Lagavulin 16 Review: The Iconic Islay Single Malt

When you think of Islay, what springs to mind? Plumes of smoke spitting from your Glencairn? A boggy peat monster that twists across the tongue coating your throat in throes of maritime magnificence? For many, Islay and Lagavulin go hand-in-hand. Perhaps the distillery, alongside Laphroaig and Ardbeg, has become more than just a name in whisky, responsible for something larger, a representative of its terroir, a hallmark of the region’s style and the undeniably unique characteristics of its scotch. 

Today we take a look at the flagship malt from the entire Islay region and review Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt. Lagavulin 16 has become one of the whisky world’s hottest commodities, with the iconic Islay style transcending that of its Scottish counterparts. While sherry-finished malts remain in vogue as the most palatable and approachable mass-produced whiskies, distillers such as Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman and Laphroaig have emerged as the new rebels of scotch whisky, proliferating a style that at face value should not be as popular as it is, and doing so in a way that has forced whisky purists to rethink conventional whisky-making.

Lagavulin's History

Situated on the south coast of Islay, Lagavulin Distillery was founded in 1816 by John Johnston, and has been responsible for crafting some of the world's finest Islay single malt whisky ever since. The Lagavulin distillery's coastal location is an integral part of the whisky's inimitable character, as the rugged coast and peat bogs of Islay give Lagavulin its signature smoky and peaty charisma.

While it would generally be construed as non-chill-filtered, in keeping with Lagavulin’s ethos and ‘prototype’, many of its whiskies including the Lagavulin 16 are in fact chill-filtered. This means that many natural impurities are removed from the spirit as a means of making the final product more palatable and approachable to the end-customer.

Think maritime, think seaweed, think a pipe of tobacco billowing from behind the helm of a fishing trawler. This is the imagery and iconography that Lagavulin conjures, and is distinctly imbued in the natural and nurturing way of Islay. 

What is Islay Whisky?

Islay is known for an inimitable style of single malt whisky, characterized by the sheer weight of its peaty flavor, thick smokiness and maritime influence. The harsh climate and rugged terrain of Islay create the perfect conditions and environment for whisky production, as the island's peat bogs provide a natural source of fuel for drying the malted barley, and the brisk sea air imparts a salty tang to the whisky as it matures in oak casks.

This style is not exclusive to Lagavulin, but represents an entire regional phenomenon across a number of distilleries, each with its own nuances and intricacies. For Islay, the climate is the whisky and becomes an innate and inherent part of each single malt scotch. Ardbeg, Bowmore,  Bruichladdich, Kilchoman and Laphroaig are similar powerhouses of the region, though there is no doubt about the stature of Lagavulin 16 in this space, and stands at the top of the proverbial hill.

Lagavulin 16 Nose

As we’ve touched on above, Lagavulin 16 is typically Islay and as one would expect from a smoky whisky like Lagavulin, the nose is dominated by rich, thick smoke aromas, like chewing tobacco or a fine cigar, doused with hints of seaweed and iodine. Smoke isn’t completely overpowering however, there are also refined notes of vanilla, honey and caramel, which intertwine with the classic Islay profile, complementing and shaping the rest of the whisky and informing the smoky flavors whilst adding depth to the whisky's overall profile.

Lagavulin 16 Taste

Sheer electricity on the palate, this is where Lagavulin 16 truly shines. You’re immediately struck by smoke and peat, coating the throat and almost overwhelmed with full-bodied, rich maritime flavor. It’s unbelievably complex and a sip certainly not designed for beginners or folk who are new to whisky. 

The smoky notes are lengthy at the front and center, and a distinct peatiness is noticeable throughout. While this is prevalent and exceptional, it’s balanced elegantly by sweet and fruity undertones, think ripe rockmelon and faint lemon peel, with warm vanilla and cream. More nuanced layers emerge, hints of oak and spice round out the sip, adding a warming, interesting addition to the whisky's smoke bomb flavor profile.

Lagavulin 16 Finish

The finish is reminiscent of a healthy puff of cigar, full of thick smoke. Expect a chestwarming finish, long and lavish, with an extended sweetness that mimics the fruity undertone seen throughout the palate, with more of the same pleasant smokiness enveloping and lingering on the palate. Truly a whisky to savor and one that encapsulates the Islay style, adding a depth and complexity that is a trademark of the Lagavulin distillery.

Lagavulin 16 Review Summary

It would be remiss to Overall, Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch is a truly iconic Islay whisky that is rich, complex, and full of character. Its history is rooted in the rugged coast of Islay, and the whisky itself is a testament to the island's unique terroir. With its smoky and peaty flavors, Lagavulin 16 is a true connoisseur's whisky that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. Whether enjoyed neat or with a splash of water, Lagavulin 16 is a whisky that will leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to taste it.