taste is subjective, but peating levels are not. the standard levels for the Trinity of Peat are as follows:
Ardbeg: 55ppm (this has changed over time)
Lagavulin: 40-45ppm
Laphroaig: 40ppm
however, it's important to distinguish between standard levels and novelty bottlings. the Ardbeg Supernova is peated to over 100ppm, twice the usual level. Bruichladdich, which is a relatively lightly-peated malt, produces the highly-peated Port Charlotte line, as well as the Octomore, peated to about 170ppm.
so, unless you're talking about the standard line, you can't simply talk about the peating level of Ardbeg.
finally, since all single malts are aged in a charred oak cask which acts as a filter over time, in general, the older the malt, the less smoky it will taste. compare a Laphroaig 10yo cask strength to a Laphroaig 18yo, and/or 25yo, if you're ever lucky enough to do so.
Ardbeg: 55ppm (this has changed over time)
Lagavulin: 40-45ppm
Laphroaig: 40ppm
however, it's important to distinguish between standard levels and novelty bottlings. the Ardbeg Supernova is peated to over 100ppm, twice the usual level. Bruichladdich, which is a relatively lightly-peated malt, produces the highly-peated Port Charlotte line, as well as the Octomore, peated to about 170ppm.
so, unless you're talking about the standard line, you can't simply talk about the peating level of Ardbeg.
finally, since all single malts are aged in a charred oak cask which acts as a filter over time, in general, the older the malt, the less smoky it will taste. compare a Laphroaig 10yo cask strength to a Laphroaig 18yo, and/or 25yo, if you're ever lucky enough to do so.