Lagavulin 16 Years
The single malt whisky Lagavulin 16 Years is the best-selling bottling of the Islay distillery. Every now and then, there are even supply bottlenecks, which is rather unusual for a classic malt. Is the Scotch really that good?We can no longer count how many bottles it is now. It may even be the 6th or 7th. We often hear that Lagavulin 16 has lost some of its quality. We absolutely do not see it that way. We have had at least consistent quality over the last 12 or 13 years. But perhaps the competition has become stronger, so that the Islay malt no longer stands out so much?
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, Lagavulin 16 always reminds us of an old leather sofa in a dark corner with an oak table on which berries are standing. We smell strong peat smoke, iodine and earth. A berry note coats various sweet smoky aromas with a certain saltiness at the edge.
Palate
Peat smoke spreads softly and very intensively. The following sweetness, which covers everything, is gradually replaced by a maritime saltiness. Later, a light oak note and, with a little imagination, a kind of crème brûlée become perceptible. The composition reminds us a little of slightly burnt wholemeal spelt toast.
Finish
Full and with lots of salt and peat smoke, the Lagavulin 16 years says goodbye. It lingers for a long time.
Thoughts
Marcel 89/100
Lagavulin 16 Year is, for me, a true classic of enjoyment – complex, intense, yet wonderfully balanced. This smoky Islay gem brings joy to the glass every time without overwhelming. The price-to-quality ratio is absolutely spot on, so you can buy with confidence!
Sascha 93/100
The Lagavulin 16 Year impresses with an outstanding balance between intense smokiness and complex aromas that unfold in a structured and harmonious way. Despite its depth, it never feels overloaded, making it an archetypal Islay malt with excellent maturity. From a technical standpoint, it sets the benchmark for smoky single malts.
Value for Money: Excellent
💸 This whisky offers an outstanding value for money and is our value pick.
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Why is Lagavulin 16 Year considered typical for Islay whiskies?
Lagavulin 16 Year combines characteristic Islay traits such as intense peat smoke, maritime saltiness, and a hint of iodine. This combination makes it a prime example of the rugged, maritime whiskies from this region.
How does the taste of Lagavulin 16 Year change as you drink it?
Lagavulin 16 Year starts soft with strong peat smoke, followed by a sweet note that gradually gives way to a salty sea breeze. The finish is dominated by salt and smoke, which linger for a long time.
Has the quality of Lagavulin 16 Year changed in recent years?
Contrary to some opinions, the quality of Lagavulin 16 Year has remained consistent according to long-term observation. It may seem less dominant because competition from other whiskies from Islay and around the world has become stronger.