Dear Geoffrey, I must say I do rather enjoy your reviews. I see now how you remain so relaxed with your Republic neighbours just over the water, it's the Lagavulin 8! I drink it frequently & can become quite enthused if allowed. If it were not forty quid a bottle, I would probably brush my teeth with it. Your sense of humour is a delightful bonus; hope this finds you in good spirits, take care. Chin chin, Bob (UK) 5:33
Nice review! I totally agree it is a top tier Islay. It is my favorite young Islay. Btw, the color of my bottle of Lagavulin 8 is so pale that I assumed it was natural color. (it really is one of the palest scotches of all my collection)
Glad you're enjoying it. I wish they said whether it's coloured or not. If it is, it's very minimal. But you're right... it likely may not be at all. Either way, delicious stuff. Cheers! 🥃
I was quite impressed trying the 8 after the 16. there was actually more smoke on the 8....but that stands to reason as the more time whisky is in a barrel, the more the peat smoke gets absorbed into the wood. And at half the price of the 16 it is a great deal!
I'm glad you really like this one. I had a bottle of the original 200th anniversary edition and liked it a lot. I recently bought my second bottle after many years and I'm loving that too. FYI the casks that go into this are 100% refill bourbon. I was surprised that you admitted liking this more than the 12CS... bold move 😉but here's the thing... so do I! I've never been entirely happy with the 12CS but I really, really like the 8yo. It's also a bit of a bargain in the UK. Regular price online is £55-60 but some supermarkets have started selling it with regular discounts at around £38 which is just disgustingly good value 😉Cheers Geoff 🥃
Hah nice. You and I are possibly the only enthusiasts who aren't completely blown away by the 12s. This is much more to my liking. Seems this is better price in most western markets. Big win, one of my favourite entry-level Islays. Cheers Shane! 🥃
Just tried this at last today, (Father’s day present from my boys). Love it. Controversially, I’ve just compared it to the 16 and I think I prefer it…😱😬 The increased intensity appeals more to me than the more subtle rounded flavour of the 16, (which I still very much like), but seems “under powered” when compared side by side. Great review as usual Geoff. 👍👏🙂
I tasted this whisky this evening for the first time. I found it excellent. the peatiness is compensated with the sweetness and the result is the best.
I wasn't a fan at first, but i began to enjoy it more and more the further I got down the bottle. It definitely needs some time to open up. If only the 16 year old was bottled at 48%!
This is a great whisky, I did a back to back with my 2017 12yr(watered down to 48%) and honestly I would rate them about the same. Save yourself some money. Btw I cracked the new nas 2022 distillers ed and was pleasantly surprised.
The 16 was big for me too. The way I described it, I went from seeing scotch in black and white to seeing it in colour. I was able to get a bottle for 50 pounds a few years ago in the UK. Oh how times have changed since then!
Spot on review! I feel like my experience with Laga in general is similar to yours. The 16 will always have a spot in my heart but I find myself reaching for the 8 more now. It’s clean and vibrant. And for $100 CAD it’s a go to for me. Cheers
I got a bottle a couple months ago for just 42€ which is a much better price than either Port Charlotte and Ardberg Ten. Currently it's at 47,5€ in Amazon Spain. For me it's a terrific value compared with any other entry level and only more expensive than Talisker 10 or Laphroaig 10. Probably the only contender at this price (if we stick to smoky or peaty ones) is Ledaig 10. Good review as always.
Funny how the prices change so dramatically between markets. The Laga 8 has WILDLY different prices in different markets, it seems. Sounds like Spain is a good place for Laga fans. Cheers! 🥃
Hi Geoff, great review. I got the 8 on the shelf and was saving it for the cooler months. But your review made me rethink this. Maybe I open it already in the summer holiday season. Got really curious. And yes, I heard you saying "O... next?" Hope Diageo listens to the master.
There is a regular 10-year old Lagavulin I've seen on online retailers. I do enjoy the 8 quite a bit, worth the money though just at the edge of where I'd replace it on offer. It's an excellent peated dram with a lovely flavor balance. I agree with all your points regarding quality and notes. I'm putting it at 87/100. And yes, the 16 was definitely one of those whiskies that made me love whiskey.
Lagavulin 8 is one of the few Diageo products that I keep replacing once the bottle is done. It's a rock solid peated single malt that I also prefer over Ardbeg 10, and it's actually a few $ cheaper here as well to make it an even better deal. I'd put it in the same tier as Ledaig 10 and Laphroaig Quarter cask, but below PC 10 and Laphroaig 10 Sherry Cask which are just outstanding. Keep up the great work Geoff! Cheers! 🥃
Yeah it seems we're unlucky here with regards to pricing, as it's more expensive than all of those options, except the Laphroaig 10 sherry. I tend to agree with your bottle ranking, btw. Cheers Peter! 🥃
Most bartenders and liquor store owners I talk to recommend the 16YO over 8YO, but after having tried both (and DE too) I can say the 8 has to be my favorite. 16 is still a masterpiece, but when I'm drinking an Islay I prefer a tougher, more intense taste. I feel the youth of the spirit is a plus in this particular case. The 48% abv is a great middle ground too, for when I want something robust but don't want to go all the way up to CS. Oh, and as of now less than two hours remain till 2024 in Taiwan, and less than one hour where I live. Happy new year. Gotta pour myself a new year dram soon.
Working on a dram of Bruichladdich Laddie 10 at the moment. I'll be pouring some of my favourite: a single cask Brucihladdich 14 year old for New Year's. Have a good one! 🥃
Thank you very much. This review was perfectly timed. I won an auction for a bottle of the 'Lagavulin 8 Year Old 200th Anniversary' (I got it for £45 - but plus auction fee that is) and I wasn't sure if I would like it. Your review sounds like I will.
Nice review and can't argue with your comments. I much prefer this to the 16 now; better presentation and much more distillate driven - without being raw - which I love. As noted elsewhere, this can be had for under £40 on offer in the UK which is rare value (especially for Diageo). In summary: a banger!
Great to see your take on it. It's one of my favorites! I totally struggled to reach past my bottle and consequently emptied it in no time. Still haven't replaced it though. 10 YO (travel exclusive) awaits cracking open. Arbeg 10 however still comes on top (just).
Opened a bottle today... so far my conclusion is I prefer the Lagavulin 8 over Laphroaig QC, Port Charlotte 10 & possibly even the beloved Ardbeg 10 (will have to do another 1 on 1 to confirm).
Nice review. Laga 8 is my preference over Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10, and Ardbeg Wee Beastie. But not better than Caol Ila 12. Or even Scarabus Batch Strength.
@@Gwhisky to be fair, I have an IB of cask strength Caol Ila 12 that I proof down in small batches to 47% for sipping and comparisons so it's not the standard 12. I do the same with my batch strength Scarabus (which is in my estimation a young Caol Ila). Both have less overly pungent (and to my nose) off putting funk than the other options. Cheers! 🥃
Advice : buy a case of 6, 2 for consumption in middle term and 4 to stach away and open in at least 30 years. Or one at 10, one at 20, one at 30 and one at 40. This kind of whiskies age super well in the bottle if well stored.
I still have a 16 waiting in the wings but this has been my go to Lagavulin for the past couple of years and probably the only one going forward. It’s definitely a better sparring partner for Ardbeg 10, PC10 than the 16.
I put this in my cart to give it a try, because I trust your judgement ………. Yes I was surprised too! 😊 But then I saw a fantastic deal for compass Box Hedonism, and took it out. I just love that stuff.
I’m prepared to accept 43%, personally don’t think 43% is the old 40%. In some regard I’m also not obsessing with age, as I used to. I’m a lover of red wine, and age is by no means the biggest factor there.I’m starting to apply that a little more with my whisky preferences. Besides, this stuff normally sells for the equivalent of £65 in my region - which I don’t think it’s worth. But when I saw it at equivalent of £44, I had to buy 2.❤👌🏽🥃
Great review 🤗 I definitely agree 100% on this one. I'll reach for this a lot more than the 16yo. I can enjoy the 16yo for having more balance and depth, but I think it becomes a bit boring, compared to the 8yo. I didn't have any specific expectations about this one, and I pulled the trigger when my liquer store had its release. So after trying it that day, I decided to buy another one the next day. The price tag made the decision easier. Just under $56 USD.
The 9 year old Game of Thrones, House Lannister, edition was pretty good (46%). Got a good price too. Still got a bottle. The 16 year old rules them all.
For some OCD reason, I tend to have a 'wee bit' of the the 8 after the 16 (and vice versa). Intensity vs sophistication is spot on, can't help but wonder what the 16 would be like at 46%.
Well Geoff I’d be interested to hear a comparison with the Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 which I loved. Certainly I will pick up the Lagavullin 8 based on your tempting review. Brilliant work.
Great review Geoff, have tried the Lagavulin 16 loved it but now I guess it’s over priced. Must try the 8. As of a another product of Diageo under 10 year would be Talisker 8
Thanks for reviewing one of the two Lagavulin expressions available here in The Netherlands, Geoff. Every now and then an other one might show up, but certainly not widely available. Have had this one and liked it, but didn't blew me away...but that wasn't the case with the 16 either. I prefer this one. Slàinte mhath
@@Gwhisky sorry Geoff. I am a peathead (...duh...), but Lagavulin never really hit the top spot for me. Always prefered Ardbeg, Laphroaig and (IB!) Bunna and Caol Ila. This 8yo I like though, but as you stated, it is kinda pricy and there's lots of great other (and cheaper) stuff out there.
Great review and I agree with this being the better option with the 16 going crazy, I'm lucky in the uk/Scotland I can pick this up for £38 in tesco when on sale which makes it one of the cheapest islay offerings
As I'm typing this a local supermarket has the Lagavulin 8 is on sale at a (near) 25% discount and I received a nice christmas bonus from work, so I bought a bottle. After tasting it I went back the next day to fetch an extra bottle.
This is one of the reasons I can't quite quit diageo, along with Talisker 10. It jumped from about $60USD to $80 in my area in most places which felt like a personal attack. It's also interesting how the market can change in just months, because it is now the same price as the 16yo, but still $15 less than PC10
Top review Geoff! For me this is the Lagavulin 16 killer... well maybe that is a bit too much. Currently in the UK it always is on offer and half the price of the 16. I love the 16 but this one beats with value. Cheers!
Yeah UK prices for this seem to be great for this one. A bit high here, but still way better than the 16, which unfortunately I don't think I'll be buying much of down the line. Cheers Jeff! 🥃
I got it for 35 euro in germany. Worth every penny. Might like this more than the 16. Also another Diageo whisky that surprised me... Clynliesh 14. Very tasty.
Hello. Congratulations for the work you do! Under 10 is Lagavulin 9 yo Game Of Thrones House Lannister. For those who can still find it... To my surprise, I found it in a Hypermarket (in Romania) one month ago, for 37 euros. 🫨 I took all two bottles. Good luck in the future.
GR8 review Goeff. Laga 8 is well done whisky. Good to have young and punchy but rounded whisky in core range same like Laphroaig Quarter Cask alongside with nice but watered Laphroaig 10. I bought mine at Amazon for £38 so its real bargain. Someone wrote if you mix both 8 and 16 with same proportions dram taste like Laga 16 from early 90' so lets go and stop compain Laga 16 lov abv 😋. Cheers Goeff 👍😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
There’s actually a an 8 year old Talisker at cask strength (special release I think)..! I was looking for Laga 8 year old but got the Offerman Charred oak 11 year old instead and haven’t been disappointed!
Ah yeah I forgot about all the Talisker SRs. Also there's a GoT Lagavulin 9 years. My bad! Hoping to get my hands on an Offerman release at some point, maybe my next trip to Canada. Cheers! 🥃
It's a big corporation that owns many of Scotland's oldest and most prestigious whisky brands. They're not well liked by enthusiasts because they tend to push for high prices and lower abvs, often with chill filtration and colourant.
Hello Geoff, Fun Fact: I got a Bottle of this (Laga 8) in my Cellar for Years but didnt open it. Last Weekend i thought about open it but put it back and opened another Bottle (IB of Port Charlotte 13) I dont know why but other Bottlings always where more important to me but now it has rushed a few Places in Front Row 😅 after seeing your Video. Keep up the good Work and Greets from Germany 😎🤘
Ah well done. Lagavulin 8 is a true enthusiasts masterpiece. It is better than the modern 16yo. As a comment below suggests, available for £37 a bottle here in the U.K. which is truly remarkable in 2023. Might need to stock up. 😀
Lagavulin 8 is a straight-shooter. Less complexity but a great house style. I love both about equally, but most people prefer the Port Charlotte, as it has a bit more going on in terms of flavour variety. 🥃
Nice episode. You mentioned the price point on the 16 a few times. I am not thrilled with the 43% ABV but the 16 is typically US$80-85 in the big box stores here which seems fair to me, in the current market. Curious what is Taiwan paying for the 16? And the Lagavulin 8 is typically US$10 cheaper than PC10, Ardbeg 10 or Machir Bay. (US$55 v US$65) Cheers.
It's closer to $90 here, so comparable to US prices. However, most single malts here are much cheaper than they are in the States, so comparatively less of a deal for me. The 8 is about $55 here, but the PC is $43, the Ardbeg is about $40, and Machir Bay is about $35. Cheers! 🥃
Hi Geoff, great review. Fully agree on your assessment of the Laga 8. Fully disagree, as you know, with your opinion on the SR Laga’s. Interestingly, here in Holland the Laga 8 is the second cheapest entry-level Islay after the Wee Beastie (I am ignoring the Laphroaig 10 for the ABV, of course). It is half the price of the Laga 16, just below the Ardbeg 10 and way cheaper than the PC 10. To name a few. Funny how markets differ. Anyway, keep up the good work! Cheers
Hi Wouter. Yeah it seems this is more fairly priced in a lot of other markets, so this is one of those few times that we're not so lucky here in Taiwan. Glad to hear you like this one too. I think it's exceptional stuff. 🥃
This is well priced in the States, it seems. Getting some pretty wild disparities in price for this one between markets, but definitely, if it's $50, it's a steal! Cheers! 🥃
@@utoobia before March 2023 you will get 16 for that price(99$,)..but now it's RS 11390 which is equivalent to 138 USD..but the price may vary in Delhi NCR since there no State or Central govt Tax
8 is a solid choice! I really enjoy it. And at a far more palatable price at $110 here. I do love the 16 but at $185 here now I’ll never buy another one of those again! The 11 chatted oak Offerman edition is quite enjoyable and I like it far better than the 8. Only $10 more for the extra 3 year. Next time ur in Canada stop in and I’ll pour you a dram. 👍🥃
Hi Geoff, probably like the 16 more but they are totally different. The 16 is way too expensive now though.Refill bourbon casks ,probably second and third fill ( it’s very light in colour)go in the mix and I have heard there are also refill European oak barrels in the mix (?). Because the 8 is so light in colour don’t really understand why E150 dye is added!!! Old habits die hard at Diageo. Excellent video Geoff 👍, slàinte.
Thanks David. Nice to know the cask breakdown. Shame I have to learn about this kind of thing through knowledgeable commenters such as yourself. It'd be nice of them to put this kind of thing on the bottle and/or website. Cheers buddy! 🥃
@@Gwhisky thanks Geoff, but I’m not that knowledgeable, I just like try and find out what’s in the bottle and what I’m actually drinking. It’s kinda fun thing to do though, but your right a little more transparency from owners in general world be helpful for us enthusiasts.Slàinte
Wow Geoff you really like this one huh! I have a ton of friends who are absolutely in love with this but I am not one of them. I find it way too harsh and edgy and I have trouble finding the notes I love in Lagavulin whiskies. I actually really like the 9 year old Game of thrones version better than this one. Well everyone's different so I'm glad you're enjoying it. Cheers!
Funny I didn't find it very edgy compared to a lot of "peat monsters" on the market, many of which I find much younger and rougher than this. But I understand that it's not going to suit everyone. Cheers my friend! 🥃
Smoked goat cheese and Tiger Balm?! I've had a few evenings end that way...Lag 8 is a special great bottle, not too harsh but definitely edgier than the standard 16. Based on your review tasting notes, I can see why you dig the ocho!
I personally don’t care much for this one. It’s a perfectly decent whisky, but I find it kind of simple and one-note. Soft smoke, sweet, buttered popcorn. But, even at half the price, I’d just as soon save the cash for a bottle of the 16, which is much more complex and unique, lower ABV or not. I do prefer Machir Bay, Port Charlotte 10 and Ardbeg 10, and even Wee Beastie to the Laga 8, also. Glad to see them have a higher ABV and lower priced option, and I’d happily sip a dram, but for me there’s just not enough going on with it to make it a regular purchase.
That's fair. It's pretty straight-forward. The 16 definitely has more going on. I'm a big fan of the distillate and the character, but I see where you're coming from. 🥃
Great review but lacking some detailed tasting notes. *My Tasting Notes:* (Taken from my review on my site: Reb Mordechai Reviews) It’s a refreshing Lemon, pineapple and barley zesty tangy drink. It is like sherbet in the mouth which excite the taste buds. You are drinking this by the smoky beach bonfire. Tons of sweet coastal smoke everywhere. Underneath the tropical fruit is yeasty pastry tarts and smooth vanilla ice-cream with white honey mixed in. After a while you notice that there is a touch of dry spices and mixed cake spice in those tarts as well. In no way would I say this was raw under matured whisky. It is well rounded and well-mannered with no rough edges. An impressive thing to do for an 8-Year-Old and due to the peatiness giving the whisky a fuller body despite its young age! The finish is shorter than teh 12 with respect to all these fruity flavours but the smoke remains and like the 12-Year-Old, sticks to the teeth. The 8-Year-Old’s finish may be shorter but it is more refreshing like a long tropical drink. *Maturation* The Lagavulin 8 is 100% Refill and First-Fill Ex-Bourbon barrel matured. It's very similar to the maturation of the 12 Year Old Limited Editions. also 100% Ex-Bourbon cask matured. [Information is straight from a Diageo contact]. *E150a?* As for E150a caramel colour. Not only do they not say it is Natural Colour but on the beige cardboard boxes exported to Europe, they actually have "Mit FarbStoff" printed on the base! Despite all this, just looking at the pale greenish tint and light straw colour of the Lag 8 and it's quite clear that there is no colour added. In fact it is the same colour as the Lagavulin 12 2015/16 Edition which we know is natural colour. So what's with the packaging? When I checked with a SWA expert on legal guide to packaging Scotch Whisky, it seems that strangely enough, there is no actual prohibition of stating "Mit Farbstoff" on the package even if it doesn't have any. It's just a statement that there might be! *Non-Chill Filtered?* Despite being bottled at 48%, I tested the 8 Year Old against the 12 Year Old [Ed 2013]. I added a few drops of water and left them both for 20 minutes. The 12-Year-Old went cloudy and the 8-Year-Old remained crystal confirming what I was told, that the 12-Year-Old is un-chill filtered. The 8-Year-Old in the other hand, unfortunately looks like it is chill filtered but for the life of me, I don't know why. Moreover, the 12-Year-Old is more full bodied than the 8-Year-Old, but then again, that could be because the 12-Year-Old is Cask Strength. To see my entire detailed review where I compare the 8-Year-Old to the 12-Year-Old, go to my site "Reb Mordechai Reviews and use the Search option on the top right hand side for "Lagavulin 8". I won't paste a direct URL here as channel owners tell me that comments containing links go straight into SPAM. As regarding Official bottling 8-Year-Olds currently on the market, besides this one, we have the Talisker 8 Special Release (another Diageo product), Bourbon Barrels and finished in Rum casks in 2020, and 100% Ex-Bourbon in 2021. As you mentioned, there's Glenallachie 8, the Glenfarclas 8 and the Tomatin 8 as well.
Regular Laga 8 is a very different beast as compared to Laga 8 200th anniversary edition. The Laga 8 200th anni edition will beat the regular one flat, they are not even on the same class… I guess Diageo selected the best casks for the 200th edition and surprised with the responses and scrambled to find similar quality for the new core range Laga 8. You should try to hunt down the 200th edition, it was one of those legends you will remember for life.
I like the Laga 8 and have a bottle at home but have yet to be impressed by the 16. Of the three bottles I've bought in the last 5-6 years, two were so bad that I had to throw them out (bad batch?). They were really insipid and what flavour there was had a bitter aftertaste and a dreadful vegetable smell it was incredibly off-putting. I have no idea what was wrong. I genuinely wanted to understand the reason why so many rave about it but my experiences so far have just left me wondering why. Just to note, the 8 has none of those deficiencies. Maybe the older Laga 16 releases are that much better, I've no idea. However, IMO, neither of them are a patch on the likes of the PC10, Ledaig 10 or Kilchoman Sanaig, which are both better and obviously cheaper. I may give it another try but basically, I've moved on. There are so many better (peated) whiskies out there. Keep up the good work.
Sometimes I think Diageo is messing with us with the Lagavulin 8yr. It is a really good whisky why can't they make the 16 like that. BTW the 16 started me on my peated whisky journey.
Agreed, the 16 is way over priced for what it is and I would likely gravitate to the 8 in a heartbeat. Heck, if I’m going to buy the 16, I would much rather buy a bottle of ardbeg uigeadail instead
Young Islay Prices In Virginia, USA: Lagavulin 8, $66 Ardbeg 10, $69 Laphroaig Qtr Cask, $74 Kilchoman Machir Bay, $79 Port Charlotte 10, $79 How are we doing, rest-of-world?
@@Gwhisky All liquor is state controlled and sold here. 80+% of us would rather it be private, but there are *some* advantages. Clean, organized stores and, when they do have good bottles that are ratcheting up everywhere, they stay very close to msrp here. I still buy most of my stuff from Scotland though.
Well, as good a whisky as it may be, I'm not buying it. In Bulgaria this one sells for at least 71-72 euros. Just as a point of reference 71 euros is more than I'd have to part with in order to buy Kilchoman Loch Gorm (2022 release is the newest one we have in our market) or Ardnamurchan Cask Strength and way more than the price of Port Charlotte 10, Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength, Ardnamurchan AD/. All of them being naturally presented and accompanied with much more transparency. 2 years ago the price of Lagavulin 8 was around 50 euros and even then it was overpriced IMHO. Today it is a no buy for me. Sorry to sound like a butt-hurt hater, but Diageo (or their importer for Bulgaria) can go look for some "Laga" fanboy and rip their money off. Cheers!
I prefer the 8 over the 16 specifically due to integrity presentation, but I won't own either of them because I avoid giving Diageo any of my money whenever possible. Yeah, I'm one of those people. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for the sake of science...Er, something.
I recently journeyed through the village of Lagavulin, "the mill in the valley", and no prettier or more romantic spot could have been chosen for a distillery. We tasted some eight year old before starting, which was "EXCEPTIONALLY FINE". Anywho, becalm your mind about any colouring used, as the liquid is almost clear - unless, of course they added bleach. Also, when water is added, a distinctive mist appears in the class, so it seems chill filtration has not visited this whisky.
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Found this in my local grocery store for about 25 bucks, I bought all 3 bottles on the shelf. Quality whisky!
Wow. Killer deal! 🥃
Dear Geoffrey, I must say I do rather enjoy your reviews. I see now how you remain so relaxed with your Republic neighbours just over the water, it's the Lagavulin 8! I drink it frequently & can become quite enthused if allowed. If it were not forty quid a bottle, I would probably brush my teeth with it. Your sense of humour is a delightful bonus; hope this finds you in good spirits, take care. Chin chin, Bob (UK) 5:33
Hah thanks so much Bob. Glad you're enjoying the whisky and the channel. And yes... whisky does help one forget all the geopolitics. Cheers! 🥃
i would trust china before usa at this point
Nice review! I totally agree it is a top tier Islay. It is my favorite young Islay.
Btw, the color of my bottle of Lagavulin 8 is so pale that I assumed it was natural color. (it really is one of the palest scotches of all my collection)
Glad you're enjoying it. I wish they said whether it's coloured or not. If it is, it's very minimal. But you're right... it likely may not be at all. Either way, delicious stuff. Cheers! 🥃
I was quite impressed trying the 8 after the 16. there was actually more smoke on the 8....but that stands to reason as the more time whisky is in a barrel, the more the peat smoke gets absorbed into the wood. And at half the price of the 16 it is a great deal!
Thanks for this review. Bought a bottle and it’s awesome! Great under the radar value.
I'm glad you really like this one. I had a bottle of the original 200th anniversary edition and liked it a lot. I recently bought my second bottle after many years and I'm loving that too. FYI the casks that go into this are 100% refill bourbon.
I was surprised that you admitted liking this more than the 12CS... bold move 😉but here's the thing... so do I! I've never been entirely happy with the 12CS but I really, really like the 8yo.
It's also a bit of a bargain in the UK. Regular price online is £55-60 but some supermarkets have started selling it with regular discounts at around £38 which is just disgustingly good value 😉Cheers Geoff 🥃
Hah nice. You and I are possibly the only enthusiasts who aren't completely blown away by the 12s. This is much more to my liking.
Seems this is better price in most western markets. Big win, one of my favourite entry-level Islays. Cheers Shane! 🥃
Just tried this at last today, (Father’s day present from my boys). Love it. Controversially, I’ve just compared it to the 16 and I think I prefer it…😱😬
The increased intensity appeals more to me than the more subtle rounded flavour of the 16, (which I still very much like), but seems “under powered” when compared side by side.
Great review as usual Geoff. 👍👏🙂
100% my thoughts, glad to know I'm not alone.
I tasted this whisky this evening for the first time. I found it excellent. the peatiness is compensated with the sweetness and the result is the best.
There was non-peated Caoila 8¥o. I was good summer whisky.
Unpeated Caol Ila is fantastic whisky. I've not tried the 8 though. Sounds great! 🥃
I wasn't a fan at first, but i began to enjoy it more and more the further I got down the bottle. It definitely needs some time to open up. If only the 16 year old was bottled at 48%!
Absolutely love the stuff. Glad to hear it got better for you. 🥃
This is a great whisky, I did a back to back with my 2017 12yr(watered down to 48%) and honestly I would rate them about the same. Save yourself some money. Btw I cracked the new nas 2022 distillers ed and was pleasantly surprised.
Yeah I wasn't drinking the 12s at that time but I do prefer it to the modern 12s. Definitely much better bang for buck. 🥃
Great review Geoff! I’ve been debating picking up a bottle of this for awhile. Sounds like I should go for it.
Recommended. Hope you find and enjoy it, Kevin! 🥃
The 16 was big for me too. The way I described it, I went from seeing scotch in black and white to seeing it in colour. I was able to get a bottle for 50 pounds a few years ago in the UK. Oh how times have changed since then!
Spot on review! I feel like my experience with Laga in general is similar to yours. The 16 will always have a spot in my heart but I find myself reaching for the 8 more now. It’s clean and vibrant. And for $100 CAD it’s a go to for me. Cheers
$100 is a good deal for Laga 8? Geez Canada's expensive! 😬
Got this for my birthday back in May...nice stuff..late night sipper...
Glad you're enjoying it. Great easy sipper! 🥃
@@Gwhisky I will probably never buy Lag 16 again due to decrease in standard and increase in price!☹️
I got a bottle a couple months ago for just 42€ which is a much better price than either Port Charlotte and Ardberg Ten. Currently it's at 47,5€ in Amazon Spain. For me it's a terrific value compared with any other entry level and only more expensive than Talisker 10 or Laphroaig 10. Probably the only contender at this price (if we stick to smoky or peaty ones) is Ledaig 10. Good review as always.
Funny how the prices change so dramatically between markets. The Laga 8 has WILDLY different prices in different markets, it seems. Sounds like Spain is a good place for Laga fans. Cheers! 🥃
i lately got a few bottles in germany for 28,50€ being heavily discounted :D
Cheers!
Absurd price for that! Great find! 🥃
Costs 80 € here. 😢 Thanks for review, loved it. Hopefully to try it one day or lagavulin 16
Oof that's really pricey!
Hi Geoff, great review.
I got the 8 on the shelf and was saving it for the cooler months.
But your review made me rethink this. Maybe I open it already in the summer holiday season. Got really curious.
And yes, I heard you saying "O... next?"
Hope Diageo listens to the master.
Hah cheers buddy. Unfortunately, I can assure you that no one at Diageo is listening. A craft core range Oban... we can dream! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Lets dream together, maybe that will do the trick. Never give up hope.
There is a regular 10-year old Lagavulin I've seen on online retailers. I do enjoy the 8 quite a bit, worth the money though just at the edge of where I'd replace it on offer. It's an excellent peated dram with a lovely flavor balance. I agree with all your points regarding quality and notes. I'm putting it at 87/100. And yes, the 16 was definitely one of those whiskies that made me love whiskey.
Yeah the 10 is one I'm curious about, too. That one's 43%, I believe. If the price is right it might still be worth a try, though. Cheers! 🥃
Lagavulin 8 is one of the few Diageo products that I keep replacing once the bottle is done. It's a rock solid peated single malt that I also prefer over Ardbeg 10, and it's actually a few $ cheaper here as well to make it an even better deal. I'd put it in the same tier as Ledaig 10 and Laphroaig Quarter cask, but below PC 10 and Laphroaig 10 Sherry Cask which are just outstanding. Keep up the great work Geoff! Cheers! 🥃
Yeah it seems we're unlucky here with regards to pricing, as it's more expensive than all of those options, except the Laphroaig 10 sherry. I tend to agree with your bottle ranking, btw. Cheers Peter! 🥃
Finally managed to find a moment to watch it-better late than never 😁
Great review as always my man! I think I will give the 8 a try! Cheers Geoff🥃🥃
Let me know your thoughts if you do. Cheers buddy! 🥃
One year later (lol) I finally popped it open. It's beautiful 🥃🥃@@Gwhisky
Most bartenders and liquor store owners I talk to recommend the 16YO over 8YO, but after having tried both (and DE too) I can say the 8 has to be my favorite. 16 is still a masterpiece, but when I'm drinking an Islay I prefer a tougher, more intense taste. I feel the youth of the spirit is a plus in this particular case. The 48% abv is a great middle ground too, for when I want something robust but don't want to go all the way up to CS.
Oh, and as of now less than two hours remain till 2024 in Taiwan, and less than one hour where I live. Happy new year. Gotta pour myself a new year dram soon.
Working on a dram of Bruichladdich Laddie 10 at the moment. I'll be pouring some of my favourite: a single cask Brucihladdich 14 year old for New Year's. Have a good one! 🥃
Thank you very much. This review was perfectly timed. I won an auction for a bottle of the 'Lagavulin 8 Year Old 200th Anniversary' (I got it for £45 - but plus auction fee that is) and I wasn't sure if I would like it. Your review sounds like I will.
I hear the 200 anniversary is better still. I'm sure you'll love it. Great price for it! 🥃
Nice review and can't argue with your comments. I much prefer this to the 16 now; better presentation and much more distillate driven - without being raw - which I love. As noted elsewhere, this can be had for under £40 on offer in the UK which is rare value (especially for Diageo). In summary: a banger!
Excellent value prospect in the UK, this one. 🥃
Great to see your take on it. It's one of my favorites! I totally struggled to reach past my bottle and consequently emptied it in no time. Still haven't replaced it though. 10 YO (travel exclusive) awaits cracking open. Arbeg 10 however still comes on top (just).
Agree it's very more-ish. My Laga 8 bottles don't last long, either. I'm curious about the 10 myself. Never tried it, but I hear it's good.
Agree it's very more-ish. My Laga 8 bottles don't last long, either. I'm curious about the 10 myself. Never tried it, but I hear it's good.
Opened a bottle today... so far my conclusion is I prefer the Lagavulin 8 over Laphroaig QC, Port Charlotte 10 & possibly even the beloved Ardbeg 10 (will have to do another 1 on 1 to confirm).
Totally agree with your review, a great wee dram👍
Nice review. Laga 8 is my preference over Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10, and Ardbeg Wee Beastie. But not better than Caol Ila 12. Or even Scarabus Batch Strength.
Interesting. Nice to see Caol Ila 12 get some love, although I'd opt for this one over the CI12 myself. Scarabus... one I should come back to. 🥃
@@Gwhisky to be fair, I have an IB of cask strength Caol Ila 12 that I proof down in small batches to 47% for sipping and comparisons so it's not the standard 12. I do the same with my batch strength Scarabus (which is in my estimation a young Caol Ila). Both have less overly pungent (and to my nose) off putting funk than the other options. Cheers! 🥃
In the UK in Tescos supermarket this is £38 with your Tescos clubcard
Exceptional price! 🥃
I have a 16 unopened in my stash, might get the 8 for the future especially from tescos!!
Advice : buy a case of 6, 2 for consumption in middle term and 4 to stach away and open in at least 30 years. Or one at 10, one at 20, one at 30 and one at 40. This kind of whiskies age super well in the bottle if well stored.
Fight of the big brands! Currently £37 on UK Amazon.
It's natural colour, been on the tour!
I still have a 16 waiting in the wings but this has been my go to Lagavulin for the past couple of years and probably the only one going forward. It’s definitely a better sparring partner for Ardbeg 10, PC10 than the 16.
Agree! The added abv makes all the difference. I think it's one of the better entry-level Islays out there. 🥃
I prefer it to the 16.
I put this in my cart to give it a try, because I trust your judgement ………. Yes I was surprised too! 😊
But then I saw a fantastic deal for compass Box Hedonism, and took it out. I just love that stuff.
I still haven't tried the Hedonism. I hear it's fantastic, but the price for a NAS 43% grain... 😬
I’m prepared to accept 43%, personally don’t think 43% is the old 40%. In some regard I’m also not obsessing with age, as I used to.
I’m a lover of red wine, and age is by no means the biggest factor there.I’m starting to apply that a little more with my whisky preferences.
Besides, this stuff normally sells for the equivalent of £65 in my region - which I don’t think it’s worth. But when I saw it at equivalent of £44, I had to buy 2.❤👌🏽🥃
Great review 🤗
I definitely agree 100% on this one. I'll reach for this a lot more than the 16yo.
I can enjoy the 16yo for having more balance and depth, but I think it becomes a bit boring, compared to the 8yo.
I didn't have any specific expectations about this one, and I pulled the trigger when my liquer store had its release. So after trying it that day, I decided to buy another one the next day. The price tag made the decision easier. Just under $56 USD.
Good price for a good whisky. I definitely turn to this more often than the 16. One of my favourite entry-level Islays. Cheers! 🥃
Laguvulin 16 is my favorite
It's a classic! 🥃
The 9 year old Game of Thrones, House Lannister, edition was pretty good (46%). Got a good price too. Still got a bottle. The 16 year old rules them all.
Ah that's one I never tried. I haven't seen it around in a while, but if I do I might still pick it up if the price is right. Cheers! 🥃
For some OCD reason, I tend to have a 'wee bit' of the the 8 after the 16 (and vice versa).
Intensity vs sophistication is spot on, can't help but wonder what the 16 would be like at 46%.
I've done the same a few times. I can never pick a favourite, although that choice would be a lot easier if the 16 had better specs. 🥃
Well Geoff I’d be interested to hear a comparison with the Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 which I loved. Certainly I will pick up the Lagavullin 8 based on your tempting review. Brilliant work.
Thanks, Michael. Sadly I don't have the Wee Beastie on hand, but that would be a fun comparison. I might have to look into that! 🥃
@@Gwhisky I was able to get the Lagavullin 8 yesterday for £37 in a special deal on Amazon Prime Day.
@@michaelwood3203 Great price for that. This apparently if on offer quite a lot in the UK. 🥃
Great review Geoff, have tried the Lagavulin 16 loved it but now I guess it’s over priced. Must try the 8. As of a another product of Diageo under 10 year would be Talisker 8
The 8 is great, hope you enjoy! And yes... there are a few non-core range releases. Game of thrones and a few Taliskers. My bad! 🥃
I get an intense fruity sweetness beyond the smoke, like a dark berry jam. I had it with a char grilled burger and that really brought it out.
Thanks for reviewing one of the two Lagavulin expressions available here in The Netherlands, Geoff.
Every now and then an other one might show up, but certainly not widely available.
Have had this one and liked it, but didn't blew me away...but that wasn't the case with the 16 either. I prefer this one.
Slàinte mhath
I guess your just not a big Laga guy, eh? Interesting...
Cheers! 🥃
@@Gwhisky sorry Geoff. I am a peathead (...duh...), but Lagavulin never really hit the top spot for me. Always prefered Ardbeg, Laphroaig and (IB!) Bunna and Caol Ila. This 8yo I like though, but as you stated, it is kinda pricy and there's lots of great other (and cheaper) stuff out there.
Great review and I agree with this being the better option with the 16 going crazy, I'm lucky in the uk/Scotland I can pick this up for £38 in tesco when on sale which makes it one of the cheapest islay offerings
Yeah I keep hearing how well priced this is in the UK. Great deal for under £40! 🥃
As I'm typing this a local supermarket has the Lagavulin 8 is on sale at a (near) 25% discount and I received a nice christmas bonus from work, so I bought a bottle. After tasting it I went back the next day to fetch an extra bottle.
Nice! 🥃
This is one of the reasons I can't quite quit diageo, along with Talisker 10. It jumped from about $60USD to $80 in my area in most places which felt like a personal attack. It's also interesting how the market can change in just months, because it is now the same price as the 16yo, but still $15 less than PC10
Top review Geoff! For me this is the Lagavulin 16 killer... well maybe that is a bit too much. Currently in the UK it always is on offer and half the price of the 16. I love the 16 but this one beats with value. Cheers!
Yeah UK prices for this seem to be great for this one. A bit high here, but still way better than the 16, which unfortunately I don't think I'll be buying much of down the line. Cheers Jeff! 🥃
I got it for 35 euro in germany. Worth every penny. Might like this more than the 16. Also another Diageo whisky that surprised me... Clynliesh 14. Very tasty.
Great price for a great bottle of whisky! Clynelish 14 is good stuff, too! 🥃
Great review, G. Haven’t commented much lately, but I do want to let you know I am watching you! Uh…. I mean that as a good thing. Alan
Hah glad to hear it Alan. Hopefully with your computer and not your binoculars. 😂🥃
Hello. Congratulations for the work you do! Under 10 is Lagavulin 9 yo Game Of Thrones House Lannister. For those who can still find it... To my surprise, I found it in a Hypermarket (in Romania) one month ago, for 37 euros. 🫨 I took all two bottles. Good luck in the future.
Thank you for the kind words! You're right, I forgot about the Game of Thrones line. That's a great price and a great find. Hope you enjoy it! 🥃
GR8 review Goeff. Laga 8 is well done whisky. Good to have young and punchy but rounded whisky in core range same like Laphroaig Quarter Cask alongside with nice but watered Laphroaig 10. I bought mine at Amazon for £38 so its real bargain. Someone wrote if you mix both 8 and 16 with same proportions dram taste like Laga 16 from early 90' so lets go and stop compain Laga 16 lov abv 😋. Cheers Goeff 👍😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
The 8 and 16 together, eh? That's definitely something I'll have to try. Cheers buddy! 🥃
According to whisky exchange Laga 8 has colour added. Cheers
Not surprised. Thanks for sharing! 🥃
Great review thanks! Laga 9 GOT
Ah forgot about that one! 🥃
Very promising. I got in on a €28 sale from a German discount site, so it should taste even better...
Great price!
There’s actually a an 8 year old Talisker at cask strength (special release I think)..! I was looking for Laga 8 year old but got the Offerman Charred oak 11 year old instead and haven’t been disappointed!
Ah yeah I forgot about all the Talisker SRs. Also there's a GoT Lagavulin 9 years. My bad!
Hoping to get my hands on an Offerman release at some point, maybe my next trip to Canada. Cheers! 🥃
@@Gwhisky I hope you get the chance to try an Offerman Edition someday ! Are you from Canada originally ?
I hear Diageo (hope I spelled that right) all the time with enthusiasts. What does that mean??
It's a big corporation that owns many of Scotland's oldest and most prestigious whisky brands. They're not well liked by enthusiasts because they tend to push for high prices and lower abvs, often with chill filtration and colourant.
@@Gwhisky … Understood!! Thanks for that. I never understood what that meant or who that is. I also can’t stand colorants and such. Thanks again!!
Hello Geoff,
Fun Fact: I got a Bottle of this (Laga 8) in my Cellar for Years but didnt open it. Last Weekend i thought about open it but put it back and opened another Bottle (IB of Port Charlotte 13)
I dont know why but other Bottlings always where more important to me but now it has rushed a few Places in Front Row 😅 after seeing your Video.
Keep up the good Work and Greets from Germany 😎🤘
Hope you enjoy it! It's really solid stuff! Cheers from Taiwan, buddy! 🥃
Ah well done. Lagavulin 8 is a true enthusiasts masterpiece. It is better than the modern 16yo. As a comment below suggests, available for £37 a bottle here in the U.K. which is truly remarkable in 2023. Might need to stock up. 😀
Great whisky for £37! 🥃
Favourite bottle is new riff with 50 abv and non chill filtered on the front of the bottle.
Lagavulin 8 is low 60s here and Port Charlotte is high 60s, which one is better?
Lagavulin 8 is a straight-shooter. Less complexity but a great house style. I love both about equally, but most people prefer the Port Charlotte, as it has a bit more going on in terms of flavour variety. 🥃
Nice Job Dude......🤩
Thanks buddy. Long time no see! 🥃
I wonder how you'd compare and contrast this with Ardbeg's Wee Beastie 5YO.
Good question. Sadly I don't have a Wee Beastie on hand. Sounds fun! 🥃
Laga onest the best ! Good job megobaro ) Gaumarjos !
Gaumarjos my friend! 🥃
Nice episode. You mentioned the price point on the 16 a few times. I am not thrilled with the 43% ABV but the 16 is typically US$80-85 in the big box stores here which seems fair to me, in the current market. Curious what is Taiwan paying for the 16? And the Lagavulin 8 is typically US$10 cheaper than PC10, Ardbeg 10 or Machir Bay. (US$55 v US$65) Cheers.
It's closer to $90 here, so comparable to US prices. However, most single malts here are much cheaper than they are in the States, so comparatively less of a deal for me. The 8 is about $55 here, but the PC is $43, the Ardbeg is about $40, and Machir Bay is about $35. Cheers! 🥃
Same price as Laphroaig Quarter Cask in my neck of the woods. So I'm giving it a shot.
Wow. It's substantially more expensive than the Laphroaig here. Nice deal! 🥃
Have you had the GOT 9
No, I haven't, unfortunately. 🥃
Hi Geoff, great review. Fully agree on your assessment of the Laga 8. Fully disagree, as you know, with your opinion on the SR Laga’s. Interestingly, here in Holland the Laga 8 is the second cheapest entry-level Islay after the Wee Beastie (I am ignoring the Laphroaig 10 for the ABV, of course). It is half the price of the Laga 16, just below the Ardbeg 10 and way cheaper than the PC 10. To name a few. Funny how markets differ. Anyway, keep up the good work! Cheers
Hi Wouter. Yeah it seems this is more fairly priced in a lot of other markets, so this is one of those few times that we're not so lucky here in Taiwan. Glad to hear you like this one too. I think it's exceptional stuff. 🥃
2:08 :DDD
I echo your sentiments especially for $50… great value for money!
Cheers 🥃
This is well priced in the States, it seems. Getting some pretty wild disparities in price for this one between markets, but definitely, if it's $50, it's a steal! Cheers! 🥃
Lagavulin 8 years old cost RS 9200 in Delhi duty free (around 112 USD)which is too much
Damn... waaay too much! 🥃
Wow. The 16 is $99 in Virginia.
@@utoobia International prices for this one are WILDLY different in these comments...
@@utoobia before March 2023 you will get 16 for that price(99$,)..but now it's RS 11390 which is equivalent to 138 USD..but the price may vary in Delhi NCR since there no State or Central govt Tax
8 is a solid choice! I really enjoy it. And at a far more palatable price at $110 here. I do love the 16 but at $185 here now I’ll never buy another one of those again!
The 11 chatted oak Offerman edition is quite enjoyable and I like it far better than the 8. Only $10 more for the extra 3 year. Next time ur in Canada stop in and I’ll pour you a dram. 👍🥃
Hah very kind offer. I've never had the Offerman releases but I hear good things. Cheers! 🥃
Might have to give it ago but I love the Caol Ila 10 IB Signatory 🙂
Hi Geoff, probably like the 16 more but they are totally different. The 16 is way too expensive now though.Refill bourbon casks ,probably second and third fill ( it’s very light in colour)go in the mix and I have heard there are also refill European oak barrels in the mix (?). Because the 8 is so light in colour don’t really understand why E150 dye is added!!! Old habits die hard at Diageo. Excellent video Geoff 👍, slàinte.
Thanks David. Nice to know the cask breakdown. Shame I have to learn about this kind of thing through knowledgeable commenters such as yourself. It'd be nice of them to put this kind of thing on the bottle and/or website. Cheers buddy! 🥃
@@Gwhisky thanks Geoff, but I’m not that knowledgeable, I just like try and find out what’s in the bottle and what I’m actually drinking. It’s kinda fun thing to do though, but your right a little more transparency from owners in general world be helpful for us enthusiasts.Slàinte
Wow Geoff you really like this one huh! I have a ton of friends who are absolutely in love with this but I am not one of them. I find it way too harsh and edgy and I have trouble finding the notes I love in Lagavulin whiskies. I actually really like the 9 year old Game of thrones version better than this one. Well everyone's different so I'm glad you're enjoying it. Cheers!
Funny I didn't find it very edgy compared to a lot of "peat monsters" on the market, many of which I find much younger and rougher than this. But I understand that it's not going to suit everyone. Cheers my friend! 🥃
Spot on! Better than Ardbeg 5, Kilchoman Machir Bay but Port Charlotte 10 Beats them all!!
Great minds think alike! 🥃
Smoked goat cheese and Tiger Balm?! I've had a few evenings end that way...Lag 8 is a special great bottle, not too harsh but definitely edgier than the standard 16. Based on your review tasting notes, I can see why you dig the ocho!
Hah yeah amazing stuff. Cheers Jeff! 🥃
Good review. Great deal for almost 2/3 the price (half when on sale) of the 16! Not buying the 16 anymore!
Hah totally understandable. Way overpriced nowadays. Cheers buddy. 🥃
I personally don’t care much for this one. It’s a perfectly decent whisky, but I find it kind of simple and one-note. Soft smoke, sweet, buttered popcorn. But, even at half the price, I’d just as soon save the cash for a bottle of the 16, which is much more complex and unique, lower ABV or not.
I do prefer Machir Bay, Port Charlotte 10 and Ardbeg 10, and even Wee Beastie to the Laga 8, also. Glad to see them have a higher ABV and lower priced option, and I’d happily sip a dram, but for me there’s just not enough going on with it to make it a regular purchase.
That's fair. It's pretty straight-forward. The 16 definitely has more going on. I'm a big fan of the distillate and the character, but I see where you're coming from. 🥃
@@Gwhisky haha, I feel like every opinion with Lagavulin is somewhat controversial.
@Smoothsayer Or Ardbeg. Or Laphroaig. Hah peatheads are a passionate bunch! 🥃
@@Gwhisky indeed! Fiery palates and strong opinions.
I only buy Diegeo when its on a steep discount. Got Talisker 18 for $100. At regular price the value just isn’t good enough
That's a great price for Talisker 18! 🥃
I will have to lock on to a bottle of this
Hope you like it! 🥃
31 euros here in Spain right now!
Great review but lacking some detailed tasting notes.
*My Tasting Notes:* (Taken from my review on my site: Reb Mordechai Reviews)
It’s a refreshing Lemon, pineapple and barley zesty tangy drink. It is like sherbet in the mouth which excite the taste buds. You are drinking this by the smoky beach bonfire. Tons of sweet coastal smoke everywhere. Underneath the tropical fruit is yeasty pastry tarts and smooth vanilla ice-cream with white honey mixed in. After a while you notice that there is a touch of dry spices and mixed cake spice in those tarts as well.
In no way would I say this was raw under matured whisky. It is well rounded and well-mannered with no rough edges. An impressive thing to do for an 8-Year-Old and due to the peatiness giving the whisky a fuller body despite its young age! The finish is shorter than teh 12 with respect to all these fruity flavours but the smoke remains and like the 12-Year-Old, sticks to the teeth. The 8-Year-Old’s finish may be shorter but it is more refreshing like a long tropical drink.
*Maturation*
The Lagavulin 8 is 100% Refill and First-Fill Ex-Bourbon barrel matured. It's very similar to the maturation of the 12 Year Old Limited Editions. also 100% Ex-Bourbon cask matured. [Information is straight from a Diageo contact].
*E150a?*
As for E150a caramel colour. Not only do they not say it is Natural Colour but on the beige cardboard boxes exported to Europe, they actually have "Mit FarbStoff" printed on the base!
Despite all this, just looking at the pale greenish tint and light straw colour of the Lag 8 and it's quite clear that there is no colour added. In fact it is the same colour as the Lagavulin 12 2015/16 Edition which we know is natural colour.
So what's with the packaging? When I checked with a SWA expert on legal guide to packaging Scotch Whisky, it seems that strangely enough, there is no actual prohibition of stating "Mit Farbstoff" on the package even if it doesn't have any. It's just a statement that there might be!
*Non-Chill Filtered?*
Despite being bottled at 48%, I tested the 8 Year Old against the 12 Year Old [Ed 2013]. I added a few drops of water and left them both for 20 minutes. The 12-Year-Old went cloudy and the 8-Year-Old remained crystal confirming what I was told, that the 12-Year-Old is un-chill filtered. The 8-Year-Old in the other hand, unfortunately looks like it is chill filtered but for the life of me, I don't know why. Moreover, the 12-Year-Old is more full bodied than the 8-Year-Old, but then again, that could be because the 12-Year-Old is Cask Strength.
To see my entire detailed review where I compare the 8-Year-Old to the 12-Year-Old, go to my site "Reb Mordechai Reviews and use the Search option on the top right hand side for "Lagavulin 8". I won't paste a direct URL here as channel owners tell me that comments containing links go straight into SPAM.
As regarding Official bottling 8-Year-Olds currently on the market, besides this one, we have the Talisker 8 Special Release (another Diageo product), Bourbon Barrels and finished in Rum casks in 2020, and 100% Ex-Bourbon in 2021. As you mentioned, there's Glenallachie 8, the Glenfarclas 8 and the Tomatin 8 as well.
Big fan of the 8 and it feels underpriced for how good it is.
It's great stuff. A bit pricey here, but that doesn't seem to be the case in a lot of other markets. Cheers buddy! 🥃
Regular Laga 8 is a very different beast as compared to Laga 8 200th anniversary edition. The Laga 8 200th anni edition will beat the regular one flat, they are not even on the same class… I guess Diageo selected the best casks for the 200th edition and surprised with the responses and scrambled to find similar quality for the new core range Laga 8. You should try to hunt down the 200th edition, it was one of those legends you will remember for life.
I've seen it sold in Taiwan. I might have to try it out. Cheers! 🥃
Yup that 200th edition hits different, where I live its also only $5 more expensive than the regular 8 yo.
I like the Laga 8 and have a bottle at home but have yet to be impressed by the 16. Of the three bottles I've bought in the last 5-6 years, two were so bad that I had to throw them out (bad batch?). They were really insipid and what flavour there was had a bitter aftertaste and a dreadful vegetable smell it was incredibly off-putting. I have no idea what was wrong. I genuinely wanted to understand the reason why so many rave about it but my experiences so far have just left me wondering why. Just to note, the 8 has none of those deficiencies. Maybe the older Laga 16 releases are that much better, I've no idea. However, IMO, neither of them are a patch on the likes of the PC10, Ledaig 10 or Kilchoman Sanaig, which are both better and obviously cheaper. I may give it another try but basically, I've moved on. There are so many better (peated) whiskies out there. Keep up the good work.
Sometimes I think Diageo is messing with us with the Lagavulin 8yr. It is a really good whisky why can't they make the 16 like that. BTW the 16 started me on my peated whisky journey.
Yeah it's a shame. It's an outlier for not just Laga, but Diageo on the whole. We need a whole lot more higher abv releases from them! 🥃
Agreed, the 16 is way over priced for what it is and I would likely gravitate to the 8 in a heartbeat. Heck, if I’m going to buy the 16, I would much rather buy a bottle of ardbeg uigeadail instead
Young Islay Prices In Virginia, USA:
Lagavulin 8, $66
Ardbeg 10, $69
Laphroaig Qtr Cask, $74
Kilchoman Machir Bay, $79
Port Charlotte 10, $79
How are we doing, rest-of-world?
I'd be buying a lot more Laga 8 if I lived where you do! 🥃
@@Gwhisky All liquor is state controlled and sold here. 80+% of us would rather it be private, but there are *some* advantages. Clean, organized stores and, when they do have good bottles that are ratcheting up everywhere, they stay very close to msrp here. I still buy most of my stuff from Scotland though.
Well, as good a whisky as it may be, I'm not buying it. In Bulgaria this one sells for at least 71-72 euros. Just as a point of reference 71 euros is more than I'd have to part with in order to buy Kilchoman Loch Gorm (2022 release is the newest one we have in our market) or Ardnamurchan Cask Strength and way more than the price of Port Charlotte 10, Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength, Ardnamurchan AD/. All of them being naturally presented and accompanied with much more transparency. 2 years ago the price of Lagavulin 8 was around 50 euros and even then it was overpriced IMHO. Today it is a no buy for me.
Sorry to sound like a butt-hurt hater, but Diageo (or their importer for Bulgaria) can go look for some "Laga" fanboy and rip their money off.
Cheers!
Yeah that's too much. This is good, but it can't match a lot of the whiskies you just named off. Greedy importer! 🥃
I prefer the 8 over the 16 specifically due to integrity presentation, but I won't own either of them because I avoid giving Diageo any of my money whenever possible. Yeah, I'm one of those people. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for the sake of science...Er, something.
Totally respect that decision! 🥃
The 16 is very inconsistent nowadays in my experience.
Surprisingly...I like the 8 better than the 16. And where I live 8 is about 40% cheaper than 16. So...why not! ^^
Makes the choice easy! 🥃
I prefer it to the 16-year old
It would be interesting to throw a bottle of $35 Scarabus into a blind tasting with some of these overpriced Islays.
It would!
I recently journeyed through the village of Lagavulin, "the mill in the valley", and no prettier or more romantic spot could have been chosen for a distillery. We tasted some eight year old before starting, which was "EXCEPTIONALLY FINE". Anywho, becalm your mind about any colouring used, as the liquid is almost clear - unless, of course they added bleach. Also, when water is added, a distinctive mist appears in the class, so it seems chill filtration has not visited this whisky.
Great to know. Sounds like you had a hell of a trip. Cheers! 🥃