Lagavulin 16 Scotch Whisky | The Whiskey Dictionary

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Sure do love me some Lagavulin 16. What do you suggest for alternatives to this super popular scotch?

[@royboy2124]

The Lagavulin 8yr. About half the price and almost as good.

[@lucasbailey6508]

The uigeadail is better side by side to me but perhaps that is due to proof. The lagavulin is $100 in DFW.

[@smoovychevyss6486]

I’m a truck driver and I found a bottle in a little store in Michigan for $100 and I’m Texas. I bought it a month ago and haven’t opened it yet. Can’t wait though.

[@andres_montufar]

I used to watch you a while back and this is the first video I’ve seen in a couple years. I must say I am extremely impressed. Like wow!!! The quality of the videos is amazing and you seem so much more confident. The editing is on point and the setup is awesome. Great work man! Keep it up.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

So glad to have you back! Yea, this one was something I spent a bit more time on than previously as I wanted to give it the attention it deserved

[@FEWGEE1]

Very interesting bit of history that I hadn't heard before. Appreciate it.

[@RwingDsquad]

I absolutely love Lagavulin 16. I personally prefer Lagavulin 11 Offermen Edition. My other favorites are Caol Ila 12, The Balvenie 14 week of peat, Talisker distillers edition, laphroaig 10 and 10 CS, and Nikka Whisky Single malt Yoichi. If you like peat, try all of these.

[@nixondutes3550]

Wonderful review!!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thank you!

[@viaministries2487]

Ladaig 10 year - Isle of Mull, by Tobermory - very Islayish... ... me thinks you will LOVE it!!

[@thekillashots9755]

in last 4 yrs i have had like 10+ lagavulin 16. its my fav whiskey of all time. ardbeg uigeadail and port charlotte and indri trinity are my recent fav.

[@budj13]

This will always be one of my favorites and I will never forget the first time I had it. Great review full of good information, Bill. Alternatives: Kilcholman Loch Gorum; Ledaig 10; and of course Laphraig or Ardbeg 10. But, Lag 16 is worth every penny because I save this for a special quite time when I can just relax and focus on enjoying a dram of a world class whisky.

[@joejanca]

Charcoal is a great way to describe Lagavulin's smoke! I've always said it's like a cigarette. Just a sort of cool, clean smoke, without the warmth of say an Ardbeg/campfire.

[@sawyerfamcincy5310]

I have a bottle, enjoy it, but at that price it should be an “integrity” bottling (as per Ralfy). Un-chill and no caramel coloring, then yes, $90 (in Ohio) is well worth it. C’mon companies, let’s distribute pure and unadultered products … Great review !

[@waynemontpetit8181]

It's just such a fun brand name to say 😜

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Not gonna lie... I just said it out loud. You're right

[@waynemontpetit8181]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary So Viking-ish

[@thebigcoorslight]

Great review. Always enjoy your history segments. I appreciate the time you spent on the nose, palate, & finish. Really good pacing throughout the video.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks! I actually did something new and different this time. That's really good feedback!

[@TheMNbassHunter]

One of my all time favorite whiskeys. Love that stuff. I just have a hard time swallowing the $90 - $100 it costs now in my area. The good ol' days of finding this stuff for $65 is long gone, sadly. Even bought this at Costco out in San Fran one time many years ago for $52!

[@marcwhiskey]

It's like $90-100+ in my area. I feel like that msrp is a bit outdated.

[@LanguagesWithAndrew]

Yeah, it's $120 here in Texas.

[@phraktl]

@@LanguagesWithAndrew Holy moley! I'm in Dallas, and it's just under $100 here - if you can find it. $120 is robbery.

[@FEWGEE1]

Could regularly find it for £38 here a few years ago. Now it's £80...

[@JRoman-t4m]

It's always a good time to sip on what Bill is reviewing. There was a flavor I couldn't quite figure out until you said it, "Dark chocolate." Thank you that was spot on!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thats great! Yea I was a but surprised to find that one in a whisky like this. Glad you're sipping along

[@albertomolina3868]

Picked one up for $80 today. The majority of places in my area it is $100 - $125. Love it! Especially at $80.

[@81mysharona]

$75 at Costco this past weekend. I could hardly believe my eyes. Dreams do come true!

[@toddcrockett]

Great video and content. Love the history. I will look for this bottle. Keep up the great work.

[@ronalddeblois4775]

Thanks for the review. Heading to the cellar to get a glass right now! One of my favorites.

[@zanefuentes1760]

Love the Video man , great review and history of Lagavulen .

[@Psychotyzm]

I dare ya: list of "smoke starter" scotches. I know it's gonna have Highland Park as number 1, but still... Starter Smoked Scotches... S3... PS: I love your videos. Keep the gorgeous smile and keep up the great work ;)

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Would be a fun list to make!

[@guidomedic926]

Thanks for the shout out my whiskey brother. That was awesome! Big fan , keep up the great reviews. Cheers 🥃

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks for the great comment!

[@조혁진-l8c]

very strong and big experience islay whisky......

[@boozedduck]

I've tried the Lagavulin 16 and the Ardbeg Uigeadail side by side, and I found them to be quite similar. Both are excellent, and although I think the Uigeadail is better, I don't know if I'd be able to tell them apart in a blind taste test (even given the Uigeadail's higher proof).

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Interesting experiment

[@indianpeathead2043]

Beautiful video. Amazing presentation, Bill. ❤️

[@khoanguyen-fc4jw]

The smoke is a smooth sweet smoke and it is not going to stand against you and that makes you enjoy more.

[@royboy2124]

I love this bottle but as you said it can be a little expensive so I always reach for the Lagavulin 8yr for about half the price and almost all the characteristics I enjoy in this offering. Cheers!

[@nurgle333]

Just got my first bottle of this

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Its been 2 hours. Have you tried it yet?

[@nurgle333]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary yeah it's great, it's like a more refined talisker

[@nurgle333]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary I think it's gonna be really nice after it's had a few days to balance out after opening the bottle

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I agree. It's a great overall whisky but a bit overhyped imo. Comparing it to a more refined talisker is a great comparisson

[@colina1330]

This is fantastic stuff. I've found that I enjoy Lagavulin 8 just as much, though. And at a considerably lower price point, it's a great value. Ardbeg, Laphroiag, and Lagavulin are the big 3 when it comes to scotch for me, too. I think that Nick Offerman is a perfect example of what it means to be masculine without being a douchebag about it.

[@drd8251]

I've come to appreciate your reviews and perspectives on whiskies. I enjoy Lagavulin 8, but I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger on a 16 that costs about $110 where I live. Thanks for putting that cost into perspective for me. I doubt it'll ever drop down to $85 here.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks Bob, glad you appreciate the reviews. No way should you spend $110 on this whisky.

[@drd8251]

Thanks for keeping me grounded!

[@81mysharona]

Been holding off purchasing a bottle for the very same reason. Then, this past weekend, a pallet of Laga 16 appeared at Costco for $75. I thanked the lord above for answering my prayers, grabbed 3 bottles, and hightailed it to the register before I could be roused from this beautiful dream.

[@jimidrammer4187]

Lagavulin 16yo is the only single malt where I get kalamata olives, very unique profile but price has gone from $65 to $105 over the last 10 years. I wish they would release a 16 at 46-48%.

[@rayd.295]

Wow, I haven't seen this for less than $111 for about 4 yrs. Still always have a bottle. My favorite. As is the Uggie, Will look for the 12.

[@81mysharona]

Magically appeared in Costco this past weekend for $75. I grabbed three bottles.

[@benjaminwang6544]

It's about 60-65 USD here in my area, I think this is a fair price and I always have 1 or 2 bottles by hand side. Uigedail used to be good, but nowadays, age is getting shorter and the sherry is getting weaker, which makes the value of a NAS whisky quite controversial.

[@MaltMondays]

Great video. Lag 16 is a classic for a reason. But it falls a little farther down the ladder every time I drink it as other distilleries up their proof, go towards natural color, and more and more good islay whiskies get released.

[@peterc3822]

Great video! I managed to grab 2 bottles of Lagavulin 16 White Horse (embossed version from the 90s) recently at auction for not much more than a normal Lagavulin 16. Was very pleased haha. Wonder if they had the longer fermentation during the 90s which made it better?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

It's very possible... unfortunately I wasn't into whisky back then and haven't run into that info

[@IC86]

Good review. Very interesting history.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yea, it was a longer video than I normally do but there was a lot to cover!

[@WhispyWoods.]

Great review! As someone who drinks primarily bourbon I’m confused and intrigued. When I hear nosing notes of iodine and campfire and salt from scotch vs notes of vanilla caramel and spice from bourbon……… I don’t know why anyone would drink anything other than bourbon 😅 I’m admittedly very biased and think trying new things is a good thing. Here’s to stepping out of my comfort zone……. after my next glass of bourbon 🥃

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

For what its worth, many scotches have fruity light flavors, some have smokey flavors. I like your attitude though, always try new things!

[@stuffforwork]

I get pickled/canned fish as a very distinct tasting note in Lag16.

[@stuffforwork]

Also Lag12 typically is entirely aged in ex-bourbon so has a very different flavor profile than the 16.

[@FABiOTiS]

Ledaig 10 is another scotch worth considering if you enjoy Lagavulin 16

[@robertzemko6590]

I've been wanting to try this for years but unfortunately for me I live in Onterrible Canada where the supply on all whisky is extremely limited and this particular bottle is priced at the highest anywhere on planet earth ($150!!!) so I will never try it but for you people in the good ole U.S.A scoop it up and enjoy.

[@waynedoherty7758]

In Australia Lagavulin 16 is $130AUD Ardbeg Ugidal is $155AUD Making the lag 16 the value pick 😳

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Wow! You poor people down there

[@Thermalions]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary The Lagavulin 12 2020 release is $219AUD ($162 USD) at my local discount store :(

[@WhiskyNotesCS]

Great Review and a awesome Whisky! 👌

[@jakelad9]

Hey, great review as always. Id love to see a review of a 12 year old Caol ila, if you can get your hands on one in the US. It's a sweet peat whiskey that I think you will love.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Funny, I just did it a couple weeks ago. Look at my videos, should be easy to find

[@alandiaz1041]

Lag 16 is a solid scotch. Here in Florida it goes for $115. Is it worth it? Nope, not in my opinion. Yes, it’s tasty and it’s got the subtle smoke. However, I can get a Laphroaig Quarter Cask for $70 and it’s absolutely delicious. If I could get the Lag 16 for the same price I would likely buy the Lag instead. If you are looking for a nice sherry finished scotch, I would go for the Deanston 7 Sherry Finished.

[@martinstoianov91]

Strange it is the equivalent of 65USD in Europe and I love it.

[@guywholikescheese97]

I tried Laphroaig 10 an it scared me off of scotch for a good while. Reminded me of something you spray to keep your dog from licking. I found a "variety pack" of balvenie mini bottles. Maybe I'll start back into that world but islay may not be for me hahaha

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Do yourself a favor... get a Bruichladdich classic laddie. Come back and thank me later :)

[@guywholikescheese97]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary wow that looks like an interesting bottle! I'll try to find one when I'm back in town.

[@curtboxley7678]

Would you recommend this for a "bourbon" drinker looking to add a few bottles of scotch to my collection

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Strangely this became super popular among people who aren't frequently into whisky, so possibly... just know it has a very strong smokey taste... but it's well made! I wouldn't recommend it for a first time scotch drinker. I'm actually working on a video on that exact topic for the next couple of weeks so keep an eye out for that

[@MarkHanson-du3qs]

one of my favorites, but be ready for a big upward price adjustment like in the rest of the world. Stock up while its still cheap.

[@steveamsp]

Different types of smoke: Tire fire put out by copious application of iodine sounds like Laphroaig to me...

[@zerokidd21]

Do you think it would be different at a higher proof? Or do you think they parked it at an appropriate proof for what they were going for?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I'd LOVE to see this at 46 or 48%. Omg it would be incredible... but the bang for the buck would be to lean more into the Sherry flavor

[@robquinn9]

Fantastic review! Bill- I am curious, as of today, what would you suggest as one's first on-the-peat-spectrum Scotch to buy? I have always shied away from these varieties although as the are described in reviews I hear others describe attributes that are right in my wheelhouse, yet the burn and palate destroying characteristics too. So, I guess I'm conflicted but wanting to make a good first investment and try one out. Note: I am a bourbon drinker (some of my favorites are the New Riff Single Barrels and anything Wild Turkey...not that this matters terribly). Thanks.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

It may not be the best suggestion I could come up with but Laphroaig Quarter Cask comes to mind as a great one to start with.

[@tuomospx]

I like all kinds of whiskies, but if I had to pick just one, Lagavullin 16 would be quite high up there. (Until I had Lagavullin 8... ). Go figure.

[@takerocco553]

uigidal has very young juice and the flavor ios much more manipulated But I like the uigidal alot as well

[@takerocco553]

its fantastic and its price for a 16 year old is a bargain

[@jeffswhiskeylounge509]

Lagavulin 16 was the one Islay Scotch I couldn't get into, and I LOVE intensely peated whiskey. I love the campfire and smoked meat notes of Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Octomore, however, Lagavulin 16 tasted to me like I had just licked a cigarette ashtray clean. Yuck!

[@hamblok0]

Despite it being chill filtered and colored, AND only 43%, this is still somehow one of my favorite peated whiskys of all time. Would love for them to do a cask strength version of this because I've always had a huge crush on Laphroaig CS and the proof really gives a lot of nuance and richness that you don't find in the standard bottlings, so I'd be willing to bet it would be the same for Lagavulin. Call me insane, but on my 2nd drink of this stuff after the bottle opens up a bit I SWEAR I get some blueberry notes in there, which mixes in with the peat giving it this velvety and lightly fruity thing going on. It's similar to how sometimes I get raspberry notes from Laphroaig CS randomly when I sip it and it hits so hard when it does. Also if any of you were curious about the distiller's edition, I think it's pretty overrated and PX sherry doesn't do a whole lot for Lagavulin, especially when you consider that it's a bit more expensive than the standard 16 year.

[@Yong_Goh]

have you tried the lagavulin 12? that's often at 50+% bottling

[@hamblok0]

@@Yong_Goh The 12 is the newer expression with the new label right? I haven't been able to find one yet, but I intend to grab one the minute I spot one.

[@waferpie123]

I just don't get the hype around this, it does nothing better than an Ardbeg Uigeadail, Laphraoig 10 cask strength and so on. After coming back to Lagavulin 16 from these whiskies I felt extremely disappointed. I guess it's soo popular because it's super friendly to beginners with the lower ABV and mild taste due to chill filtering.

[@heavilypeted]

This is very well made and I'm glad that I bought it..but I won't be purchasing another 16. Too many compromises for the premium you're paying, in my opinion.

[@Von_Fishman]

Ah yes I remember my HS biology class where we talked about small bacteria having a big impact of whisky XD

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Chapter 4 if I remember correctly!

[@UsedBrain4U]

The pricing on this has gotten insane! In Ontario it has gone from $135CAD in 2019 to $185CAD in 2023. 😡

[@sammy4583]

Never tried it, at £50-55 bottle it's a stab in the dark for me as not fan of Islay whisky's although Arran 10 is my new favourite

[@drax14QC]

''Always looking for more proof'' 😂 I guess it describes the Whiskey Dic pretty well.. :D

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Congrats! I've been putting little subtitles on the intro for a couple months now and you're the first to comment on it :)

[@drax14QC]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary haha cool, thanks ! I'm surprised to be the first one. Congrats on the video ;) The history part was really interesting ! Just wanna point out, when you read the user comments , I noticed at 15: 01 you said ''Hynrick'' (I probably am spelling that wrong lol) but it still is written Jonathan C under the comment.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Lol yea I noticed that today today I was transcribing the closed captions... at that point, it wasn't worth fixing... but good to know people pay attention!

[@drax14QC]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Yeah I guess we're watching carefully, it's so interesting ;)

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

You're awesome, and really good for my ego. :)

[@groberti]

This is the whiskey that tastes like BBQ/Grill smoke to me! Pretty delicious but overpriced imho tbh. In my area currently it costs like ~100 USD

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yea, this one's definitely a bit higher than I'd like

[@DileepB]

Paid $65 for it 5 years ago. Not likely to buy it again today for $100.

[@TheBrackishCoast]

$90+ in most of Md.

[@sinemetu1040]

Drinking this is definitely a challenge. I don’t taste the smoke, I tasted iodine and bandaids. I’ve tried this 4 different times and still find it a struggle to finish a glass of it. To each their own I guess.

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

That band aid nose is weird. I get it on ardbeg and Port Charlotte too I think it's a part of the whole Islay profile. I don't get it on the pallet but for sure on the nose.

[@simardeepsingh8037]

Honest review, have more conviction in your voice

[@ericmcdaniel2719]

Dark Color ::cough cough:: artificial ::cough cough:: Still pretty good though.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yup, I brought that up in the video. I was appalled that such a well regarded whisky did that

[@cnkirch1215]

$100 here in VA. Their 8 is $60… (facepalm)

[@RKramer105]

While I definitely didn't regret trying it in a whiskey bar, I cannot understand the hype at that price. Especially considering Ardbeg 10 exists and is cheaper, higher proof, non-chill filtered and has no artificial coloring. It's not quite as "smooth" (I know, I know!) as Lag 16 but I also don't consider that a negative. Oh well to each their own, cheers!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I totally hear you. I'd pick Ardbeg over Lagavulin 9/10

[@pureicon]

You have every right to complain about Lagavulin adding coloring to their 16 whiskey. That just turned me off completely and for good off the brand. I am sticking to Ardbeg.

[@physics2112]

Like or Dislike: Like. The artificial color kills this distillery for me. Appearance is too significant a factor in my drinking experience to disregard the distillery corrupting their whisky.

[@distillery1816]

Better than sex

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I thought of you while filming this one