Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Review

Apr 23

Lagavulin Distillery, nestled on the southern coast of Islay, Scotland, is one of the island’s most storied and iconic whisky producers. Its official history begins in 1816 when John Johnston established the first legal distillery on the site, though records indicate that illicit distillation had been taking place in the area as early as 1742(1)(2)(11). The following year, Archibald Campbell built a neighboring distillery, and by 1837, these two operations were merged under Donald Johnston, forming the foundation of what would become Lagavulin(1)(2)(9).

Throughout the 19th century, Lagavulin’s fortunes were shaped by a series of influential owners and spirited rivalries. In 1862, the distillery was acquired by John Logan Mackie, whose nephew, Peter Mackie, would become a pivotal figure in Lagavulin’s legacy. Peter Mackie was not only a master distiller but also a shrewd businessman and innovator. He created the famous White Horse blend in 1890, with Lagavulin as its core malt, and helped to popularize single malt Scotch whisky at a time when blends dominated the market(5)(11)(12).

A notable chapter in Lagavulin’s history was its rivalry with neighboring Laphroaig. After losing the agency to sell Laphroaig whisky, Peter Mackie constructed the Malt Mill distillery within Lagavulin in 1908, attempting to replicate Laphroaig’s style. Despite his efforts, the unique character of Lagavulin, shaped by its own water source, peat, and distillation methods, remained distinct(1 5)(11). Over the years, Lagavulin changed hands several times, eventually becoming part of Diageo, one of the world’s largest drinks companies, in the late 20th century(1 6)(9).

Lagavulin’s flagship expression, the 16 Year Old, has become a benchmark for Islay single malts and a staple for whisky enthusiasts worldwide. Introduced as the standard bottling in the late 1980s as part of Diageo’s Classic Malts range, Lagavulin 16 is matured primarily in American oak bourbon casks, with some whisky aged in European oak sherry casks(1)(7)(8). The whisky’s character is shaped by heavily peated barley, long fermentation times, and slow distillation in distinctive pear-shaped stills(7)(4). Its reputation for complexity, depth, and smoky richness has earned it numerous awards and a devoted following, securing its place as one of Scotland’s most revered single malts(10)(7).

Review:

Nose: Peat and wet cardboard jump out of the glass. I am not getting as much sweetness here but get quite a bit of pepper as well. It is kind of a two-dimensional smell with not many layers to it. It bring across some musty characteristics which can maybe be attributed to its age? After returning to the nose one final time, i can get the faintest ever note of sherry from teh casks but it is overpowered by the grainy peat that this scotch is known for.

Palate: On the palate, it is much more expressive. It sits sweet on the tongue and brings through a very ashy peat. One of my favorite entry level heavily peated scotches: Port Charlotte 10 (you should check out that review) brings a barbecue smoke to the palate, where this brings more notes of tobacco and ash. The sherry influence comes through on the palate and actually does a pretty good job cutting through the fragrant smoke. While it is a bit more expressive, with notes of plum, dry red wine, honey, and billowing levels of ash, there isnt much else to it. It is very soft on the palate at only 86 ABV (43%).

Finish: The finish is quite short here. You get the smoke that perpetuates long after the sip but the feelingdoesnt. After the sip, I would say you start to see the notes from the palate above, die out and soften. It leaves you with a light hug from the flavors but nothing that stays with you. Just an okay finish.

Overall: (71). This is probably the best example I could find of a luxury “entry-level” peated scotch whiskey. What does that mean? It is arguably one of the most famous scotch distilleries in the world made even more well known in pop culture as Ron Swanson’s favorite scotch from Parks and Recreation. “It will put some hair on your chest”. It is not a powerful whiskey, but the flavor of smoke to hose unaccustomed to peated scotch will absolutely shriek upon their first sip or two. This is a bottle that whiskey nerds won’t get mad over, and is a bottle that many will buy for their whiskey friends as they will perceive it as luxury. As Blanton’s is to bourbon or Hibiki Harmony is to Japanese. Nothing wrong with any of them outright! Just not the best that you could find for the price.

Value: 45/100; (-2 on the overall). The age carries through that musk that many whiskey drinkers like. This bottle also fluctuates substantially in price and is one of the few bottles I have found to routinely offer sales (at least by me). Sometimes it is $119.99, sometimes it is $79.99. If this would regularly, $60-$70, I’d be in. I just feel it is expensive for what it brings.

Availability: Available.

Citations and other links:

Brayden Bennell

Lagavulin 16 Year Old - Review

Elijah Craig Single Barrel (10 yr Store Pick) - Review

The Book of Bourbon