Ardbeg10,Peat Monster,Laphroaig1/4,McClell. Islay...Contrast

[Quaich1]

Just back from Chinese lunch. I decided to do a 4 way comparison and spontaneous tasting of Ardbeg 10, Compass Box The Peat Monster, Laphroaig Quarter Cask and McClelland's Islay.

Here goes-

Ardbeg 10 46%abv
Neat-

Nose: A marvelous peat engulfs like a wool sweater, seaweed, brine, medicinal and iodine.

Palate: Intense peat, pepper, spice, bold black coffee, mocha tones, black licorice, hint of moth balls and cedar chest.

Finish: Long, sticky lice and black Australian licorice.



Compass Box The Peat Monster 46%abv

Neat-

Nose: A tamed monster blowing more smoke than peat; sea breeze, anise, black licorice, brine and late cloves.

Palate: Peat, smoke, fireplace ash and oak tones.

Finish: Long, cooled BBQ charcoal, understated peat, smoke and throat lozenge (Fishermen's Friend).



Laphroaig Quarter Cask 48%abv


Neat-

Nose: Smokehouse hues with medium peat and sweetish smoke.

Palate: Peat kick, briny, oily, spice, pepper and some heat here.

Finish: Long, peat, intense spice and anise.



McClelland's Islay 40%abv

Neat-


Nose: Syrupy peat in fruit cocktail, oaky tones, assorted berries, hint of paprika and butterscotch.

Palate: Fruity peat, flash of espresso crema, spice and stewed fruit.

Finish: Lingering, spice, tannins, oak, smoke and thoughts of peat unfulfilled.



Comments-

The Ardbeg 10 is a solid dram. No surprises here. It delivers in all respects. The Peat Monster's bark is worse than its bite. A pleasant dram but more of a mean elf than a monster. The Quarter Cask is a quality dram and seals the deal. The McClelland's Islay though having an interesting if unbalanced nose gives its peat more of an after-thought than a main ingredient.
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)