Revered by connoisseurs and experts, Lagavulin is known as “the king of Islay”. It is an 'essential' Scotch Whisky that any connoisseur or enthusiast must have in their collection; one of the world's favourite Malt Whiskies. Aged in oak casks for at least 16 years, this much sought-after Single Malt has the massive peat-smoke flavour that's typical of southern Islay, while also offering richness and a dryness that turns it into a truly interesting dram. The Lagavulin 16 Year Old has become a benchmark Islay dram from the Lagavulin distillery. A gift for all occasions for lovers of peaty and powerful whiskies.
Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed from a traditional whisky glass, neat or with a little still water. Room-temperature water can bring out the hidden aromas and flavours of the whisky, making it more mellow and easy to drink.
APPEARANCE
Deep amber gold.
BODY
Full, rich bodied.
NOSE
Intensely flavoured, peat smoke with iodine and seaweed and a rich, deep sweetness.
PALATE
Dry peat smoke fills the palate with a gentle but strong sweetness, followed by sea and salt with touches of wood.
FINISH
A long, elegant peat-filled finish with lots of salt and seaweed.
More information from Master of Malt
Lagavulin 16 Year Old was originally intended to be a limited edition bottling. However, due to its popularity, Lagavulin 16 Year Old has become a permanent part of the Lagavulin range since 1988.
A much sought-after single malt Scotch whisky with the massive peat-smoke that's typical of southern Islay - but also offering richness and a dryness that turns it into a truly interesting tipple. Lagavulin 16 year old has truly become a benchmark Islay dram from the Lagavulin distillery.
Lagavulin 16 year old is perhaps more smoky than peaty, and has a wonderful flavour that pertains to Lapsang Souchong tea…
If you're looking for a food pairing for this beauty, try intensely flavoured salty blue cheeses, which complement the intense, peat rich, sweet and salty character of this Lagavulin wonderfully.
A classic Scotch whisky, Lagavulin's 16 year old is a benchmark malt from Islay's south coast. This is perhaps more smoky than peaty, and has a wonderful flavour that pertains to Lapsang Souchong tea…
Whisky Resource Note
The Price in April 2020 was £57.95 and the value score was 86.38
The Price in May 2023 was £84.95 and the value score was 83.7 (Rounded down to 83)
Reflecting a price increase of £27 and a change in the value score of 2.68 points - Due to rounding to nearest number the Lagavulin has a 3 point decrease.
This represents a 46.59% increase in price in 3 years.
However at the time of writing the Lagavulin 16 was available at:
The Whisky Exchange for a promotional price of £66.75
Amazon for a promotional Price of £66.50
This promotion probably more closely represents what the price should be.
Our Review from 2020
On the nose Lagavulin 16 gives an instant Iodine hit, there is sea spray & salt from the maritime influence.
There is vanilla and fruit. The peat isn't as intense as either Laphroaig 10 or Ardbeg 10, however, this isn't really an introductory whisky or one to help make the move to a smoky whisky.
It sits between an intermediate to experienced whisky palate level.
Our advice would be if you want to try it, pick up a smaller 200ml bottle or even a dram sample which can be obtained online from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange.
On the Palate, it is rich, the blending of the two cask types of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry is well balanced. The smoke is like that of kippers, it is fruity, however, allow the whisky time to sit and open to allow the fruits to reveal themselves.
It has a smoky tea note, prehaps Lapsang Souchon and a very vague Earl Grey note.
The finish is spicy and long, with a fresh mint hit at the very end of the finish.
It is an excellent whisky, one that deserves the title of being a classic.
It is quite different to its neighbouring whiskies for how it presents itself, its more restrained but still powerful.
We gave an overall score of 89/100.