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Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Lagavulin 16

2 1279

@huinemanReview by @huineman

28th Apr 2020

1

  • Nose
    19
  • Taste
    23
  • Finish
    18
  • Balance
    19
  • Overall
    79

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

Okay, so I know around here overpeated, extra-smoky whiskies are more than appreciated, and I'm not going to say I dislike them or anything like that, but in my book (and only mine) drams shouldn't lean excessively towards any given direction, be it peat or sweet or mellow or booze or whatever. But that's my book, and this review comes from it (old review, jotted down July 2014.)

So this classic single Islay malt pours clean golden to amber. Aroma is, but of course, predominantly peaty: clean leather, smoked, cigar box, etc. Looking hard for it you might spot a lemon drop scent in the very back of it.

Not so burning strong despite my initial idea, I must say, and that's a good thing. Oily, slightly salty and umami as you sip down. Aftertaste is, nonetheless, obliterated by peat and smoke and -surprisingly, not that long-lasting. Mixed feelings.

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12 comments

@MadSingleMalt
MadSingleMalt commented

I really appreciate that we have at least one guy here who isn't hung up on the proper way of doing things and gives us reviews of good old-fashioned whiskies on the rocks.

Despite being in the deep end of whisky fandom, that's how I like 'em too sometimes.

3 years ago 3Who liked this?

@huineman
huineman commented

Thanks, @MadSingleMalt ; but don't judge only by the pic; my tasting process usually goes like this: neat, water, ice, sparkling water, seltzer. I know it sounds a little too over the top, but I like to know which one suits each whisky better. Nonetheless, for pics (and I always take at least one of my own, all my reviews this far show it) ice cubes pump the image up. And, of course, I totally agree with you: sometimes ice is the right option, despite what some purists might consider. Thanks again.

3 years ago 5Who liked this?

@OdysseusUnbound
OdysseusUnbound commented

@huineman I enjoyed your review. I don’t necessarily agree with your assessment, but that’s just fine. Variety is the spice of life. I happen to enjoy whiskies that “lean excessively toward any given direction”.

3 years ago 4Who liked this?

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

@huineman There is only one proper way to drink whisky.

3 years ago 2Who liked this?

@BlueNote
BlueNote commented

@Nozinan And that is.....whatever way you like?

3 years ago 2Who liked this?

@BlueNote
BlueNote commented

@huineman I don't think the Lag 16 is anywhere near what it was 10 years ago. For me, its glory has faded and I find myself liking the 8 year old at 48% much more these days. Good, straightforward review. Thanks.

3 years ago 3Who liked this?

@RianC
RianC commented

@BlueNote - can't speak for ten years ago but I've had two bottles in the last five years and tasted in bars a couple of times; batch variation is (or has been) wild with this one but get a good bottle and there aren't any other 16 year old Islay whiskeys that give such good value for money (c£55 in UK).

Angus, form Whiskyfun would definitely agree with you ...

whiskyfun.com/archiveseptember17-2-Lagavuli…

3 years ago 3Who liked this?

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

@BlueNote You inferred correctly, my friend. While it's highly unlikely you'll hear me asking for whisky mixed with ice, water, or soda, you have to drink it the way you like it, otherwise what's the point of drinking it?

My uncle takes his scotch with ice. I love him more than I love my scotch, so he get my favourite whiskies with 2 cubes. Other visitors would not necessarily get the same courtesy...

3 years ago 3Who liked this?

@BlueNote
BlueNote commented

@RianC I must admit, it’s been about 3 years since I’ve had the 16 and I might have to get a bottle and give it another go. But wouldn’t it just kill at the same 48% as the 8?

3 years ago 1Who liked this?

@RianC
RianC commented

@BlueNote - Oh yes, Lagavulin 16 @46+% and NCF would be awesome! Doubt it will ever happen though, it's got to be one of, if not THE, best seller in the Diageo stables? Start messing with the presentation and Mr. Onceayear will start complaining and be forced to buy Macallan instead laughing

3 years ago 3Who liked this?

@MadSingleMalt
MadSingleMalt commented

@BlueNote, didn't Lagavulin add a still or something around 10 years ago, which apparently explains the procession of new younger whiskies they're releasing these last couple years as that new gush of spirit reaches maturity: the 8, then a 9, the a 10.

Maybe we'll see a shakeup with the 16 six years from now.

3 years ago 3Who liked this?

@BlueNote
BlueNote commented

@MadSingleMalt A 10 at 48% would be an excellent start to that progression.

3 years ago 1Who liked this?

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