Ahhh, Lagavulin 16. This is a very popular whisky among whisky enthusiasts, and for good reason. It’s a chill-filtered single malt aged 16 years in bourbon casks and is bottled at 43% ABV.
It’s a peaty Islay whisky which is extremely smooth and satisfying. Less intense punch compared to Laphroaig Quarter Cask and more sophisticated and refined. As more time passes since it’s been opened, it seems to me to be less peaty than before, but it might be my imagination. It’s a very compex whisky and while this may sound silly, now when I have it seems to have this incense-like aroma; like a very controlled, sophisticated fire that lingers in the whisky and doesn’t project itself out. It just invites you in for more.
It’s a beautiful whisky and something I’d prefer to have in stock at all times (probably why I haven’t finished the bottle yet!).
When I added water I found the aroma/taste completely changed to something more subtle and complex though I couldn’t put my finger on it. The peatiness was definitely all but gone. I also tried this with smoky bacon and oak-ash covered goat cheese and it was quite the combination!
Overall, fantastic and highly recommended.
Purchased: 2011
Opened: December 2012
Finished: Still open! Not much left though. Hard to let go 🙂
WWC Recommendation: Highly recommended!