Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:17 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Ardbeg Wee Beastie vs Lagavulin 8 in this in-depth comparison and decide which peat-monster is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Wee Beastie vs Lagavulin 8: Comparison
Ardbeg Wee Beastie: An intense Islay dram offering a smoky and meaty profile with layers of sweetness. It’s bold and challenging, best suited for those who seek out the fiercest flavors of peat.
Lagavulin 8: Delivers a robust smoky experience balanced with caramel sweetness and maritime nuances. Its complexity and depth make it a rewarding choice for seasoned peat enthusiasts.
Verdict: Both Ardbeg Wee Beastie and Lagavulin 8 are tailored for smoke lovers, with Wee Beastie presenting a more youthful, untamed peat character, while Lagavulin 8 offers a refined, complex smoke journey. Each stands as a testament to Islay’s peat mastery, appealing to different moments of peat appreciation, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Islay’s Top Whiskies
Ardbeg Wee Beastie: A Fiery Islay Dram for the Smoke Enthusiast
- Nose: Smoke, ash, coal, caramel
- Palate: Smoke, tobacco, caramel, bacon
- Finish: Long, caramel, smoke
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.3% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Ardbeg 10
Ardbeg Wee Beastie lives up to its name, translating to “little beast” in Gaelic. This intensely smoky Islay single malt is a guaranteed adventure for the peat-loving whisky drinker.
Aromatic Assault: The nose delivers a powerful punch reminiscent of a beach bonfire, alongside a pronounced hint of bacon.
Smoky Depths: Prepare for a full peat immersion, offering a meaty character that surprises with unexpected waves of sweetness and delicate chocolate notes on the palate.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is impressively long and warming, featuring rich BBQ smoke flavors and a refreshing touch of medicinal notes.
Taming the Beast: This whisky demands perseverance due to its bold and robust profile. A dash of water can help unlock the sweetness and temper the smoke for a more approachable experience.
Cocktail Canvas: While using fine single malts in cocktails is generally discouraged, Wee Beastie can be a suitable choice for mixed drinks that require a smoky spirit.
Not for Everyone: This is a daring malt best suited for experienced palates who can appreciate intense smokiness. Beginners and those who prefer milder drams might find it overwhelming.
Wee Beastie Facts:
- Aged for 5 years in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks.
- A permanent addition to the Ardbeg lineup, not a limited release.
- Non-chill filtered and free of artificial coloring.
Lagavulin 8: A Smoky Adventure for the Bold
- Nose: Popcorn, roasted nuts, wood, burnt sugar
- Palate: Smoke, oak, caramel, herrings
- Finish: Smoke, ash, apples, almonds
- Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Talisker 10
Lagavulin 8 is an unflinchingly smoky Islay single malt that offers a powerful and complex experience for daring whisky enthusiasts.
Aromatic Depth: The nose is heavily dominated by smoke, with hints of popcorn, roasted nuts, oak, and burnt sugar adding intrigue.
Creamy & Smoky: The palate boasts a pleasantly creamy texture that provides a chewy sensation. While smokiness reigns supreme, deeper exploration reveals rich caramel sweetness alongside a subtle hint of herring.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and warming, offering more smoke, cigar ash, apple, and almond notes.
Balanced Intensity: Despite its intense smokiness, Lagavulin 8 exhibits remarkable balance by weaving in a layer of caramel sweetness. This creates a rewarding experience for those who appreciate bold flavors.
Islay Character: The whisky showcases the characteristic mineral notes of Islay whiskies, further adding to its complexity.
Taming the Smoke: For those who find the smoke a bit overpowering, a few drops of water can offer slight mitigation.
Not for Everyone: This is not a beginner-friendly whisky. It demands a persistent drinker willing to navigate through a wall of smoke to discover its hidden complexities.
Lagavulin 8 Facts:
- Aged for 8 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
- Awarded Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2020 and 2021.
- Originally introduced in 2016 for the distillery’s 200th anniversary, it became a permanent offering due to its success.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Ardbeg Wee Beastie | $50 |
| Lagavulin 8 | $69 |