and yes, "fresher".
    If you have a bottle of a Islay peated mystery malt, like Finlaggan Old Reserve (under $25), I'd love to see you compare it to that Ardbeg 5. Cheers!

    • @johng5710
      @johng5710 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I paid $40 for my Ardbeg 5 also...wow Lag 16 is like $90 where I'm at.

  • @primewhisky
    @primewhisky 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Think the Ardbeg is better than the Lagavulin😋

    • @jusakaju
      @jusakaju 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hei Primewhisky. Just talked to you yesterday:) Erik, it´s so funny. I got a notification of your video and was just about to watch it when my phone rang and it was FedEx informing me that my Wee Beasty has just arrived from Italy. I thought I´d have a taste first and then watch your video. I wanted to have an oppinion before I got yours. I also got the sweetness with a ton load of smoke. When I added water I got cigar smoke in the finish. I also tasted the An Oa and liked that as well. Got sweetness there as well. I had a blind tase session a few weeks back and got 4/6 drams right. I mixed up lagavullin and Laphroaig 10. That goes to show you it´s difficult to compare so many at one sitting. If I had Lagavullin now and Lap 10 one hour after I could most likly tell them apart. Had a small Corryvrekan yesterday and it was heaven. Uigedail and corry are for sure my favorites. Now the An Oa was ok so I think, cause of the price, that might be my go to whisky. Also the Wee 5 as well as the smoke really hits you and I´m all for that. In my 6 dram test Uigeadail came on top and I only got the corry right cause of it´s ABV. Oh boy, Islay drams are fun. I will allways drink Laphroaig but Ardbeg has become my favorite. I also got the Quarter Cask for 36 euros from Italy on the same shipment as the beasty. Me likes that price.Thanks Erik for yet a great video.

  • @RobertSmith-tt5qv
    @RobertSmith-tt5qv 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    ARDBEG!

  • @johng5710
    @johng5710 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I actually enjoyed the GoT Lag 9 more than the Lag 8

    • @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies
      @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm not a GOT fan so I did't get into all the GOT whiskies hype.

  • @kyleniezgodzki6198
    @kyleniezgodzki6198 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Cult wins again! 😂

  • @Longenecker1776
    @Longenecker1776 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You’re not saying Lagavulin right.

    • @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies
      @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      All I can say is this: th-cam.com/video/bqlplW3iYB0/w-d-xo.html

  • @welshtoro3256
    @welshtoro3256 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Lagavulin 8 with knackered Diageo casks. The Ardbeg is five years old. Why buy either other than chucking money away for curiosity. I'll probably do it and would like to eat my words but I doubt it. Why not buy the Ardbeg 10?

    • @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies
      @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Welsh Toro that is Round 3 in this competition.

    • @bourbonryescotch1
      @bourbonryescotch1 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Welsh Toro From a rational point of view the Ardbeg pricing doesn’t make sense. Ardbeg Wee Beastie is €40 here, while the Ten is €37. So out of curiosity and also it’s the initial batch now, I got a bottle of Beastie. Still need to taste it next to the Ten.

    • @johng5710
      @johng5710 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bourbonryescotch1 Where I'm at it makes more sense. The Ardbeg 5 is at $40, while the Ardbeg 10 is around $55, and the 5-year is at higher ABV.

    • @Kvs-vf9nt
      @Kvs-vf9nt 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I like the 5 better than the 10.. and the 10 is only 5euros more expensive.

    • @welshtoro3256
      @welshtoro3256 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Kvs-vf9nt I did go ahead and buy the Wee Beastie and I did eat my words. I like it and the sherry influence justifies it as sufficiently different to the 10 and worth a buy in it's own right. I'm on record saying how Ardbeg spotted a an opportunity to get another cheapish expression on the market which is good for them and us.

  • @joe9042
    @joe9042 ปีที่แล้ว

    Erik as a Scotsman, please do us the respect of not describing our goods, as 'whiskey.' Scottish WHISKY has always been spelled that way. Not, the Irish spelling, or bourbons. Not asking much. Joe Scotland.

    • @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies
      @ErikWaitWhiskyStudies  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Do your study of history. When Scotch whisky was first legally defined in Scotland it was originally spelled with an "e".