Lagavulin 16 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This review was written and shared by Paul Martin.

I have avoided reviewing the Lagavulin 16, afraid my words could not do it justice. I recalled Eric Clapton’s comment on covering Jimi Hendrix, “I thought about doing Voodoo Child but I think that is too sacred of a song.” But today, with a glass of Lagavulin in hand, I stumbled across a video of Clapton covering that sacred tune. So, grandiose metaphors aside, here is my review:

Understated and elegant packaging suit this Islay whisky. Not because it is simple, but because its taste is all the marketing it needs.

When poured from the green bottle, a beautiful, golden amber hue catches my eye. The smokey aroma captures my attention even before a proper nosing. The campfire scent dominates but avoids the harsh, ashen quality in other peat-laden Scotches. The medicinal scent of phenols does not cover up sweet notes of cinnamon and spice or more subtle pine.

The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, as expected from a 16-year-old whisky. A complex palate separates the Lagavulin from its famous Islay counterparts, Ardbeg and Laphroaig. Smoke and phenols are obvious but do not overwhelm vanilla, cinnamon, oak, and spices. Toffee and cherry took longer for me to appreciate. A drop of water enhances the smoothness without changing the palate. A long, smooth finish allows me to savor the peat, spices, and sweetness well after I empty my glass.

In summary, the Lagavulin 16 embodies the best of Islay. It wraps a strong peat profile in a warm blanket of sweetness. Johnny Depp doesn’t drink alcohol, but buys Lagavulin just to smell it. In his viral Yule Log video, Nick Offerman drank none other than the Lagavulin 16. It is truly a rockstar whisky.