Lagavulin 8 Years Old
Lagavulin is one of the most renowned names among Islay Single Malt Whiskies. Naturally, Diageo delves deep into the marketing bag of tricks (see Offerman Edition) to not only maintain this status but to aggressively expand it. Nevertheless, Lagavulin 16 remains a benchmark and one of our absolute favorites. A few years ago, the half-aged sibling, Lagavulin 8, was added to the standard range. Heavily peated and without sherry cask aging, this whisky aims to establish a younger and more purist standard. Today, we’re tasting to see if the “little Laga” can impress in terms of quality and flavor.
Tasting Notes
Nose
We are greeted by a true chasm of smoke. A cold campfire is enveloped by charcoal and a slight medicinal touch. Overall, we find a cold smoke profile with hints of seaweed and seawater. You have to get through this wall first. But with enough time, the typical bourbon cask aromas develop. Primarily citrus – joined by grainy notes of oats and a hint of vanilla. Subtle tones of oak and mandarins round out the nose.
Palate
On the palate, the malt unfolds its cold smoke. It develops a creamy mouthfeel with an intriguing note reminiscent of pan-fried mushrooms. There’s also a wonderful maritime quality of seaweed, seawater, and a certain mineral component. The palate then becomes nutty. We find burnt hazelnuts and a hint of roasted almonds.
Finish
The finish is long and carried by the smoke, which surprisingly becomes somewhat warming here. We still have the maritime aroma of sea salt, now accompanied by oak, the citrus note we had on the nose, and a slightly earthy sheath.
Thoughts
Marcel 83/100
Lagavulin 8 impressively demonstrates that less age doesn’t mean less character – the powerful smoke and maritime notes turn every tasting into an experience. Those who embrace the intense peat will find here a distinctive classic that’s enjoyable and definitely not a cheap copy.
Sascha 82/100
With its clearly focused peat-forward profile and balanced interplay of smoke, citrus, and maritime notes, Lagavulin 8 presents itself as a technically well-structured Islay malt. Despite its youth, it feels mature enough to stand on its own as a bottling, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its 16-years sibling.
Value for Money: Good
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How does the Lagavulin 8 Year taste different from the Lagavulin 16 Year?
The Lagavulin 8 Year is noticeably smokier and more maritime, featuring a cooler smoke profile and no sherry cask maturation, which makes it more purist. In comparison, the 16 Year is softer, more complex, and displays sweeter sherry notes along with a more intense oak influence.
What type of cask was used for aging the Lagavulin 8 Year?
The Lagavulin 8 Year is matured exclusively in bourbon casks. Sherry cask maturation is deliberately avoided to highlight the peaty-smoky character and maritime notes more strongly.
Who is the Lagavulin 8 Year best suited for?
This whisky is ideal for lovers of heavily peated, maritime Islay whiskies who prefer a younger, intense smoky flavor without sweet sherry notes. It’s a great fit for smoke enthusiasts seeking a robust, purist malt.