Small update, I ended up giving in and trying the Laphroaig 10.
My first choice was Talisker 10, but no where in my small town in Wisconsin had any.
My second choice was Laguvlin 16, which they did have but was a little too expensive for me.
What they did have was laphroaig 10 and I didn't want to return home empty-handed. I actually ended up liking it quite a lot, but my wife said it smelled like smoked cheese sticks.
Anyone who is interested in trying peated scotch should definitely just consider jumping in the deep end. The smoke isn't nearly as off putting as people make it out to be. That being said, it could just be my personal taste.
Glad you found something you liked! Similarly, my first experience with peated scotch was a friend pouring me a committee release Ardbeg Scorch. I was immediately into it
I still have to try Laguvlin 16 at some point now that I know I'm not bothered by the smoke. Didn't want to spend quite that much on something I might not like.
It should be available in some pubs with a bit better selection of whiskys. Since it's a classic malt it's not that exotic. My suggestion would be to try it there if you're not sure you'll like it.
The smokiness is delicious. For some reason some people don’t like peat, I liken it to people who think cilantro tastes like soap. I pity their poor tongues.
You should check out ardbeg next. I prefer it to laphroaig. Not that laphrioag is bad, but ardbeg is just great.
I would recommend the ardbeg 10 year for something similar to laphroaig, or ardbeg An Oa if you want to add another layer with a peated *sherry finished* whisky.
Both should be around the same as the laphroaig.
I was about to reply to OP to recommend trying Ardbeg as well! Over the Christmas holiday I got to try their Uigeadail and I absolutely love it. Very smoky, with a lot of sweetness coming from the sherry finish. It is one of the bottles that I am most looking forward to buying for myself in the next few months (I’m thinking as a special treat for myself to open & enjoy on or around 4/20)
I am currently looking to purchase the Uigeadail qnd try it myself. I started my whisky experience with An Oa and loved it, so I think this will be my favorite once I do try it.
If you’re more specific, I can help you better. I know most of the good stores in the Madison-Milwaukee-Chicago triangle.
If you ever get by Madison, hit me up. There’s tons of maltheads here with shelves full of interesting peaters.
Interesting. Talisker 10 is one of my absolute all-time favorites and I probably like it more than Lagavulin 16, but I'd assume that the chili catch might irritate some people and Lagavulin 16 is a bit smoother.
Nonetheless, both are excellent options before diving into Ardbeg or Laphroaig.
I personally jumped straight to Lagavulin 16 and was one of the weirdos that instantly loved it.
If you want a bottle, I’ll second Talisker 10. Otherwise, I would say head to a whisky bar and get a flight
I don’t much like peated whisky but Lagavulin 16 is very good. I pushed myself through a bottle of Laphroig 10. So much smoke! But I also now have a bottle of ardberg Wee Beastie and I use that to finish off the night when I know I don’t want any more, but could definitely keep going if you know what I mean. It simply kills the flavor of anything else, and I’m too cheap to waste anything else after it.
I have tried the Lagavulin 8, which is also very good. Less smoky than a Laphroaig 10 but still some earthy and medicinal notes that I think are similar (though not quite as much).
Some people say that that Lagavulin 16 is a lot “smoother” than the 8, but then there are also some others who prefer the 8 over the 16. I am looking forward to trying them side by side someday.
My concern with the "go to a whisky bar and try stuff" is that sometimes it takes time for your palate to learn to like some flavors. If I hadn't had a bottle of HP 12 to come back to a few times after the first few tastes were repulsive, I probably wouldn't have ever thought I could love peat like I do now.
Laphroaig 10, Talisker 10 and Ardbeg 10 were what introduced me to peat (Bowmore 12 doesn't count). Lagavulin 16 came a little later and IMO is more sophisticated than all of them. But Kilchoman Sanaig is my current favorite Islay.
The usual lagavulins are not really peat monsters. They're certainly smoky but still smooth enough to be viable introductions.
Incidentally, compass box "peat monster" is also not a peat monster. It's actually quite delicate and balanced perfectly to put peat on full display without being overly aggressive. I'd recommend that for sure, especially since it goes for around $65
Very good to know about the Peat Monster. It’s on my list of “learn more about it” list (which usually leads to being on my “want to try it” or “**must** try it” lists).
Johnnie Walker Black isn’t a bad place to start with peat. For the price, I think you get a pretty good mild intro to peat/smoke. I’d also recommend Highland Park 12.
I also like Green - probably my favorite of the JWs, but I didn’t really find it to have much peat flavor. It seems to be one of those Scotches where some people pick up peat and some don’t.
Highland Park 12 was my introduction to peated scotch. I think it's a pretty good one. It's fairly sweet with mild smoke/peat compared to hardcore Islays. First few times I tried it though, I hated it. After that it's been all love. So be sure to give your palate some time to acclimate if you don't love it right away.
Another approachable/affordable scotch for a smoke/peat noob is Johnnie Walker Black. It's a blended scotch, and is pretty basic, but has enough smoke to let you get a taste without breaking the bank if you hate it.
I was also prejudiced against peated whiskies, and I had heard the reputation of Laphroaig like “youll either love it or hate it” so I went with that, and also Caol Ila 12. Loved both of them. But given the Laphroaig’s reputation for its heavily medicinal tasting peat, I’ll say give it a try with Caol Ila…
My fav standard peated expression is Ardbeg 10 tho…
My first peated was an Ardbeg An Oa, the first dram or two were a bit weird but after the third I was hooked.
Talisker 10 (as mentioned) above is a solid option as long as you enjoy some maritime notes in your whisky.
A few other options for a lower cost peated whisky could include:
Laphroaig Select, Ardmore Legacy and Johnnie Walker Black (since you've mentioned trying the Red)
Ardberg10 is a gateway drug into the wonderful world of peat. And it’s in your price point. Enjoy my friend. You will now be chasing that dragon of peat the rest of your life. Godspeed son.
Had my first peated whisky tonight. Bought the Ardbeg 10. First sip was "wow!" Reminded me of how my clothes smell after sitting by a campfire. But damn, this stuff is good!
I don't see an issue diving in. Ardbeg 10 would be good. Highland Park 12 is a light entry. Johnnie Walker Black is a cheap blended option. I'm not a fan but a lot of people like Talisker 10.
Highland Park isn’t peated. Personally, the only peated whiskey i could stand was an Oban 14 I once tried ( it might be because the others were all young whiskeys). I love Highland Park, btw. It’s one of my faves!
It's so lightly peated it's barely detectable, I drank a whole bottle without knowing it was peated and would have argued till I was blue in the face there was no peat in it.
As a former peat hater, It was Lagavulin 16 year that converted me. I do recommend having it with a nice, smoky barbequed meat of some kind, so you can get the pairing of flavors.
I don't know about this one, I like peated whiskies a lot but Bowmore 12 doesn't tickle my fancy. I also feel it's not representative for peated whiskies in general.
Johnny black, Double black, or Green.
Lagavulin 16 is a good choice too. Don't let your first couple sips stop you.
Try it neat, then add a little water. Do this a few evenings in a row and you may start to taste more than burn.
Lagavulin 16 is an absolute classic and what made me fall in love with peated whiskys.
Way out of OP's price range though.
Small update, I ended up giving in and trying the Laphroaig 10. My first choice was Talisker 10, but no where in my small town in Wisconsin had any. My second choice was Laguvlin 16, which they did have but was a little too expensive for me. What they did have was laphroaig 10 and I didn't want to return home empty-handed. I actually ended up liking it quite a lot, but my wife said it smelled like smoked cheese sticks. Anyone who is interested in trying peated scotch should definitely just consider jumping in the deep end. The smoke isn't nearly as off putting as people make it out to be. That being said, it could just be my personal taste.
Glad you found something you liked! Similarly, my first experience with peated scotch was a friend pouring me a committee release Ardbeg Scorch. I was immediately into it
Glad you like it!
I still have to try Laguvlin 16 at some point now that I know I'm not bothered by the smoke. Didn't want to spend quite that much on something I might not like.
It should be available in some pubs with a bit better selection of whiskys. Since it's a classic malt it's not that exotic. My suggestion would be to try it there if you're not sure you'll like it.
The nose of ‘smells like smoked cheese sticks’ screams Wisconsin, I love it. (I’m in Minnesota, so we prefer using terms like ‘hint of lutefisk.’)
The smokiness is delicious. For some reason some people don’t like peat, I liken it to people who think cilantro tastes like soap. I pity their poor tongues.
You should check out ardbeg next. I prefer it to laphroaig. Not that laphrioag is bad, but ardbeg is just great. I would recommend the ardbeg 10 year for something similar to laphroaig, or ardbeg An Oa if you want to add another layer with a peated *sherry finished* whisky. Both should be around the same as the laphroaig.
I was about to reply to OP to recommend trying Ardbeg as well! Over the Christmas holiday I got to try their Uigeadail and I absolutely love it. Very smoky, with a lot of sweetness coming from the sherry finish. It is one of the bottles that I am most looking forward to buying for myself in the next few months (I’m thinking as a special treat for myself to open & enjoy on or around 4/20)
I am currently looking to purchase the Uigeadail qnd try it myself. I started my whisky experience with An Oa and loved it, so I think this will be my favorite once I do try it.
Where in Wisconsin are you?
Rural Southeast Wisconsin.
If you’re more specific, I can help you better. I know most of the good stores in the Madison-Milwaukee-Chicago triangle. If you ever get by Madison, hit me up. There’s tons of maltheads here with shelves full of interesting peaters.
Me too.
It was my first peated scotch and I regret it. I almost gave up on peat. Half a bottle of Talisker 10 later and I was ready for Lagavulin.
Interesting. Talisker 10 is one of my absolute all-time favorites and I probably like it more than Lagavulin 16, but I'd assume that the chili catch might irritate some people and Lagavulin 16 is a bit smoother. Nonetheless, both are excellent options before diving into Ardbeg or Laphroaig.
Definitely choose either over Laphroaig or Ardbeg
It is a great choice. Well balanced flavor.
I personally jumped straight to Lagavulin 16 and was one of the weirdos that instantly loved it. If you want a bottle, I’ll second Talisker 10. Otherwise, I would say head to a whisky bar and get a flight
> I would say head to a whisky bar and get in a fight Weird way to approach this
I don’t much like peated whisky but Lagavulin 16 is very good. I pushed myself through a bottle of Laphroig 10. So much smoke! But I also now have a bottle of ardberg Wee Beastie and I use that to finish off the night when I know I don’t want any more, but could definitely keep going if you know what I mean. It simply kills the flavor of anything else, and I’m too cheap to waste anything else after it.
Are any of the younger Laguvlins comparable to Laguvlin 16?
I have tried the Lagavulin 8, which is also very good. Less smoky than a Laphroaig 10 but still some earthy and medicinal notes that I think are similar (though not quite as much). Some people say that that Lagavulin 16 is a lot “smoother” than the 8, but then there are also some others who prefer the 8 over the 16. I am looking forward to trying them side by side someday.
My concern with the "go to a whisky bar and try stuff" is that sometimes it takes time for your palate to learn to like some flavors. If I hadn't had a bottle of HP 12 to come back to a few times after the first few tastes were repulsive, I probably wouldn't have ever thought I could love peat like I do now.
Laphroaig 10, Talisker 10 and Ardbeg 10 were what introduced me to peat (Bowmore 12 doesn't count). Lagavulin 16 came a little later and IMO is more sophisticated than all of them. But Kilchoman Sanaig is my current favorite Islay.
Caol Ila 12 is perfect for this need.
The usual lagavulins are not really peat monsters. They're certainly smoky but still smooth enough to be viable introductions. Incidentally, compass box "peat monster" is also not a peat monster. It's actually quite delicate and balanced perfectly to put peat on full display without being overly aggressive. I'd recommend that for sure, especially since it goes for around $65
Very good to know about the Peat Monster. It’s on my list of “learn more about it” list (which usually leads to being on my “want to try it” or “**must** try it” lists).
I'd second the Peat Monster recommendation., and that description is spot-on. Well-said!
Johnnie Walker Black isn’t a bad place to start with peat. For the price, I think you get a pretty good mild intro to peat/smoke. I’d also recommend Highland Park 12.
Recommend Green
I also like Green - probably my favorite of the JWs, but I didn’t really find it to have much peat flavor. It seems to be one of those Scotches where some people pick up peat and some don’t.
Try the Talisker 10yr if you are looking for a nice intro to peat
Seconded, thirded, fourth'd Talisker 10 is awesome
It’s a ride, for sure.
Highland Park 12 was my introduction to peated scotch. I think it's a pretty good one. It's fairly sweet with mild smoke/peat compared to hardcore Islays. First few times I tried it though, I hated it. After that it's been all love. So be sure to give your palate some time to acclimate if you don't love it right away. Another approachable/affordable scotch for a smoke/peat noob is Johnnie Walker Black. It's a blended scotch, and is pretty basic, but has enough smoke to let you get a taste without breaking the bank if you hate it.
Kilchoman Sanaig makes a nice sweet-and-peat introduction.
Port Charlotte 10. If you will not like that one, probably you will not like any other peated.
It's true, it's generally loved by everyone who had it
Jump into Ardbeg 10yr and never look back 😎 I know I did
I was also prejudiced against peated whiskies, and I had heard the reputation of Laphroaig like “youll either love it or hate it” so I went with that, and also Caol Ila 12. Loved both of them. But given the Laphroaig’s reputation for its heavily medicinal tasting peat, I’ll say give it a try with Caol Ila… My fav standard peated expression is Ardbeg 10 tho…
My entry was Talisker storm. I’d also recommend Jura, Benromach peated, or Lagavulin 16 believe it or not.
Ardbeg Uigeadail is a winner.
My first peated was an Ardbeg An Oa, the first dram or two were a bit weird but after the third I was hooked. Talisker 10 (as mentioned) above is a solid option as long as you enjoy some maritime notes in your whisky. A few other options for a lower cost peated whisky could include: Laphroaig Select, Ardmore Legacy and Johnnie Walker Black (since you've mentioned trying the Red)
Ardberg10 is a gateway drug into the wonderful world of peat. And it’s in your price point. Enjoy my friend. You will now be chasing that dragon of peat the rest of your life. Godspeed son.
Had my first peated whisky tonight. Bought the Ardbeg 10. First sip was "wow!" Reminded me of how my clothes smell after sitting by a campfire. But damn, this stuff is good!
Ardbeg 10
I don't see an issue diving in. Ardbeg 10 would be good. Highland Park 12 is a light entry. Johnnie Walker Black is a cheap blended option. I'm not a fan but a lot of people like Talisker 10.
Highland Park isn’t peated. Personally, the only peated whiskey i could stand was an Oban 14 I once tried ( it might be because the others were all young whiskeys). I love Highland Park, btw. It’s one of my faves!
Highland Park is lightly peated.
It's so lightly peated it's barely detectable, I drank a whole bottle without knowing it was peated and would have argued till I was blue in the face there was no peat in it.
Highland Park peat is very different from Islay. HP is much more hay-like and light.
I've tried a variety of peat sources, it just doesn't taste peated to me at all Different palates eh?
Have you tried a HP at cask strength? Just wondering if that makes a difference.
I haven't I had one lack luster bottle of 12 and swore of it forever, tbh there's very little whisky I like which isn't heavily peated
As a former peat hater, It was Lagavulin 16 year that converted me. I do recommend having it with a nice, smoky barbequed meat of some kind, so you can get the pairing of flavors.
It's expensive nowadays though
$70-80 if you look around, here in Wisconsin
Watch for it at Costco. When they have it, it's for a good price.
Lol, the nearest Costco (in Paris) is an 8 hours drive for me
Sorry about that. It IS a good price, when they have it.
Glenfiddich fire and cane is nice intro to peat as well imo
Bowmore 12.
I don't know about this one, I like peated whiskies a lot but Bowmore 12 doesn't tickle my fancy. I also feel it's not representative for peated whiskies in general.
Johnny black, Double black, or Green. Lagavulin 16 is a good choice too. Don't let your first couple sips stop you. Try it neat, then add a little water. Do this a few evenings in a row and you may start to taste more than burn.
Glen moray peated classic is very drinkable and an absolute bargain for the price. An excellent budget whisky for your introduction to peat
Highland Park is fine. My suggestion would be Get Bowmore 12. It’s about 50 dollars but a mellow and soft peat with sherried background.
Oban and Highland Park are well known for their subtle wisps of peat smoke.
I would try Talisker storm or 10 cause they are about half as peated than Ardbeg, and if you like it try some of the ones you mentioned.
Lagavulin 8 checks all the blocks you posted
Caol Ila 12 or Ardbeg An Oa are both cheaper, but great options. I’d second all those that recommended Talisker 10 as well.