Head to Head...

[jwise]

I'm going to use this thread to showcase whiskies that are similar, and rate them head-to-head.

To start off with, let's take Bunnahabhain 12yr



vs. Highland Park 12yr



Winner: HP 12yr.

The HP was much better balanced, and the hint of smoke really adds something to the overall taste. The Bunny just had too much marine flavor (sea air, salt, etc...), throwing it off balance.

[awhiskeydrink]

Was the Islay as peaty as most from the peat fire roasting? I don't mind the marine flavors, or even the seaweed.

Highland Park, even the 12, is high level competition.

Thanks for the post. Wasn't familiar with Bunny.

[HP12]

Thanks JWise! I like the idea of commenting on head-to-head tastings. HP12 is (and will always be on hand) with the "Bunny 12" on order. I look forward to doing my own B2B tasting with these two.

[jwise]

The Bunnahabhain is not a typical Islay, but instead has little to no peat influence. Some of their offerings do, but they are uniquely labeled. It is the oddball on the Island! Without this peaty influence, it is closer to some of the other island drams, like Isle of Jura, Highland Park, and even Tobermory. However, I think it is better than Jura and Tobermory.

[Gary Wells]

I tried Highland Park once and did not care for it over Bunna 12, but on your recommendation, I will give it another try, jwise. Many thanks for the comparison.
Does Highland make a 18, and if so, are you planning on doing a comparison on Bunna 18 versus Highland 18?

[jwise]

Highland Park 18yr is incredible. I've heard Bunna 18yr is also very good. However, I don't have plans to buy a bottle, so any tasting is out.

I have plenty of others to taste against each other.

[HP12]

I've got a bottle of McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt on order and will hopefully be in receipt of it within a few days. Once in hand, I plan to do a H2H tasting with my Laga16.

McCarthy's is made in the Islay style and has been compared to the Lagavulin 16. They import their peated malt from Scotland.

In addition, the McCarthy's SM was rated as best small batch whisky by Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible in, I believe 2006.

Seems like a natural B2B duo.

[jwise]

Next Head to Head: Macallan Cask Strength vs. Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch #18)



Nose: The nose on each is nearly identical to the other. Rich sherry with nuts and spice. Lots of chocolate and toffee. Plenty of caramel as well. A little nose tingle!

Palate: The Mac CS has lots of spice on the tongue, with a lot of sherry in the back. A'Bunadh also has a ton of spice on the tongue, and it is also followed by plenty of sherry. There is just a bit bitterness on the end of the A'Bunadh, and the sherry is just a tad winy.

Finish: Both have a long finish, with lots of spice and plenty of sherry flavor.

Hmmm... I am perplexed. I expected that the A'Bunadh was going to be my favorite, but I am going to go with the Mac CS.

As for Batch #18, I am going with the Macallan Cask Strength. As for other batches, it could go either way. This head to head was CLOSE! The two are nearly identical.

[Jojo]

jwise - I like both of these but never compared them head to head. Thanks for your review!