Head to head

Ardbeg vs Lagavulin

Neighbours on Islay’s south shore, both heavily peated, and the pair most often set against each other. Read the house styles below for where the smoke goes — sharp and medicinal, or deep and sweet.

Founded
18151816
Region
IslayIslay
Signature bottling
Ardbeg 10Lagavulin 16
House style
Intense peat smoke balanced by citrus and sweet malt.Deep, rounded peat smoke with sherry richness and maritime notes.
Core range
Ardbeg 10 · Uigeadail · CorryvreckanLagavulin 16 · Distillers Edition · Lagavulin 8

Every figure above is read from the Atlas entry for each, so this page stays in step with them.