Quick Take
Here’s my “quick take” graphic for Lagavulin 16. For more info about this format, and my rating system, see this post.
Introduction
[Update: I did a follow-up review of Laga 16 using a 2009 bottling in December, 2009]
I was going to do a write-up on a great whisky/jazz combination, involving Lagavulin 1991 DE. However, I decided I should post my impressions of the core Lagavulin 16 expression before delving into that special release, so I’ll put that one off a couple of days.
My introduction to Lagavulin 16 (bottled at 43%) came from a 20 cl bottle that I ordered from The Whisky Exchange. The bottle had a bad cork, got caught up in customs, and arrived with about half of the contents emptied into the packing box (kudos to TWE on their packing, as the smell was completely contained within the box). Upon opening the box, I was hit with a very strong medicinal smell, like band-aids and iodine. Taking in that strong odor from the spilled bottle, I was a bit skeptical of this Lagavulin stuff. This was to be my fourth Islay malt, and I was afraid I had finally met my match. However, as you can verify for yourself, the smell of a whisky spilled on paper is not indicative of the smell (nose) that you get out of the glass.
The Lagavulin 16 I’m writing about tonight is from another 20 cl bottle. This one is from the Classic Islay Collection 2007 gift pack, although the code on the bottle, which starts with “L6”, appears to indicate that this one was bottled in 2006.
Tasting notes
On the nose, that medicinal iodine smell is there, but to me, it serves as a backdrop to the other scents, not really standing out on its own. I’m struck by a strong fruity smell, like a combination of berries and apples. I could swear there is a sherry cask influence here, but I haven’t read anything definitive about the casks used for this expression. Perhaps it’s a mixture of bourbon and sherry casks, as there is a nice, creamy vanilla note coming out (bourbon cask influence). Finally, mixed in with the fruit and sweets is an equally strong, earthy peat influence with some associated smoke.
If you’re new to Islay whiskies, the iodine/peat might stand out to you the first couple of times you take in the nose. Stick with it, and you’ll see all of the elements integrate together beautifully over time.
The palate is substantial, with some sweetness there, but you really start to notice the peat influence. Then it grips your tongue, and becomes very dry. If you like a drying sensation from your whiskies, this one has it in spades. There’s also some spiciness, but I wouldn’t say this is one of the more spicy drams I’ve tried.
On the finish, there is an explosion of camp fire peat smoke. Hello, Islay! The berries come back, too, mixing with the smoke in a very pleasing way. I’m also reminded of the medicinal notes, but it’s still in the background. This finish goes on for a long, long time.
Conclusion:
Lagavulin 16 really hits the spot for me. It’s got earthy peat, combined with just the right amount of berries and vanilla sweets, along with enough of a medicinal character to keep you on your toes. I guess I COULD imagine an improvement with a little more of a Talisker-like pepper on the palate and finish, and possibly even a little more body. I’m reaching, though. There is an amazing balance as it stands. With the enchanting nose and endless finish, I can sit in my favorite chair, listening to a long classic jazz jam session, completely satisfied and free of life’s worries. Surely that’s worth 91/100 points.
Other opinions
- WHISKYFUN.COM by Serge – A very good, but not great score of 89/100 by Serge. Although, I don’t see much in the way of negatives in his notes. He also discusses this classic malt from the vantage point of having tried many other versions.
- Whisky for Everyone – They call this “a true ‘try before you die’ single malt whisky.” I agree!
- Whisky Magazine – Huge scores of 9.5 and 9.75 from Michael Jackson and Jim Murray respectively. This article is from about 10 years ago, however. I believe I’ve read some opinions that Lagavulin 16 isn’t quite the “beast” that it was back then. I’m not sure how Murray rates the latest version in the current Whisky Bible.
- YouTube – IslayScotchWhisky provides a very positive review. He mentions that it tastes almost exactly like it smells. That’s a good point. With the exception of my getting a lot more smoke on the palate/finish, I was amazed at how much of the profile carried through from beginning to end. Next, peatluvr gives a great account of how he didn’t like Lagavulin when he first tried it (early in his scotch drinking days), but now loves it.
indeed, a true classic.
if u can afford to buy just one islay, i’d recommend this. you can not go wrong.
peaty,iodine and sweet bonfire.vanilla.
i love this one, yet also adore the “distiller’s edition” double matured.
truely awesome stuff from lagavulin.
Ardbeg and Laphraoig may be more peaty and harsh, but this one is all rounded and nice.
one to enjoy before you die.
This is my favorite whisky… This and Talisker. If I could pick only two, those would be it (OK – make it three and toss in Caol Ila). But, Lagavulin is brilliant.
BTW: the 91 DE is *much* better than the 92, far more explosive “sweet sherry” on the 91, the 92, is just a smoothed out 16 with a touch of sherry. Still good, but not brilliant like the 91
Totally agree on Laga and Talisker. The Talisker 18 is another that just never gets old to me. I purchased two backup bottles of that one when supply started getting scarce around here.
Interesting notes on the 91 vs. 92 DE. I have a ’91 DE that I love, and was planning to do a little write-up on next. One of the things I like so much about it is that it does NOT smooth out the 16, but offers a sherry component that matches the power of the peat smoke.
Maybe I should consider purchasing a backup bottle of the ’91, although, it’s a bit on the expensive side…
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[…] the nose, the Lagavulin DE has the classic Lagavulin peat smoke. Lost from the standard Lagavulin 16 bottling, at least to my nose, is the apples and vanilla. Instead, an extra sherry presence from […]
My favorite Islay by far and one of my favorites over all. I was not a big Islay fan until I tried this one. I don’t like Ardbeg, but love this.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Jason! I checked out your web site and enjoyed the couple of articles I read. I’ll definitely spend some more time there. I see you’re a big HP 18 fan. I love that one as well. I have samples of HP 15, 21, 25 and 30 on the way. I’m going to do a taste flight with those and HP 18 soon. Mmmm….
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[…] of their “recipe” like HP provides for their various expressions. My previous Laga 16 review was based on a 200ml bottle from 2006 that came with my Islay Collection pack. The price of this […]
I”’m struck by a strong fruity smell, like a combination of berries and apples.”
I can attest to this. I’m drinking out of a bottle of Lag/16 right now and that smell is definitely present.
If I were to say this is my favorite Whisky I’ve tried so far, what others would you suggest trying?
shizam,
Assuming you’ve tried the other core Islay expressions, such as Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig QC, see if you can get your hands on Talisker Distiller’s Edition. It has a great combination of earthy peat and Oloroso sherry, minus the iodine in the Lagavulin.
Going away from peat completely, since you seem to like “big” flavors…I’m again drawn back to sherry cask maturation and the latest Glendronach bottlings. Check out the 15 year Revival for a true “sherry bomb.”
Cheers,
Jeff
Excellent,
thanks for the tip. I’ve gone through an Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10 and QC, Admore and Caol Ila. I just ordered a Laphoraig 18 from K&L and had that Talisker DE in my cart but couldn’t pull the trigger, now I’ll drive up there and pick one up 🙂
Hopefully you can get as good of a deal on Talisker DE as we do here in AZ. It’s pretty much the same price (maybe a few bucks more) as the Talisker 10 year! A no-brainer purchase for me. 🙂