Arrrrrrddddbegggg Uidegail-Argggggh
 

Well, after reading all the great reviews, I was tricked into trying another Islay. People can't say enough good things about this stuff. So I went for it. Damn - smoke, smoke, smoke. Too much for a Speyside wussy like me. I guess if you like Lag 16, you'll really dig this stuff. I just can't enjoy the other aspects of Islays because the smoke is so prominent. Brrrrrrrrr-you islay lovers are hardcore.

Lag 16 and this have convinced me I can't get on the Islay bandwagon. That being said, at least I made a noble effort to try something new. I don't think I'll try Supernova.:):)

Nonetheless, I'd love to hear from the folks who love this stuff.

I'll sit back and enjoy my Balvenie 21 while I read your comments.:D. Mmmmmmm, smooth, creamy, yummy, so good I don't want to swallow it, this is why I love SMSW.:p

That's the only Ardbeg that I like. I think the others that I've are too one dimensional. You should get some Balvenie 15 and mix it 3:1 with the Ardbeg. Play with the ratios. I bet you'll like it! I blend my own custom whisky by the glass all the time. Just let it rest for a few minutes in the glass after a good swirl. You've got the bottle, have some fun with it!
Cheers!

Great idea. I also tried the Ardbeg again with some water, and it's much more enjoyable - the vanilla and sweetness is much more prominent, and for me, more enjoyable. This is the first whisky I'd rather not have neat.

You went to Islay headfirst trying Lagavullin 16 and Uigeadail. It took me a long time before I developed the palate for those. Laphroaig 18 may be more to your liking. More about subtle smoke with a hint of sweetness. Might also want to try Bunnahabhain.

LOL. Thanks for the suggestions. I mixed a little uigedail with Balvenie 21, but that wasn't the answer. What's the best Laphroig in your opinion?

I like the 18 the most. The quarter cask is good too, but probably won't be to your liking if you didn't care for the Uigeadail. The 18 is the smoothest and the smoke is less in your face. I add a bit of water to it (usually a small splash at at time until it's to my liking). I find that I enjoy a more smoky malt during the winter. I suggest you wait until it's nice and chilly and then give it go one evening.

I would HIGHLY recommend the Bunnahabhain 12yr to introduce you to Islay. It is a softy but goody.

I LOVE both the Lag 16 and the Ardbeg Ug. I have both in my cabinet right now, and savor them! The Bunna 12yr is gone...

Currently have a Laphroaig 18 and Talisker 18 in my rotation. Both excellent. J. Wise, have you tried the Bunnahaibhain 18? I like the 12, but am curious about the 18.

A good friend says the Bunna 18yr is amazing. I have yet to try it.

My favorite Laphroaig is the Cask Strength 10 yr. Huge smoke, huge spice, huge everything. If you didnt like Laga 16 or Ardbeg Uig, you'll hate this one! It's a diesel locomotive of a Scotch!

ardbeg
 

[QUOTE=TheEtherMan;61850]That's the only Ardbeg that I like. I think the others that I've are too one dimensional. QUOTE]

I would agree with both the regular 10 yr and the Corryvrecken. But the Uigeadail is very complexly layed, and the 2010 Supernova is astounding. I use the 10 yr mainly as a warm up to get a buzz and a taste for the Ardbeg house before I move up to Uigeadail and/or Supernova. You dont start those two cold...

Interestingly, I started my journey into SMSW with Laphroaig. Then Ardbeg and Lagavulin. A year later, I havent left Islay :-)

If you think Laga 16 is intense, try the Laga 12. Its cask strength. :-)

Thanks. Will add to my list. :) Picking up a bottle of Highland Park 18 this weekend. One of my favorites...

I happened to have had the 18 a few nights ago. It was the newer higher abv version and it was incredible. I would highly recommend finding a bottle.. My understanding is they are ceasing production of this bottling next year.

This is exactly the order in which I fell in love with these three - Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10, Lagavulin 16, and they make up my main favorites, along with just a couple others.