Lagavulin 16: Single Malt Scotch

In this video I will be reviewing Lagavulin 16 a single malt scotch.
Whisk(e)y Review Scores: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
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[@jose9rinconin]

The King of Islay. Even with all its handicaps, cold, color... It's still one of my favorite drinks. That combination of flavors, that balance, that elegance have created in me a great addition to this legendary whisky. It's a real smoke candy. Great review,best regards Peter.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

With all the hate due to the price, color, and filtration it still holds up. I agree that it's one of the top Islay offerings.

[@lyacoubian]

Even though this is very good, Lagavulin's Distiller's Edition is something to behold. What a 2nd maturation in PX casks does to this 16 year old is nothing short of amazing. You must ry it 🥃.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

PX is right up my ally. I will have to give it a shot.

[@FantasySoldier]

Agreed!!

[@McIntyresMalts]

100%!! One of the most gorgeous Islay whiskies, even with it being toned down by Diageo. Imagine what it would be at full power!

[@christinecamley]

@@whiskeyisajourney It is wonderful!

[@jtasgl88]

The distillers edition was my first bottle of scotch. That was a mistake starting with something so good 😂

[@ryanscrutchfield534]

This is absolutely my go to whiskey. Love it

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I understand why. There is a lot to like in the bottle. Cheers.

[@chriskellas2902]

Here in NC Lagavulin 16 is going for $104.00, while I have tasted it before and like it, I can get a bottle of Uigeadail for $97.00 and I just picked up a bottle of Kilchoman Sanaig for like $89.00. so I really have a hard time spending over $100 bucks on whiskeys that are below 45% abv, I also recently picked up a bottle of Ledaig 10 (I know it's not an Isla) which may be my current favorite (depending on the day).

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I hear what you are saying. Definitely hard to justify the price and purchase when there are other bottles out there that you enjoy more for less.

[@swind2492]

my Favorite of ALL time. I always have a couple of bottles ready to go! I've been drinking scotch for 35years!

[@whiskeyisajourney]

So now I'm curious, have you noticed a decline in the quality of scotch over the years or has it maintained its quality?

[@swind2492]

@@whiskeyisajourney I think it has become over saturated a bit, I think quality for some has changed a little bit. But the Glenfiddich, Glenmorangies, Lavagulin, Laiprog , glens, McCallens and the bigger names had pretty much in my view have done the best to stay true. A few of the “newer” ones not so much. But that just my opinion

[@KakoGuzmanMusic]

I recently had a bottle of Laga 16 and Ardbeg Uigeadail opened at the same time and made many side-by-side comparisons. They are indeed similar, or as you pointed out, with the Laga obviously being gentler and, although watered-down, still enjoyable. Uigedail is superior all around, IMHO. Interestingly, both of these bottles changed dramatically in a 6-month period, making the Laga almost undrinkable to me. I guess peated whisky oxidation is real! They both developed a really funky wet-sock nose, which I haven't experienced much with Port Charlottes or Laphroaigs. I'm so curious to find out if that wet-sock nose is because of the peat/sherry combination, the maturation age, or the oxidation. I tend to like younger peated whiskies matured in just bourbon or finished in wine casks. Thanks for the review.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I am going to pay attention to how this changes over time. It will be interesting to see if it does change. I guess time will tell.

[@64hansemann]

Tasted this for the first time yesterday. Loved it😋😋. Expensive, but totally worth it😊😊

[@whiskeyisajourney]

It is certainly a popular bottle with a lot of people. I'm trying to get my sister to taste it on camera so we can do a review.

[@djbeacon6895]

Peter, the first big peat scotch I liked. Had at a Burns Dinner. Enjoyed the balance of flavors with very subdued iodine and rubber band notes.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

It was wild how the iodine note came and went. It's a good bottle, but I would like to see the ABV be at least 46%.

[@umami0247]

I have the lagavulin 16 and it’s as peaty as I’m willing to go. I do enjoy it but it has to be the last scotch of the evening as it’s a palate killer for me. I will replace the bottle when it’s gone though I have many friends that are peat hounds and I’ll keep this around for those occasions when I host a tasting. If you use seelbach may I suggest looking into the Fiddler Resurgence malted rye. It is very good and when I start with it then go to the 16 it brings out way more notes. Great review and bottle. Enjoy!!

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will see if the Fiddler is available.

[@TJO1913]

The Peter Mackie, Johnston Family conflict is considered one of the classic feuds between Scotch distillers;a great story. Diageo has been steadily hiking the price of the Lagavulin 16 over the last few years. A solid single malt which unfortunately has become too expensive when compared to its peers. Thanks for the review Peter!

[@whiskeyisajourney]

All good points. Definitely unfortunate.

[@christinecamley]

Peter this is a fabulous video! Thanks so much! I just bought a new bottle of Lagavulin 16 last night - $199 with taxes but worth every penny! I savour it! It's my absolute favourite and Lagavulin is my fave distillery! We do pay a lot more in Canada for alcohol. But for a treat I deserve this! I don't splurge a lot on myself. I don't get iodine with Lagavulin 16 but I will see if I notice it as I open up my new bottle! Letting a dram sit for a bit before sipping sure helps just as you did here! This never overwhelmed me at all and it was actually my introduction to peated scotch! I drink this scotch without water added. I love the maritime salty flavour, chocolate, pure rich cocoa - more of a bitter chocolate - love this flavour, peaches, apricot, beef, a rare steak, delicious!! My order of person preference is Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Laphroaig. I enjoy so much scotch and especially peated scotch but this is always a love I come back to!! It's sentimental and wonderful! The DE is also fabulous and of course so many expressions. The Offerman charred (3rd expression in the series) is amazing!! Terrific history info! I hope you and your sis and family are doing well. Have an awesome day!! Cheers!! 🙂

[@whiskeyisajourney]

The way you feel about Lagavulin is the way I feel about Redbreast. It was the whiskey that got me into the world of whisk(e)y and it will always hold a special place for me. Lagavulin is a well received expression for a lot of people and I can see why. The family is doing well. Just like always there are still ups and downs. There are good days and of course extremely difficult days, but we are managing the best we can. It helps that we are all living within 20min of each other and we have always been a close nit family so that helps.

[@christinecamley]

@@whiskeyisajourney I am thrilled to learn that for you it's Redbreast that got you into such a special whisky journey! These expressions always remain special! I'm so happy to know that you and your family are doing well overall. I sure understand the difficult days. Makes total sense. Your loss is so new. Living in close proximity to your family makes such a difference! That's wonderful Peter! I appreciate your reply a lot! Cheers! 🙂

[@christinecamley]

Lol! What did I pick up tonight? A Lagavulin 16 of course! I do love it! Sentimental fave! I hope you and your family are well Peter. Have you had your mom's Celebration of Life? I am sending caring thoughts. Peace.

[@Buggsy61]

Good review. I love Lagavulin and I always have a shot with my Christmas dinner starter (smoked salmon). Went through a phase of being really expensive here in uk at around £90/bottle but I have seen it recently at around £65/bottle. Cheers!

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I'll have to try the Lagavulin with smoked salmon. That sounds good. Cheers!

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Lagavulin 16 is hit or miss with me. There are times when the band-aid/iodine notes are overwhelming. I found, through pure experimentation, that increasing levels of cacao in dark chocolate can tame the phenolic notes. Over all, it is a pass for me. I prefer Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Port Charlotte to Lagavulin 16.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I can see this being a pass. Especially with the other options out there that offer more at a lower price.

[@FantasySoldier]

One of my "daily" sippers! Especially with a cigar. Only bottle of whiskey that I bought a case of it to get a case purchase discount lol

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Wow! That's a ringing endorsement for the Lagavulin. Cheers!

[@stebeardX]

1)Laphroaig, 2)Lagavulin and 3) Ardbeg . Though ive only had the standard Ardbeg and had quite a few Laphroiags. Laphroaig was my first whiskey and i loved it. Octomore is the best peated i have had and Port Charlotte is no 2 overall. cheers.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Octomore will make an appearance in next Friday's video.

[@stebeardX]

finally caught up on your Monday series!! and drinking this exact dram right now. cheers

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Nice. My finals are 3 weeks away. Should be fun.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Such a fan of this one and also think your rating is spot on. Erin definitely aligns with your peat preferences whereas I’d have Ardbeg first easily, Lagavulin second, and Laphroaig a distant third.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

There's another peated expression that is moving up the ranks for me...Kilchoman. I think they are doing great things.

[@Robert.Sheard]

I really enjoy Lagavulin, but I wish the 16 were a little higher ABV and not chill-filtered and colored. I have the 12 Special Release from 2022, which is natural cask strength. A little younger, of course, but exploding flavor with the 57.3% ABV. I think the Distillers Edition is the sherry finished bottling (and also still lower proof). The Special Release is ex-bourbon, I believe.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I feel like the 16 should be at cask strength. I can only imagine how good that would be. I agree the 2022 special release explodes with flavor. I like that bottle a lot.

[@kevinnordby4808]

Great review Peter! Laga 16 has a little black licorice note that I get that keeps me coming back to it. I’m always hoping that one day they will up it he ABV to 48% like the 8 year old and make the whisky world super happy.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I'd like to see the ABV higher as well. I think that would be a game changer.

[@drax14QC]

Lagavulin 16 is definitely one of the best scotches I’ve tasted. The only negative for me is the price that keeps creeping up.. I have a bottle of Lagavulin 11 Charred Oak and I absolutely love it! And it was considerably cheaper than the 16. Have you had the 8 year old ?

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Yes. I have the 8 and the Offerman editions. I like all of them.

[@rhayes458]

Thanks for sharing, Peter! I’ve been hesitant to jump from bourbon and rye into any peated Scotch, but intrigued. Would you suggest the Ardbeg as the best intro to start with? Cheers!

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Everyone is different when it comes to peat tolerance so I would accidentally recommend this as an introduction. It's softer than Ardbeg.

[@MsEvelyne4ever]

Excellent Review!!

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Thanks. Cheers!

[@Jason-oo4jg]

Great with a Maduro Cigar 👌

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I have to take your word for it. I am not a smoker. Cheers!

[@Tipsypixels]

Great review. I think based on the price and specs, I'd go with the Ardbeg.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I think that's a good choice. To me Ardbeg is just all around better.

[@011humphrey]

I had a Lagavulin 12 once, when I compare it to Ardbeg 10, the Ardbeg would be my preference. If I had to choose I would rather buy a Bowmore 12, Ardbeg 10 or a Caol Ila 12 before I would a Lagavulin, I don't think Lagavulin is a bad Scotch, but it's not quite to my taste

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I'm with you. I prefer the profile of the Ardbeg over the Lagavulin as well.

[@akasicc]

This bottle is my first journey into the peated single malt scotch whiskey’s. Picked it up from Costco and I’m really enjoying it! Any suggestions on what my next peated scotch should be?

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I would suggest anything from Ardbeg.

[@McIntyresMalts]

That Iodine note for me is like catnip Peter 😂

[@whiskeyisajourney]

That's funny! Cheers! 🙀🙀🙀

[@tonylastname6468]

I think, for me it was anyways, the Lagavulin 16 is an early in the journey high-end scotch to try. Then we/I find offerings with more. More nuances, abv, depth. This is a good hello for those not into peaty stuff. Still like it, but I don't buy it. SKIP!

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I'm in agreement with you. Skip for me as well.

[@HolyMoley2u]

Lagavulin 16 was my entry into peat. It’s good but I have moved on. Don’t like Ardbeg or Laphroid

[@whiskeyisajourney]

If you are looking for a peated expression these days what do you reach for?

[@HolyMoley2u]

Kilkerran 12, Kilchoman Mabchir Bay,Benromach 15 and working on Port Charlotte 10 Heavy Peated now.

[@HolyMoley2u]

I disliked peated scotch, just like your sister, until my son bought me the Lagavulin 16 when I turned 70. I have been drinking strictly scotch for over 20 years because I was having issues with Rye and bourbon whisky. Slowly getting used to peat but it’s taking time. The iodine smell is most objectionable to me and I will not drink bottles with it. My favorite scotch right now is AnCnoc 24 but the price has stopped me from purchasing more bottles 😞

[@Franciscodelporto]

I picked up a dead cat in the barrel...sorry

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Don't be sorry. You get what get. Peat is not for everyone. Do you get dead cat in other peated bottles or just this one? Cheers!

[@alexanderdavidson7837]

It’s over 200 in Australia. Travesty

[@whiskeyisajourney]

Wow! That's a lot and unfortunate.

[@alexanderdavidson7837]

@@whiskeyisajourney yeah it is truly unfortunate. I bought a bottle last year and it’ll remain unopened sadly. The price is just continually going up. So I’ll savour this for a special day or event … Great review