Very creative format, Erik! You clearly put some time into this and the quality of the video shows your effort. Great series and I really enjoy head to head comparison reviews. Looking forward to round 3.
Hi Erik. One detail that could explain Port Charlottes lighter peat character is that the peated malt they use is purchased from a maltings in the Highlands using Highland peat. Ardbeg and most of the other Islay distillerys buy peated malt from Port Ellen on Islay that uses Islay peat. Peat bogs take thousands of years to develop and Islay peat has at some point been submerged in sea water and contains seaweed and kelp in it giving that salty maritime character. Love the Port Charlotte 10 glad you enjoyed it too as I know you are a big fan of the Ardbeg 10 too. Cheers
Other than port charlotte which would you recommend. Undecided which to get for the holidays with the fam first time im getting them to drink peated whiskey. Thanks.
@@donaldotrump3685 Benromach 10 is a very lightly peated whisky that is quite good and usually a good price. For a first peated whisky that could be a good choice. If you want to jump straight in full bore Ardbeg 10 would be a good choice
Now I’m really glad I picked up the PC for my best friend’s upcoming birthday. He likes Laphroaig 10, so I’m sure he’ll love the PC 10. Great video, matey.
I know Im randomly asking but does anybody know a method to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot the password. I love any assistance you can give me.
@Brodie Nico Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
My bottle of Port Charlotte 10 has arrived this week, had a couple drams yesterday for the first time. Simply stunning! I was seriously blown away. I had tasted the Laphroaig Portwood a few weeks ago... and yes, I know there's no port in this... and it's probably not as similar... but it really reminded me of it. I could nose this for days. Excellent stuff. IMHO this is absolutely better than Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Ledaig 10. I need to try others of their line up now!
Keep an eye on the cork. My bottle was from 2018 and it had a large natural cork which broke. I contacted the distillery and they stated that they have ceased using natural corks due to breakage.
@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies Didn't check when my bottle is from, but it's probably a newer batch. Cork was fine. I watched the video where you complained about their corks and was a bit worried... opened it super carefully... it sure is a big cork, but no breakage. Everything just perfect, specially that precious, precious liquid inside. yum.
I've still not tried Ardbeg yet, but currently there is only a £3 difference between them. My mate and i sipped our way through a bottle of PC10 last night and it was glorious.
Another great review, of the 3 I too am in favour of the PC10.When I first sampled it I also was surprised at the lightness of the peat. I thought there was something wrong with my nose. But great flavour. Cheers
The PC 10 Heavily Peated is $5-10 more than the Ardbeg 10 near me. To me, it has more complexity, perhaps from the mix of barrel types , and also benefits from the additional ABV. Both are good and a bit different, and deserve a place in the rotation.
I just bought my first bottle of Arbeg 10 @ $64.00 plus tax, I haven't tried the Port Charles but thats next. I just finished a bottle of Lagavulin 16 so its going to be interesting how they match up to the Laga...WA
Have certainly had all three, and cannot agree with you more. Ardbeg 10 - great bang for the buck - although Laphroaig can usually be had significantly cheaper, so is no slouch in the area either. Money no object though - love the Port Charlotte.
Great challenge, thanks! I thought it was funny when you said “if I had to choose” considering you are sitting in front of about a gazillion bottles of Whisky! Just say it: CHOOSE BOTH !!! 😂
I have two new series beginning in December 2020: (1) Peated Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskies which will run at least through January 2021 (2) "Wee Dram" a new Play List for daily short videos (under one minute) for which I'll be doing a Whisky Advent Calendar from December 1-25.
I am a bigger fan of Port Charlotte 10 than I am of Ardbeg 10, BUT The Port Charlotte 10 that I have been getting for the last few years is the Second Limited Edition Port Charlotte 10, which came in the older bottle... I have yet to find the current version of PC10 locally. I remember the First Port Charlotte that I ever had, and it was the PC11. The PC10 of those days was almost as good as the 11.
I'm surprised. I tried the Port Charlotte Heavily Peated last year and was disappointed. It was a Peat Night tasting and it got its a$$ kicked. We started with the Balvenie 14 Peat Week 2003 48.3% abv. (the lowest). Then the Port Charlotte at 50% abv. There was just a lack of depth and character. Then we went to Corryvrecken (definitely paying the extra $15 for this over the PC). And finished the night with Laphroaig Cask Strength (always the best way to end a Peat Shootout!). Curious to see how far up the Peat food chain you will go!!! Cheers!!!
It’s pretty much a tie between PC10 and A 10 . Depends on a day which is better and both are really good. Laphroaig is easily last since we have the 40% version and those two just kill it in side by side tasting . So PC10>A10>L10 probably for me
Great video! I think your assessment is spot on. Ardbeg 10 is my go-to peaty whisky and the one I recommend to people. It's about $40-45 in my area, compared to $65-70 for the PC10, but I find myself willing to pay the extra for the PC10 because I like that 'darker' flavor profile. That said, for something in a different style, I might prefer the Port Charlotte Islay Barley when I can get my hands on it. But that depends on my mood.
@@jdb9388- Lagavulin 8 beats PC10 for me on most days. The 16...? It depends on my mood. I love the flavors and aromas of Lag 16, but when I bought a bottle earlier this year I remember thinking the palate was thin and wishing there was more. But when it's "on" (with just the right amount of air, etc) it's "on!"
It's highly speculated that Costco/Kirkland's Islay Single Malt ($39 bottle US) is actually Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Year. The Whiskey Fellow website summed up the puzzle nicely. We know the Kirkland's Islay Single Malt is 1.) A single malt, 2.) Bottled by the Alexander Murray Co bottling company, which has a long relationship with Bruichladdich and it's bottled at 50% ABV/100 proof.
I would probably prefer Ardbeg over Laphroaig, slightly, though it's a bit fruity, but today Laphroaig 10 is about $43 and Ardbeg 10 is about $68 (Total Wine) (The PC 10 is $77). I really like Laphroaig so the extra cost of Ardbeg is not worth it to me.
Not a Laph10 fan. Ardbeg10 is great, but for me the Port Charlotte 10 is worth the additional cost, for me personally, I find PC 10 sits in between the Ardbeg 10 & one of my favourite drams, the Ardbeg Uigeadail, in terms of flavour profile.
If you like the medicinal, bandage smell and flavor then pick Ardbeg, if you like campfire, pine tar soap scent and flavor then Port Charlette is for you! Two very very different whiskys.
PC 10 has this idiosyncratic pungent sourness that's almost like throw-up in a very pleasing way, whereas Ardy 10 has this simple beauty of clean and fresh lemon/lime juice. PC 10 draws a bit more complexity from its more diverse cask profile, when Ardy 10 seems to have been matured in fairly inactive ex-bourbon casks. The result is PC 10 is way dirtier and funner, and Ardy 10 is much cleaner and more relaxing. I just love both in different moods and can't just pick one 😭😭
Right now, in my area, The PC10 is only $5 more than the Ardbeg 10 ($60 vs $55) and so I just picked up the PC10 as a Christmas present for myself. Otherwise, I would be picking up some of the remaining 2019 bottles of Laphroaig 10 cask strength for $65 (the 2020 bottles have jumped to $80, I think, due to the tariffs).
$19 is nothing compared with so much more there is in the Port Charlotte.. I love it. Ardbeg has a good price for what it delivers but to my taste it is not as good as it use to be in the past.
I think the price for the Port Charlotte is ok. They have higher ABV than the others. And they use local barley and good casks for their whisky. I am curious, who will join the next duel. Cheers mate!
Mister Malt I think it Has to specifically say Islay barley to be a local barley. Obviously their Scottish barley would not be Islay barley. I might be wrong but I presume the PC 10 would be Scottish barley from the mainland
I feel like the Octomores get all the attention, but the PC10 is really solid. I wish they didn't futz around with some many weird experiments and focused on expanding their core range with older age statements
@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies Here too mate. It's just not worth it then I rather buy 3 bottles off Port Charlotte. Also I have a good whiskyshop that whenever I go I can taste like 2-3 drams for free because I always buy some bottles. So he has like 3000 bottles for sale, and like 900-1000 bottles open in his bar. And I tried an octomore there. Okay it's very good stuff. But it's over priced imo. Some ocotmore's are even over 200 euros..
Value for money is often the decisive component. In the U.K there's only about £5 difference for these two. 4% extra abv is worth the £5. I love the PC10 with that campfire smoked ham and Tabasco flavour. For £50 a bottle it makes a mockery of the ridiculous prices asked for Octomore. It seems insane to say that a drink as iconic as Ardbeg 10 might seem a little well behaved in comparison. It has 4% less abv and that makes a difference. When we drink Islay malt we like to be taken on a roller-coaster ride and Islay whisky really loves big abv to bring it on home. But, hold on a second, let's give points to how well made a whisky is and Ardbeg 10 really is a very well made whisky. It's a perfectly balanced dram and I fell in love with it a couple of years ago when it was the only bottle of whisky I had on a holiday in Italy and I didn't get bored with it. Staying power matters to experienced whisky drinkers. However, I realise I'm sitting on the fence and I should say they are equally good depending on your mood but put a gun to my head and it's the PC10. It's very good quality for £50 a bottle and a big thumbs up to Bruichladdich.
I’ve started to trust my palate, and there’s a significant difference between a freshly opened bottle and one sitting on the shelf for 2 months with air in it. Gotta compare apples to apples.
Well I tried it and I do like it. Not as much as Ardbeg 10 tho. I DO have one complaint about this whisky. I HATE the bottle. Not easy to pour at all. That's it though. A fine Islay scotch
Nice review Erik and I tend to agree with you. Between laphroaig 10 and Ardbeg 10, it’s not a real competition, ardbeg wins every time, the fact that laphroaig 10 in Europe is released at 40%ABV not doing it any favors. As of lately, my go to laphroaig is in fact the quarter cask at 48%abv. it delivers more in terms of the laphroaig signature imo. Now, the port Charlotte is another character altogether: the extra ABV, the complexity, the layers of flavor it delivers, again imo, are worth forking out the extra cash. The age statement isn’t saying everything here, as it isn’t with most expressions from bruichladdich. I do feel however that the PC10 isn’t a whisky I’d recommend to people starting out on their journey, because the complexity can make it a bit of an enigmatic experience. If budget is a factor, this isn’t even a question: ardbeg 10 ftw. The continuous quality it delivers, that peaty punch and smoke followed by what is in fact a bit of a soft, fruity, even delicate character: it’s just one of the better 10 yo’s out there. Cheers
I started my whisky journey with 104 mini bottles I imported from the UK. O later discovered that a mini doesn't always provide the same experience of a full bottle, which allows you to understand its evolution as it opens up after pulling the cork.
I did a completely blind test for fun with my son last xmas time ( both of us blindfolded with glasses being randomly passed to us) of Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10, Port Charlotte 10 and as a kind of wildcard (not being Islay) a Talisker 10. Sadly the Laphroaig 10 (UK retail price £38) was completely outclassed as here, in the UK, it is 40% abv and against this line up it had no chance (why, oh why is this fantastic malt only 40% ??????). I am also a huge Ardbeg 10 fan and was surprised when it came 3rd (UK retail price £46) The Port Charlotte 10 (UK retail price £50) came 2nd overall (so 1st if you discount the non Islay wildcard) and if i'm honest, was a clear winner over the Laphroaig and Ardbeg - and at UK prices I dont think budget comes into it at all (only £4 difference between PC 10 and Ardbeg 10) The surprise winner, picked by both of us, was the Talisker 10 (UK retail price £44) which just goes to show the value in a fully blind test because we were not even handed the glasses in the same order, but from that line up both independently chose the exact same result for all 4 whiskys Maybe it was because they were all 'neck pours' or maybe being the only non Islay made it's salty Island character stand out more, or maybe I just got a really good bottle - but on that day, in that line up, the Talisker was outstanding. There is talk of a rematch this year and replacing the Laphroaig 10 (40% abv) with either Laphroaig Lore (48% abv) or Laphroaig 10 cask strength (60% abv) or as it will be at xmas time again .................... maybe both
Bruichladdich will always be the top dog of Islay. Between the unpeateds, heavy peated octomores, and their MASTERFUL black arts. Untouched and unrivaled.
Love the PC, but the unpeated ones seem kinda harsh to me. Not sure, but I think they might be youngish whiskeys. I like the Islay Barley a lot more than the Laddie.
Everyone’s taste is their own, but the 6 extra years of aging put Lagavulin 16 on top of these two. Simply more there to experience. That said, I’m a big fan of these two. Particularly the Ardbeg, which is $20 cheaper than the PC, and $45 cheaper than the Lagavulin! It’s not only very good, but the best value that I’ve tried.
This was recorded 3 years ago. I am currently studying for the Master of Scotch exam to be held at Raasay Distillery in April 2024. I may do some comparison videos in February and March 2024 in which I will be doing them blind as part of my study.
I wish I could get A10 for $46. It's $60 here, just $5 cheaper than PC10. Looks like A10 has gotten more expensive in Cali since you did this video, too.
This is a tough one. The peat punch in Port Charlotte is quite subdued, probably why they bottle this at 50% instead of 46%. While Ardbeg has more layers and is more robust in the character, Port Charlotte is more briny with hints of menthol and citrus developing into a overbrewed tea bitterness. To me, it tastes younger than the Ardbeg. The Ardbeg 10 once opened up, oxygenates and gets sweeter with time. But it is more robust with a longer development and finish. It could be my bias towards Ardbeg, which is definitely my favorite Islay distillery in terms of consistency and integrity, but I would place Ardbeg slightly ahead. I do believe sometimes we are almost coerced into rating whiskys that are more expensive higher. The port charlotte, however, has a pretty flat, unimpressive finish while the Ardbeg has as more lasting impression. Considering everything, the Ardbeg 10 would rate a little higher.
All three are my favorite scotch - Laphroaig 10, PC & Ardbeg 10. Behind them would be Caol Ila 12, Ledaig 10 and Bunnahabhain 12. Sorry to the Lagavulin and Talisker fans - I dislike them both. Same goes for Springbank 10 which falls on the wrong side of medicinal for me. And don't get me started on Bowmore and Highland Park which ruins the peat with syruppy taste.
Would it be wrong to include Lagavulin 8, which is similarly priced, in this Battle Royale? Also, it would be fun to compare the winner to the most bottom shelf Peated Malt I know of, Finlaggan Old Reserve.
I love all Islay BUT the ardbeg. To me, the ardbag lack in that smokey aroma, and it tastes like you’re eating cigarettes. The port has a more campfire smell that I love, and a better taste.
PC10 is un chillfiltered and naturally colored, though not disclosed as so on the label. They disclose to reviews time and time again, when asked. They should definitely just put it on the label so there is no question though.
PC10 I always equated more to a bowl of golden grams flanked by some smoky bacon, it's also got some serious malt 'funk' to it, that sort of sour flavor that's hagnin' out in the basement of this whisky. Ab10 was more a bacon and coffee type of ordeal, with definitely more of that earthy peatyness. Regardless, Ab10 has been replaced by An Oa imo, as it offers more complexity(and slightly higher proof) at the same price point. An Oa vs PC10 would be a much better match up(even though ones prominently sherry, the other Am' oak), and I see you've got a bottle just over left shoulder in the video, what are you waiting for!?!?
I am also an Ardbeggian, but Bruichladdich is pretty well tied for my favorite distillery. After that Lagavulin and Bunnahabhain followed by Laphroiag. Not that anyone cares, just throwing that out there
Erik Wait Whisky Studies Aye, your no wrong there.. Octomore is a treat once in a blue moon, but no more expensive than the Caol Ila in the next round! But then again, if I'm shelling out that amount of £, it's straight for a Black Art
PC 10, in my opinion, is the best Islay in the 8-12 year age range. It's great neat, and even better with a small drop of water.
Very creative format, Erik! You clearly put some time into this and the quality of the video shows your effort. Great series and I really enjoy head to head comparison reviews. Looking forward to round 3.
Hi Erik. One detail that could explain Port Charlottes lighter peat character is that the peated malt they use is purchased from a maltings in the Highlands using Highland peat. Ardbeg and most of the other Islay distillerys buy peated malt from Port Ellen on Islay that uses Islay peat. Peat bogs take thousands of years to develop and Islay peat has at some point been submerged in sea water and contains seaweed and kelp in it giving that salty maritime character. Love the Port Charlotte 10 glad you enjoyed it too as I know you are a big fan of the Ardbeg 10 too. Cheers
Solid comment. Thanks for the lesson.
Other than port charlotte which would you recommend. Undecided which to get for the holidays with the fam first time im getting them to drink peated whiskey. Thanks.
@@donaldotrump3685 Benromach 10 is a very lightly peated whisky that is quite good and usually a good price. For a first peated whisky that could be a good choice. If you want to jump straight in full bore Ardbeg 10 would be a good choice
@@DonnerPassWhisky thank you for the help ))
Woo, great informations🙏😜
Now I’m really glad I picked up the PC for my best friend’s upcoming birthday. He likes Laphroaig 10, so I’m sure he’ll love the PC 10. Great video, matey.
I have had all three and I prefer the Port Charlotte.
Ardbeg 10 is always one of the best around, however, if you want an upgrade the Port Charlotte is always the better choice.
I know Im randomly asking but does anybody know a method to get back into an Instagram account?
I was dumb forgot the password. I love any assistance you can give me.
@Matteo Trace instablaster ;)
@Brodie Nico Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out atm.
Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Brodie Nico it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thank you so much you really help me out!
@Matteo Trace happy to help xD
My bottle of Port Charlotte 10 has arrived this week, had a couple drams yesterday for the first time. Simply stunning! I was seriously blown away. I had tasted the Laphroaig Portwood a few weeks ago... and yes, I know there's no port in this... and it's probably not as similar... but it really reminded me of it. I could nose this for days. Excellent stuff. IMHO this is absolutely better than Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Ledaig 10. I need to try others of their line up now!
Keep an eye on the cork. My bottle was from 2018 and it had a large natural cork which broke. I contacted the distillery and they stated that they have ceased using natural corks due to breakage.
@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies Didn't check when my bottle is from, but it's probably a newer batch. Cork was fine. I watched the video where you complained about their corks and was a bit worried... opened it super carefully... it sure is a big cork, but no breakage. Everything just perfect, specially that precious, precious liquid inside. yum.
I've still not tried Ardbeg yet, but currently there is only a £3 difference between them. My mate and i sipped our way through a bottle of PC10 last night and it was glorious.
Blasphemy!!!! How dare you!! 😂 I love both of these whiskies, keep it up Eric love this series. ARDBEG! 🥃
Thanks for pointing these videos out to me probably going to have to watch most of them this weekend lol
Please do!
Another great review, of the 3 I too am in favour of the PC10.When I first sampled it I also was surprised at the lightness of the peat. I thought there was something wrong with my nose. But great flavour. Cheers
The PC 10 Heavily Peated is $5-10 more than the Ardbeg 10 near me. To me, it has more complexity, perhaps from the mix of barrel types , and also benefits from the additional ABV. Both are good and a bit different, and deserve a place in the rotation.
It's cheaper here.
I just noticed I'm 3 yrs behind..... PC 10 is $100. Ard10 is $70. I prefer Ledaig 10 at $65
@@driftwood9098 where I am at, Port Charlotte 10 and Ardbeg 10 are now both $70 while the Ledaig 10 is $80.
HAHAHAHA This was my exact same reaction after trying Port Charlotte, "Wow!!!! Wow!!!! What the... Wow! Wait what?!?! Oh my... Wow!"
Great review Erik! Looking forward to the net review.
Cool premise. I like this format. Head to head comparisons. 👍
I just bought my first bottle of Arbeg 10 @ $64.00 plus tax, I haven't tried the Port Charles but thats next. I just finished a bottle of Lagavulin 16 so its going to be interesting how they match up to the Laga...WA
Just got Port Charlotte and it’s a stunner. So delicious.
Have certainly had all three, and cannot agree with you more. Ardbeg 10 - great bang for the buck - although Laphroaig can usually be had significantly cheaper, so is no slouch in the area either. Money no object though - love the Port Charlotte.
Great challenge, thanks! I thought it was funny when you said “if I had to choose” considering you are sitting in front of about a gazillion bottles of Whisky! Just say it: CHOOSE BOTH !!! 😂
Fun comparison. In my country you can buy port Charlotte 10 for the same price as ardbeg 10 or even few euros cheaper
realy nice video! just got the port charlotte today, and had the ardbeg 10 for a while, wanted to see the opinion of others. Subbed! :D
I have two new series beginning in December 2020: (1) Peated Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskies which will run at least through January 2021 (2) "Wee Dram" a new Play List for daily short videos (under one minute) for which I'll be doing a Whisky Advent Calendar from December 1-25.
I am a bigger fan of Port Charlotte 10 than I am of Ardbeg 10, BUT The Port Charlotte 10 that I have been getting for the last few years is the Second Limited Edition Port Charlotte 10, which came in the older bottle... I have yet to find the current version of PC10 locally. I remember the First Port Charlotte that I ever had, and it was the PC11. The PC10 of those days was almost as good as the 11.
The local total wine had PC for over 80$. Last year it was 60 is. I bought the ardbeg. I like PC more
I'm surprised. I tried the Port Charlotte Heavily Peated last year and was disappointed. It was a Peat Night tasting and it got its a$$ kicked. We started with the Balvenie 14 Peat Week 2003 48.3% abv. (the lowest). Then the Port Charlotte at 50% abv. There was just a lack of depth and character. Then we went to Corryvrecken (definitely paying the extra $15 for this over the PC). And finished the night with Laphroaig Cask Strength (always the best way to end a Peat Shootout!). Curious to see how far up the Peat food chain you will go!!! Cheers!!!
What would you say is better ledaig 10 or ardbeg 10 ? And is the ledaig 10 have that Smokey bacon or bbq aroma? 😀
You can find my answer in this video: ua-cam.com/video/z--yJSm2ZfU/v-deo.html
Port Charlotte is like Salted Carmelized butterscotch. It's really really good
Love all 3 but i agree with you on the PC10. More depth and layers.
It’s pretty much a tie between PC10 and A 10 . Depends on a day which is better and both are really good. Laphroaig is easily last since we have the 40% version and those two just kill it in side by side tasting . So PC10>A10>L10 probably for me
Great video! I think your assessment is spot on. Ardbeg 10 is my go-to peaty whisky and the one I recommend to people. It's about $40-45 in my area, compared to $65-70 for the PC10, but I find myself willing to pay the extra for the PC10 because I like that 'darker' flavor profile. That said, for something in a different style, I might prefer the Port Charlotte Islay Barley when I can get my hands on it. But that depends on my mood.
PC10 or Lagavulin 16?
@@jdb9388- Lagavulin 8 beats PC10 for me on most days. The 16...? It depends on my mood. I love the flavors and aromas of Lag 16, but when I bought a bottle earlier this year I remember thinking the palate was thin and wishing there was more. But when it's "on" (with just the right amount of air, etc) it's "on!"
Congratulations! Your team had a good match, Erik!
However, I do celebrate the win of my team! ;) :)
Ardbeg 10 still my favorite
Great entertaining and unbiased video.
between ARDBEG and Port Charolette I prefer the Port Charolette. but of all the Islay's I'd take Lagavulin 16 every time.
When I saw the title I laughed... ardbeg didn't have any chance. Great review
It's highly speculated that Costco/Kirkland's Islay Single Malt ($39 bottle US) is actually Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Year. The Whiskey Fellow website summed up the puzzle nicely. We know the Kirkland's Islay Single Malt is 1.) A single malt, 2.) Bottled by the Alexander Murray Co bottling company, which has a long relationship with Bruichladdich and it's bottled at 50% ABV/100 proof.
Thanks for the information!
I would probably prefer Ardbeg over Laphroaig, slightly, though it's a bit fruity, but today Laphroaig 10 is about $43 and Ardbeg 10 is about $68 (Total Wine) (The PC 10 is $77). I really like Laphroaig so the extra cost of Ardbeg is not worth it to me.
Great review. I just have one question please, is the Ardbeg a peatier tasting whisky than the Port Charlotte 10?
Not a Laph10 fan. Ardbeg10 is great, but for me the Port Charlotte 10 is worth the additional cost, for me personally, I find PC 10 sits in between the Ardbeg 10 & one of my favourite drams, the Ardbeg Uigeadail, in terms of flavour profile.
Enjoyable head to head. Love the intro. Surprised you went for the PC 10, both are good though.
We have always been a bit surprised how light the peat notes are when we blind taste Port Charlotte
If you like the medicinal, bandage smell and flavor then pick Ardbeg, if you like campfire, pine tar soap scent and flavor then Port Charlette is for you! Two very very different whiskys.
They are all great! Port Charlotte wins with me too.
Port Charlotte is my solid number 3. Absolutely love the stuff. Ardbeg Uigeadail comes in at 4.
PC 10 is my favorite islay I’ve had so far. Tried Ardbeg 10, Laphroig 10, lagavulin 16, and Bowmore 15
Get any Octomore or anything cask strength at least. It's another level :)
PC 10 has this idiosyncratic pungent sourness that's almost like throw-up in a very pleasing way, whereas Ardy 10 has this simple beauty of clean and fresh lemon/lime juice. PC 10 draws a bit more complexity from its more diverse cask profile, when Ardy 10 seems to have been matured in fairly inactive ex-bourbon casks. The result is PC 10 is way dirtier and funner, and Ardy 10 is much cleaner and more relaxing. I just love both in different moods and can't just pick one 😭😭
Right now, in my area, The PC10 is only $5 more than the Ardbeg 10 ($60 vs $55) and so I just picked up the PC10 as a Christmas present for myself. Otherwise, I would be picking up some of the remaining 2019 bottles of Laphroaig 10 cask strength for $65 (the 2020 bottles have jumped to $80, I think, due to the tariffs).
Please don't mute the sound when you taste it. Its enjoyable to watch :)
You're weird dude.
You mentioned Blaaack, you should do a side by side with the Port Charlotte.
I have both the 10yo Ardbeg & 10 yo Port Charlotte. Still think Ardbeg 10yo is the best though the PC10 yo is a good whisky.
$19 is nothing compared with so much more there is in the Port Charlotte.. I love it. Ardbeg has a good price for what it delivers but to my taste it is not as good as it use to be in the past.
I think the price for the Port Charlotte is ok. They have higher ABV than the others. And they use local barley and good casks for their whisky. I am curious, who will join the next duel. Cheers mate!
Mister Malt I think it Has to specifically say Islay barley to be a local barley. Obviously their Scottish barley would not be Islay barley. I might be wrong but I presume the PC 10 would be Scottish barley from the mainland
I feel like the Octomores get all the attention, but the PC10 is really solid. I wish they didn't futz around with some many weird experiments and focused on expanding their core range with older age statements
Octomore is SO expensive! They are over $150 here!
@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies Here too mate. It's just not worth it then I rather buy 3 bottles off Port Charlotte. Also I have a good whiskyshop that whenever I go I can taste like 2-3 drams for free because I always buy some bottles. So he has like 3000 bottles for sale, and like 900-1000 bottles open in his bar. And I tried an octomore there. Okay it's very good stuff. But it's over priced imo. Some ocotmore's are even over 200 euros..
Value for money is often the decisive component. In the U.K there's only about £5 difference for these two. 4% extra abv is worth the £5. I love the PC10 with that campfire smoked ham and Tabasco flavour. For £50 a bottle it makes a mockery of the ridiculous prices asked for Octomore. It seems insane to say that a drink as iconic as Ardbeg 10 might seem a little well behaved in comparison. It has 4% less abv and that makes a difference. When we drink Islay malt we like to be taken on a roller-coaster ride and Islay whisky really loves big abv to bring it on home. But, hold on a second, let's give points to how well made a whisky is and Ardbeg 10 really is a very well made whisky. It's a perfectly balanced dram and I fell in love with it a couple of years ago when it was the only bottle of whisky I had on a holiday in Italy and I didn't get bored with it. Staying power matters to experienced whisky drinkers. However, I realise I'm sitting on the fence and I should say they are equally good depending on your mood but put a gun to my head and it's the PC10. It's very good quality for £50 a bottle and a big thumbs up to Bruichladdich.
Port Charlotte! The MRC is pretty amazing too.
Try PC 10 vs Talisker 10 comparison.
Ardbeg 10 is $109 and port Charlotte is $99 in Canada love both of them
WOW! Tat is expensive!
Like you, I feel a bit dirty admitting that I like the PC10 a tad more than that old staple, the Ardbeg 10. Luckily, I always have both...
I’ve started to trust my palate, and there’s a significant difference between a freshly opened bottle and one sitting on the shelf for 2 months with air in it. Gotta compare apples to apples.
Gas your whiskey and it will stay fresh for a year or more.
@@deevnn Open bottles don't last a year...6-8 weeks max if you limit yourself to two bottles open at any one time.
If I only open 2 bottles they're gone in 2 weeks. I need a daily dram or 2-3.
Well I tried it and I do like it. Not as much as Ardbeg 10 tho. I DO have one complaint about this whisky. I HATE the bottle. Not easy to pour at all. That's it though. A fine Islay scotch
Nice review Erik and I tend to agree with you. Between laphroaig 10 and Ardbeg 10, it’s not a real competition, ardbeg wins every time, the fact that laphroaig 10 in Europe is released at 40%ABV not doing it any favors. As of lately, my go to laphroaig is in fact the quarter cask at 48%abv. it delivers more in terms of the laphroaig signature imo. Now, the port Charlotte is another character altogether: the extra ABV, the complexity, the layers of flavor it delivers, again imo, are worth forking out the extra cash. The age statement isn’t saying everything here, as it isn’t with most expressions from bruichladdich. I do feel however that the PC10 isn’t a whisky I’d recommend to people starting out on their journey, because the complexity can make it a bit of an enigmatic experience. If budget is a factor, this isn’t even a question: ardbeg 10 ftw. The continuous quality it delivers, that peaty punch and smoke followed by what is in fact a bit of a soft, fruity, even delicate character: it’s just one of the better 10 yo’s out there. Cheers
Here in Canada, Ardbeg 10 is only $3 cheaper than Port Charlotte 10. Wish all whiskies would offer miniatures and small bottles.
I started my whisky journey with 104 mini bottles I imported from the UK. O later discovered that a mini doesn't always provide the same experience of a full bottle, which allows you to understand its evolution as it opens up after pulling the cork.
I agree with your assessment Erik ... PC10 by a nose
PC or Ardbeg both pretty good Islays, love them both 😊
I agree!
Prices are so weird. At the store near me there was only a $6 difference between these
Peat in PC is more comparable to Laphroaig 10, rather than Ardbeg 10. In travel retail tho you can find PC at cask strength and never look back.
Port Charlotte! 👌
Do you know wich type of wine cask they use in PC 10
Bourbon and wine casks
At least Bruichladdich sounds like a Pirate name to :p
Arrrrrrdbeg \o/
I did a completely blind test for fun with my son last xmas time ( both of us blindfolded with glasses being randomly passed to us) of Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10, Port Charlotte 10 and as a kind of wildcard (not being Islay) a Talisker 10.
Sadly the Laphroaig 10 (UK retail price £38) was completely outclassed as here, in the UK, it is 40% abv and against this line up it had no chance (why, oh why is this fantastic malt only 40% ??????).
I am also a huge Ardbeg 10 fan and was surprised when it came 3rd (UK retail price £46)
The Port Charlotte 10 (UK retail price £50) came 2nd overall (so 1st if you discount the non Islay wildcard) and if i'm honest, was a clear winner over the Laphroaig and Ardbeg - and at UK prices I dont think budget comes into it at all (only £4 difference between PC 10 and Ardbeg 10)
The surprise winner, picked by both of us, was the Talisker 10 (UK retail price £44) which just goes to show the value in a fully blind test because we were not even handed the glasses in the same order, but from that line up both independently chose the exact same result for all 4 whiskys
Maybe it was because they were all 'neck pours' or maybe being the only non Islay made it's salty Island character stand out more, or maybe I just got a really good bottle - but on that day, in that line up, the Talisker was outstanding.
There is talk of a rematch this year and replacing the Laphroaig 10 (40% abv) with either Laphroaig Lore (48% abv) or Laphroaig 10 cask strength (60% abv) or as it will be at xmas time again .................... maybe both
I am curious to know where the Lagavulin 16 lies in this line.
What an awesome family you got :)
I am sure your x-mas is much more fun than most families have
Bruichladdich will always be the top dog of Islay. Between the unpeateds, heavy peated octomores, and their MASTERFUL black arts. Untouched and unrivaled.
Love the PC, but the unpeated ones seem kinda harsh to me. Not sure, but I think they might be youngish whiskeys. I like the Islay Barley a lot more than the Laddie.
I am very curious about the place where Lagavulin 16 lies in this line.
I am sure many other peated whiskies would be interesting as well but I was only doing 10 year olds.
Everyone’s taste is their own, but the 6 extra years of aging put Lagavulin 16 on top of these two. Simply more there to experience. That said, I’m a big fan of these two. Particularly the Ardbeg, which is $20 cheaper than the PC, and $45 cheaper than the Lagavulin! It’s not only very good, but the best value that I’ve tried.
Port Charlotte 10 …Ardbeg is great , but the smoothness of this dram even tho it’s 50% is incomparable imho..
What’s the next round?
This was recorded 3 years ago. I am currently studying for the Master of Scotch exam to be held at Raasay Distillery in April 2024. I may do some comparison videos in February and March 2024 in which I will be doing them blind as part of my study.
The price difference is is more like 5 bucks right now (in germany).
Prices vary everywhere.
Just brought the Port Charlotte as they are both £42 for me
I love the Ardbeg but in my current market, the Port Charlotte is only $10 more.
I wish I could get A10 for $46. It's $60 here, just $5 cheaper than PC10. Looks like A10 has gotten more expensive in Cali since you did this video, too.
The price of Ardbeg 10 has gone up $10 - $20 since this video was recorded.
@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies yep, very disappointing. And Corry just went up to $120 where I live.
This is a tough one. The peat punch in Port Charlotte is quite subdued, probably why they bottle this at 50% instead of 46%. While Ardbeg has more layers and is more robust in the character, Port Charlotte is more briny with hints of menthol and citrus developing into a overbrewed tea bitterness. To me, it tastes younger than the Ardbeg. The Ardbeg 10 once opened up, oxygenates and gets sweeter with time. But it is more robust with a longer development and finish. It could be my bias towards Ardbeg, which is definitely my favorite Islay distillery in terms of consistency and integrity, but I would place Ardbeg slightly ahead. I do believe sometimes we are almost coerced into rating whiskys that are more expensive higher. The port charlotte, however, has a pretty flat, unimpressive finish while the Ardbeg has as more lasting impression. Considering everything, the Ardbeg 10 would rate a little higher.
Ardbeg 10 is a legendary drop but the PC10 is so balanced
Bought Port Charlotte 10 because of that VS. And i don't see any WOW in it. I guess i'm not that somellie, and i prefer usual Laphroaig 10 over it...
All three are my favorite scotch - Laphroaig 10, PC & Ardbeg 10. Behind them would be Caol Ila 12, Ledaig 10 and Bunnahabhain 12. Sorry to the Lagavulin and Talisker fans - I dislike them both. Same goes for Springbank 10 which falls on the wrong side of medicinal for me. And don't get me started on Bowmore and Highland Park which ruins the peat with syruppy taste.
Would it be wrong to include Lagavulin 8, which is similarly priced, in this Battle Royale?
Also, it would be fun to compare the winner to the most bottom shelf Peated Malt I know of, Finlaggan Old Reserve.
I'm sticking to 10 year olds otherwise just about any bottle could be adding to the competition.
@@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies Your channel, your rules 👍
Хорошая коллекция бро!
Большое спасибо
Port Charlotte 10 wins for me. Then Ardbeg 10, then Leapfrog 10. :)
Never tried Leapfrog 10! There is a winery in the Napa Valley called Leap Frog.
We always used to call Laphroaig, leapfrog.
PC wins this every time. Love Ardbeg too.
I love all Islay BUT the ardbeg. To me, the ardbag lack in that smokey aroma, and it tastes like you’re eating cigarettes. The port has a more campfire smell that I love, and a better taste.
You're a heretic, Ardbeg rules!
Agree with all these comments. Ardbeg is 💘 but Port Charlotte is a spoil yourself and splurge dram.
wow that’s cheap! I would buy them both all day all the time if I could get that in BC that affordable.
PC10 is un chillfiltered and naturally colored, though not disclosed as so on the label. They disclose to reviews time and time again, when asked. They should definitely just put it on the label so there is no question though.
PC10 I always equated more to a bowl of golden grams flanked by some smoky bacon, it's also got some serious malt 'funk' to it, that sort of sour flavor that's hagnin' out in the basement of this whisky. Ab10 was more a bacon and coffee type of ordeal, with definitely more of that earthy peatyness. Regardless, Ab10 has been replaced by An Oa imo, as it offers more complexity(and slightly higher proof) at the same price point. An Oa vs PC10 would be a much better match up(even though ones prominently sherry, the other Am' oak), and I see you've got a bottle just over left shoulder in the video, what are you waiting for!?!?
I tried ardbeg and Laphroaig 10 is better way better for me...
Lol alright, dude!! I know you LOVE your Ardbeg and so do I, so if you say the Bruichladdich is stronger on flavor, I'll just have to see for meself!!
Port Charlotte wins hands down. Not even close.
I am also an Ardbeggian, but Bruichladdich is pretty well tied for my favorite distillery. After that Lagavulin and Bunnahabhain followed by Laphroiag. Not that anyone cares, just throwing that out there
Bunnahabhain is my second favorite.
Laphroaig is the girl you call when the others are busy
Here, the PC10 is only $5 more expensive. So, yeah. It's worth five more bucks....goin' away.
Ardbeg 10 is okay. 5 ardbeg is better more going on taste.
Port Charlotte all day long😉
ARDBEG!!!
Port Charlotte is little more everything flavor ardbeg 10 is a rookie smoothie
It's good, but it's no Octomore
But Octomore is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!
Erik Wait Whisky Studies Aye, your no wrong there.. Octomore is a treat once in a blue moon, but no more expensive than the Caol Ila in the next round! But then again, if I'm shelling out that amount of £, it's straight for a Black Art
Port 10 vs 10 ardbeg. Port 10 is better