Lagavulin 16

There is a soft spot in my heart for Lagavulin 16. My foray into the world of whisky began with a bottle of Lagavulin (1994 Distillers Edition). That was the whisky that convinced me that whisky could taste amazing. The first bottle of whisky I ever bought was a bottle of Lagavulin 16 (I kept the empty bottle as a keepsake, as shown in the photos). 

Lagavulin is a distillery on the island of Islay, in Scotland. Islay whiskies are famous for their intensity, smokiness and their medicinal flavour. They are really quite different to whiskies from other regions in Scotland and if you haven't tried an Islay whisky, its quite an experience. 

The 16 year old is the entry level whisky of Lagavulin's standard expressions (along with the 12 year and the annual Distillers Editions). Its has quite good availability in bars and restaurants around Sydney, particularly for a mid-aged single malt, so is quite easy to try. However, a glass of whisky at a bar (without anything more) would not make for a particularly interest photo so I procured a miniature bottle of Lagavulin 16 for this review.

Added bonus of the miniature bottle is not testing the boundaries of K's patience.

Without further ado, tasting notes below:

Smell

• Complex - Sweet, salty, iodine
• Definite sherry influence
• Moderately smoky
• Sweet spices
• Lacks a bit of punch

Mouth feel

• Not overly thick or thin

Taste

• Starts off smokey - wood fired instead of the ash-like smokiness of Laphroaig 10
• Hint of salt spray by the sea
• Dried apricots and other dried fruits
• Barley
• Vanilla
• Barley

Finish

• Nutty
• Sweet
• Short to medium finish - similar length to Yamazaki Distillers Reserve

This is a good whisky. A solid choice for an adventure into Islay whiskies. Not as intimidating and intense as Laphroaig or Ardbeg, but still having the essence of Islay's smokiness and medicinal seaside flavours, which is well balanced by its sherry sweetness.

For me, although its a very solid dram, its not quite at the same level as some of my favourites (for example, Yamazaki 18 and Caol Ila 25). I found myself wanting a bit more punch in smell and flavour department. Everything I smelled and tasted was great - well balanced, interesting flavour profile, loved the peat - just give me more of it all.

This is a good whisky for ordinary drinking, although not quite up there for celebrating special occasions. I would have no hesitation in ordering this at a bar or restaurant. Unless you go to a whisky bar, Lagavulin 16 will frequently be the best whisky on the menu and it will still easily kick your standard blended malt whiskies to the curb (I'm looking at you Johnnie Walker).

Sometimes, you don't want a complex flavour explosion in your mouth. Sometimes, you just want to sit down on the couch with a whisky you know well, and forget about the stresses of the day. This fits the bill nicely.