Lagavulin 16 Year Old Scotch – Review

Lagavulin 16 Year Old ScotchLagavulin 16 Year Old Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky

86 Proof

Price Point: $80 – $90 for 750 ML

Distiller: Lagavulin Distillery

 

Background

Lagavulin is one of those iconic brands in the world of whiskey.  It has quite a reputation, and at that price point, it better!  Most of the time, I’m very skeptical of legendary brands like this, as I’ve found that I have a tendency put them up on a pedestal only to have my expectations come crashing down to reality upon the first sip.  I have almost subconsciously stayed away from Lagavulin for that very reason.  Until now…

 

Review

Lagavulin 16 Year Old starts out with a great nose!  It’s big, bold, and powerful from the very start.  The forceful smoke pushes you back while also drawing you in.  It’s salty and warm, with some kind of citrus fruit (orange?).

It’s surprisingly light in texture and taste – gentle almost.  It has matured Islay peat with strong smoke undertones.  An instant classic.

The finish on Lagavulin 16 Year Old is delicious, with lots of complexity.  Really very nice.

 

Rating & Recommendations

Lagavulin 16 Year Old has lived up to its reputation, earning a 90 out of 100.

This is truly a step above many Scotches, and the benchmark by which other Islay whiskies should be measured.  Thankfully, my high expectations were met with Lagavulin.

 

-Ryan

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  1. […] « Lagavulin 16 Year Old Scotch – Review […]

  2. […] brings a bottle to their house as a gift.  To the discernible eye, you can tell that it’s Lagavulin 16 Year Old.  But, Lithgow presents it as “a very old Scotch”, despite the fact that 16 years is […]

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