Lagavulin 16: Flawless Introduction to Islay (And some extras!)

Lagavulin 16

Name: The Lagavulin 16
Distillery: Lagavulin
Region: Islay
Age Statement: 16 Years Old
Type: Single Malt
Alc/Vol: 43%

Lagavulin is one of those Islay malts that command an almost cult-like following around the world. Famed for its very robust yet clean smoky characteristics, it is easy to see why it is a must-have for those who love their whiskies well peated. Just to show how diverse the world of whisky is, the Lagavulin represents the smokier and more robust side of Islay whiskies, where the smokiness is the dictating factor, and this is just for the Lagavulin 16! If one checks their other releases, you will see whiskies within the distillery that are different in their flavour profiles too. This distinguishes Lagavulin from the more medicinal or iodine-like Islay malts.

The Lagavulin 16 is arguably the standard bearer for the distillery, and after winning the Malt Maniacs 2010 Award for Non-Plus-Ultra (Daily Drams), which basically is the award given to the best whisky for everyday drinking at an affordable price, I decided it was time to give the Lagavulin 16 a try.

The Lagavulin 16 is, as mentioned, a very clean and robust dram. The flavours are simple yet strong and never over-intrusive, one can see why this is not only one of the introductory whiskies for Islay, but also why it has such a strong following.

Nose: Sweet and smokey. The dry wood smoke is predominant but beneath it one can pick up hints of juicy red fruits and that slightest hint of caramel. Very clean nose.

Taste/Palate: Dry with lovely fruity notes initially before the smokiness covers the mouth with a slight hint of spice. Interesting light hints of milk chocolate.

Finish: This is where the smokiness is omni-potent, covering the mouth with the dry wood smokiness and that salted meat flavours resting on the mouth. Drying yet not unpleasant in the least.

Overall: This is once again one of those drams that are exceedingly good at what they do. Amazing stuff! 90/100

Found at: La Maison Du Whisky, Highlander Bar, Drinksfellas, Auld Alliance

On a side note, on this visit to the Auld Alliance, I was also blessed to be able to try a few interesting drams with a few of the guests there. There was the Laphroaig 22 Years Old Sesante, The Yamazaki 18, but the star of the show was undoubtedly this fella:

The Macallan 30 Years Old

This was indeed a rare and amazing experience to be able to try this amazing dram. I will have tasting notes for the Macallan 30 up on Singaporewhisky soon.

I also had the chance to have this interesting drink:

Blanche de Fougerolles Absinthe (74% abv!)

Bottled a whopping 74% abv, this Absinthe was very much the strongest drink I have ever tried. Interesting stuff though!

A very big thank you to my wonderful guests who allowed me to share so many amazing drinks with them yesterday. I went home a happy whisky lover indeed!