Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whiskey vs Lagavulin 8 Year Old Whiskey: Which Is Better?

If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, you’ve likely heard of Laphroaig and Lagavulin. These two Islay distilleries are known for producing some of the most peaty and smoky whiskies in the world, and their flagship expressions, Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 8, are often compared and debated among whiskey lovers.

Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 8 are both single malt Scotches aged for 10 and 8 years respectively. They are made entirely with malted barley from their respective distilleries and are known for their distinct and intense flavor profiles. While both whiskies are heavily peated and smoky, they have their own unique characteristics that set them apart from each other.

If you’re wondering which one to try or which one is better, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the bold and medicinal notes of Laphroaig 10, while others enjoy the sweeter and more balanced flavors of Lagavulin 8. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 8 and help you decide which one might be right for you.

Table of Contents

History of Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whiskey and Lagavulin 8 Year Old Whiskey

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whiskey’s History

photo credit: www.laphroaig.com

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whiskey is a single malt Scotch whiskey made on the island of Islay, Scotland. The Laphroaig distillery was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston, both farmers by trade. The distillery has been owned by several different companies over the years, including Long John International, Allied Distillers, and Fortune Brands. Today, the distillery is owned by Beam Suntory.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whiskey is made using malted barley that is dried over peat fires, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. The whiskey is aged for a minimum of 10 years in oak casks, which helps to mellow out the smoky notes and add complexity to the flavor profile. The end result is a whiskey with a bold, peaty flavor that is beloved by many whiskey enthusiasts.

Lagavulin 8 Year Old Whiskey’s History

photo credit: www.singlemalt.ph

Lagavulin 8 Year Old Whiskey is also a single malt Scotch whiskey made on the island of Islay, Scotland. The Lagavulin distillery was founded in 1816 by John Johnston, and it has been owned by several different companies over the years, including White Horse Distillers and Diageo.

Like Laphroaig, Lagavulin 8 Year Old Whiskey is made using malted barley that is dried over peat fires, giving it a smoky flavor. The whiskey is aged for a minimum of 8 years in oak casks, which helps to mellow out the smoky notes and add complexity to the flavor profile. The end result is a whiskey with a rich, smoky flavor that is also highly regarded by whiskey lovers.

Both Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whiskey and Lagavulin 8 Year Old Whiskey have a long and storied history, and they are both beloved by whiskey enthusiasts around the world. While they share some similarities in terms of their production process and flavor profile, they also have distinct differences that make them unique.

Production Process

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whiskey’s Production Process

To make Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whiskey, the distillery uses locally sourced malted barley that is dried over peat fires, giving the whiskey its signature smoky flavor. The barley is then ground and mixed with water to create a mash that is fermented with yeast for around 48 hours. This creates a wash that is then distilled twice in copper pot stills to produce a clear spirit.

The spirit is then aged for a minimum of 10 years in oak barrels that have previously held bourbon. During the aging process, the whiskey takes on flavors and aromas from the wood, as well as some of the characteristics of the bourbon that was previously stored in the barrel.

Once the whiskey has aged for 10 years, it is bottled at 40% ABV and sent out to be enjoyed by whiskey lovers around the world.

Lagavulin 8 Year Old Whiskey’s Production Process

Lagavulin 8 Year Old Whiskey is made using a similar process to Laphroaig. The distillery sources malted barley that is dried over peat fires, giving the whiskey its smoky flavor. The barley is then ground and mixed with water to create a mash that is fermented with yeast for around 55 hours. This creates a wash that is then distilled twice in copper pot stills to produce a clear spirit.

The spirit is then aged for a minimum of 8 years in oak barrels that have previously held bourbon. During the aging process, the whiskey takes on flavors and aromas from the wood, as well as some of the characteristics of the bourbon that was previously stored in the barrel.

Once the whiskey has aged for 8 years, it is bottled at 48% ABV and sent out to be enjoyed by whiskey lovers around the world.

Both Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whiskey and Lagavulin 8 Year Old Whiskey are made using similar processes that result in their signature smoky flavors. However, there are some differences in the length of fermentation, aging, and alcohol content that give each whiskey its unique characteristics.

Taste Comparison

When it comes to taste, Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 8 both offer a unique and complex flavor profile that sets them apart from other whiskies.

Laphroaig 10 has a heavily smoky nose, with hints of popcorn, roasted nuts, oak, and burnt sugar. On the palate, it offers a creamy and chewy texture. The smoke dominates but gives way to rich caramel sweetness and a touch of herrings. The finish is long, warm, and smoky, with notes of cigar ash, apple, and almond.

In contrast, Lagavulin 8 has a more subtle nose, with notes of peat smoke, sea salt, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with flavors of smoke, oak, and a touch of sweetness. The finish is long and smoky, with notes of iodine, sea salt, and a hint of fruit.

Laphroaig 10 is a more intense and smoky whisky, while Lagavulin 8 offers a more subtle and complex flavor profile. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but both whiskies are sure to satisfy any peat lover.

Price Comparison

When it comes to choosing between Laphroaig 10 year old whiskey and Lagavulin 8 year old whiskey, price is an important factor to consider. Both of these whiskeys are known for their unique flavors and high quality, but they differ in price.

Laphroaig 10 year old whiskey is generally more affordable than Lagavulin 8 year old whiskey. At the time of writing, a bottle of Laphroaig 10 year old whiskey costs around $40-$60, while a bottle of Lagavulin 8 year old whiskey costs around $50-$80. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on where you live and where you purchase the whiskey from.

While Laphroaig 10 year old whiskey is more affordable, it is important to note that price should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a whiskey. The flavor, aroma, and overall experience of drinking the whiskey are also important factors to consider.

If you are on a tight budget, Laphroaig 10 year old whiskey may be the better choice for you. However, if you are willing to spend a bit more for a premium whiskey with a unique flavor profile, Lagavulin 8 year old whiskey may be worth the extra cost. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your personal preferences.

Conclusion

So, which one is better, Laphroaig 10 Year Old or Lagavulin 8 Year Old? It’s a tough call, as both are exceptional whiskies with their own unique characteristics.

The choice between Laphroaig 10 Year Old and Lagavulin 8 Year Old comes down to personal preference. If you’re a fan of strong, peaty flavors, then Laphroaig is the way to go. If you prefer a more subtle smokiness with a sweeter taste, then Lagavulin is the better choice. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these exceptional whiskies.

If you’re a fan of peated whiskies, you might also be interested in exploring some other whiskies that share similar characteristics. Here are some related posts that you might enjoy reading:

What Does Whiskey Taste Like? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Flavor Profile of Whiskey

Casamigos Reposado vs Blanco: Which One to Try First?