Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | 43% vol | 70cl | Smoky | Intense | Peat-Rich | Sweet & Salty Single Malt Whisky | With Gift Box | Ideal for Festive Gifting

Product Information

Take colour, for instance. Lagavulin 16’s deeper, amber hue is just more inviting to me. There’s a sense of depth, of a story well-told. Don’t get me wrong, the pale charm of Lagavulin 8 has its appeal, but it didn’t ignite the same anticipation.

Arguably the most well-known Islay whisky, Lagavulin 16 is a single malt scotch whisky produced by Diageo at their distillery in Lagavulin on the Isle of Islay. The iconic peaty and smoky flavour of this whisky is renowned amongst whiskey connoisseurs around the world, and its distinct taste has made it an icon in the whisky industry for over 200 years. Whiskybase B.V. is the Dutch private limited liability company, having its statutory seat in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and its office at Zwaanshals 530, 3035 KS Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Whiskybase B.V. is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under no. 52072819. As we’re comparing Caol Ila 12 vs Lagavulin 16, you’ll be interested to know that both distilleries use exactly the same malt source from nearby Port Ellen Maltings (also based on Islay). With both distilleries using the same source for their malt, this is a great example of distillery character affecting each of the brands’ resultant spirits.

These days, peat is used to add flavour to the whisky rather than as an essential part of the production process, and the balance of smokiness and peatiness is carefully controlled by each distillery to preserve their house style, but it remains absolutely central to the Islay whisky flavour. At the other end of the spectrum, although equally scandalous, the Bruichladdich distillery (originally founded in 1881, shut down in 1994, reopened under new ownership in 2000) produces a range of (sharp intake of breath) unpeated whiskies. Bowmore 12 Year Old Whisky Bowmore 12 Year Old Whisky The fermented wort is then distilled in a copper pot still known as the wash still. This process helps to concentrate and purify the spirit. No doubt about it, both have comparable expressions of their own. There’s a wide maturity gap of 8 years and the differences are conspicuous (not to mention the prices). The Lagavulin 8, though younger and lighter, offers a taste profile that’s vibrant and bold. It’s a good value-for-money proposition, providing a balance of quality and cost that few whiskies in the mid-range can match.

Lagavulin 16 is an exemplary single malt Scotch whisky with the peat-smoke qualities associated with southern Islay, along with a captivating richness and dryness that make this tipple unparalleled. Such excellence has earned Lagavulin 16 its rightful place as one of the most sought-after spirits from the acclaimed Lagavulin distillery.Looking at these scores, it’s clear that while both whiskies offer a great experience, my preference leans towards Lagavulin 16. It’s not a simple case of one being better or more expensive than the other, it’s about the details that resonate with my palate. Fruit tarts featuring apples or pears are an excellent pairing for Macallan 12 Double Cask. The whisky’s light sweetness enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit, while its oloroso sherry notes provide a unique depth of flavour that works to delicately balance out the sweetness. Additionally, the whisky’s intense roasted nut and malt flavours work to bring out the best in both the whisky and the tart, creating a truly indulgent tasting experience. Apple Tarte Tatin