Lagavulin 16 years old

Lagavulin 16 years old

A review by Tommy Byrne

Overall rating: 8,5/10 – Truly a Classic Malt

It was gray rainy day on the Saint-Laurent Golf course at l’Ile d’Orléans. The majestuous island, facing Quebec City and surrounded by the St. Lawrence Rivers might just have been the second best place in the world to get a first encounter with the 16^th years old version of Lagavulin. The warmth felt after the first sip soon made me forget about my lousy golf score. I did not know much about whisky back then, nevertheless I knew I was dealing with a Classic Malt in all of its splendour. Islay malts are widely known for their strong smoky and peaty character. For the neophytes, most of those whiskies are more or less placed in the same basket in comparison with non-Islay malts. Peat aside, Lagavulin has much more in common in its structure with Caol Ila, than Laphroaig, Ardbeg or even Bowmore.

Having quietly rested for 16 years in oak casks, this Lagavulin showcases a beautiful amber coat. Its nose is quite complex, the aromas made me reminisce of kalamata olives, trappist Belgium beer with lees, and fresh pipe tobacco. The peat, smoke and iodic elements of this whisky are not overwhelming; one may say it is better balanced than other Islay malts. Figuratively, it’s like taking a nice autumn walk in the woods, breathing the earthy paths at dusk, right after a long rainfall. These feelings and aromas evolve to the palate quite distinctly. The mushiness of the brewing process kicks in, making the core ingredients of the whisky more palpable. Very earthy and lightly sulphurized, close to charcoal, the flavours finally set in elegantly evoking burned toffee quite similar to the crust of a crème brulée. The end is sweet and smooth, but I do have to admit that I was expecting a longer finish for a whisky of that sumptuousness.

Even if Lagavulin 16 is a remarkable and well-crafted whisky, for many single malt aficionados like me, the wallet often tends to sadly dictate our picks. Being above the average price of a “start of the line” product for an Islay distillery, I believe that Caol Ila 12 gives you a better value for money than Lagavulin. Consequently, thank you Santa’s and birthday parties for letting us ask our loved ones this great gift!