This Lagavulin 16 review goes over tasting notes and personal impressions of this spirit.
Quick Taste Notes:
- Smoky
- Vanilla
- Salt
- Peat
- Pepper
- Dried Fruit
Quick Facts:
- Category: Scotch
- Country: Scotland
- Region: Islay
- Distillery: Lagavulin
- Age: 16
- Style: Single Malt Whisky
- Alcohol: 43%
Lagavulin 16 Whiskey History
The distillery of Lagavulin officially dates from 1816, when John Johnston and Archibald Campbell Brooks constructed two distilleries on the site. One of them became Lagavulin, taking over the other—which one is not exactly known. Records show illicit distillation in at least ten illegal distilleries on the site as far back as 1742, however. In the 19th century, several legal battles ensued with their neighbour Laphroaig, brought about after the distiller at Lagavulin, Peter Mackie, leased the Laphroaig distillery. It is said that Mackie attempted to copy Laphroaig’s style. Since the water and peat at Lagavulin’s premises was different from that at Laphroaig’s, the result did not match. The Lagavulin distillery is located in the village of the same name. Lagavulin is known for its producer’s use of a slow distillation speed and pear shaped pot stills. The two wash stills have a capacity of 11,000 litres and the two spirit stills of 12,500 litres each.
How does Lagavulin 16 taste?
Lagavulin is one of my personal favorites. Just like Nick Offerman I recognized and learned to love this malt. Lagavulin 16 is a perfect match between aged experience and young ferocity. It is a malt matured for 16 years but at the same time it feels like it is fresh out of the production. On the nose you smell fire, iodine, on palate you feel pepper, smoke and salt, on the finish the pepper turns into vanilla sweetness. I first had a Lagavulin at a steakhouse and maybe it was the amazing porterhouse I had, maybe it was the fireplace that was on but I instantly fell in love and thought that this was one of the best malts I ever had. I know now that the setting does not matter, this is a special whiskey that is unique, rich and a classic.
Price Range
$90-$120
Verdict
100/100