Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:32 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.
Unearth the contrasts between Caol Ila 18 and Laphroaig 18 in this detailed comparison, empowering you to determine which Single Malt best aligns with your tastes!
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
Caol Ila 18 vs Laphroaig 18: Comparison
Caol Ila 18: Opens with bacon and fruit aromas, leading to a palate of malt and dark chocolate, finishing with smoke and caramel. A smooth, approachable Islay dram.
Laphroaig 18: Features a mix of mineral, oak, and vanilla, with a palate of iodine and peat, finishing with caramel and ash. A nuanced and smooth peat experience.
Verdict: Caol Ila 18 and Laphroaig 18 each provide a unique take on Islay whisky, offering smooth, complex flavors with a refined smoke presence. Ideal for those seeking depth and approachability in their peated whiskies.
If you prefer a whisky with robust flavors and a creamy texture, Laphroaig 18 is the better choice. It’s more satisfying for those who enjoy a stronger peat presence, while still being smooth and complex. Caol Ila 18 is an excellent option for those seeking a more balanced and subtly smoked experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 18-Year-Old Scotch Best Picks
Revealing the Smooth Smoke of Caol Ila 18
- Nose: Bacon, pineapple, apricot
- Palate: Malt, orange, peach, dark chocolate
- Finish: Smoke, pepper, brine, caramel
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Lagavulin 16
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨
Intriguing Aroma:
Caol Ila 18 opens with a unique blend of aromas. Meaty, smoky bacon mingles with surprising notes of pineapple and apricot, creating a complex and intriguing first impression.
Full-Bodied and Fruity:
The palate is full and textured, offering a rich maltiness right off the bat. Hints of orange peel, peach, and even bitter chocolate emerge, all balanced by a subtle touch of oak.
Lingering Smoke and Spice:
The finish is long and satisfying, leaving behind lingering notes of smoke, pepper, brine, and a touch of caramel. A drop of water can enhance the sweetness and amplify the peppery spice in the finish.
A Smooth and Approachable Islay:
While not the most complex 18-year-old out there, Caol Ila 18 delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience. Compared to the Caol Ila 12, the 18 YO offers a more settled expression, with the smoke taking a backseat to allow other flavors to shine. This makes it a solid and easy-drinking option, perfect for those who appreciate a subtle smoky presence alongside fruity and complex notes.
Caol Ila 18: A Look Beyond the Smoke
Aged in refill casks for 18 years, this whisky is crafted by the Caol Ila Distillery, founded in 1846 on Islay by Hector Henderson. Interestingly, Caol Ila utilizes less full stills compared to other Islay distilleries, resulting in less smoke compared to its Islay counterparts.
While artificially colored, Caol Ila 18 offers a unique and enjoyable exploration for those seeking a smooth and approachable Islay whisky experience.
Unveiling Complexity: A Look at Laphroaig 18 Year Old
- Nose: Mineral, oak, vanilla, stone fruit
- Palate: Iodine, peat, vanilla, caramel, sherry
- Finish: Caramel, vanilla, ash, rubber
- Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Laphroaig 16
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨😮💨
Intriguing Aroma:
Laphroaig 18 opens with a unique scent of salty crackers, followed by familiar notes of oak, vanilla, and stone fruit. This intriguing combination piques the interest of both veteran whisky enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
Subtle Smoke, Smooth Finish:
On the palate, the signature Laphroaig flavors of iodine, peat, and sherry are present, but in a more subtle and approachable way. Hints of caramel and vanilla add sweetness and complexity, while the finish leaves a pleasant warmth with lingering notes of caramel, vanilla, ash, and a touch of rubber.
Beyond the Peat:
While the Laphroaig brand is known for its bold and smoky whiskies, the 18-year-old expression offers a more nuanced experience. It remains rich and complex, but with a smoothness that makes it enjoyable for a wider range of palates.
Laphroaig 18: A Rewarding Exploration
Aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, this unfiltered whisky has earned accolades, including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2011 & 2012) and 95 points from the Beverage Testing Institute. It’s a rewarding exploration for those seeking to delve deeper into the world of Laphroaig, or for peat whisky enthusiasts looking for a more approachable experience.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Caol Ila 18 | $160 |
| Laphroaig | $140 |