Introduction
We’re diving into something special today: Lagavulin 16 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This is a big deal for us because Lagavulin has always been a favorite of ours, but surprisingly, we've never reviewed it on the podcast before. Lagavulin 16 is often considered a special occasion whisky, one that you might save for anniversaries or birthdays. Both of us have fond memories tied to this dram, and we’re excited to share our thoughts.
Lagavulin is an Islay Scotch, which means it’s known for its peaty character. However, what sets Lagavulin 16 apart is how it balances that peat with softer, sweeter notes. It’s aged for 16 years and comes in at 86 proof. Now, let’s get into the details.
This review is taken from our episode "Raising Arizona / Lagavulin 16." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: The first thing that hits me on the nose is that it’s peaty, but in a much softer way than other Islay whiskies. There’s a lot of sweetness underneath the peat, with honey being a dominant note for me. I also get a touch of mint and some melon, almost like cantaloupe. It has this fresh, ocean breeze quality that reminds me of standing by the sea. I’m giving this a 9/10.
Brad: I’m totally with you on this, Bob. There’s a lot of honey here, along with some charcuterie meats, and that classic iodine note. As I spent more time with it, I noticed sweet mint and grapefruit emerging. For me, this is one of the best noses on a whisky I've ever experienced. It’s a 9.5/10 for me.
Taste
Bob: On the palate, I was a bit disappointed after such a fantastic nose. The sweetness fades pretty quickly, and it becomes quite medicinal—almost like an uncoated pill dissolving in your mouth. There are hints of honey and melon around the edges, but it’s not enough to balance out the bitterness. I’m going with a 7.5/10 here.
Brad: I actually loved the taste. There’s a consistent presence of peat, but it’s beautifully complemented by honey, melon, and a bit of oak. I also picked up on some pine nuts and vegetal notes. The complexity here is just outstanding. This is easily a 10/10 for me.
Finish
Bob: The finish is where some of that complexity returns. I’m getting more honey, mixed with oak and smokiness. It reminds me of a really good charcuterie board, with some peach or apricot jam and a salty ham like prosciutto. This is significantly better than the palate for me, so I’m giving it an 8.5/10.
Brad: For me, the finish is long, smooth, and leaves that smoky campfire taste lingering in your mouth for a long time. I also picked up some stone fruits like figs and prunes toward the end. I loved every second of it, so it’s a 9.5/10 for me.
Balance
Bob: While I thought the finish helped to bring back some of the complexity, the palate was a noticeable step down. The balance between sweetness and medicinal notes just wasn’t there for me, so I’m giving it a 7.5/10.
Brad: I have to disagree here. I think the balance is perfect—every flavor complements the others beautifully. This is a 10/10 for me.
Value
Bob: At $95, I think this is a fair price for a 16-year-old Islay Scotch. However, I personally prefer other options at this price point, like Ardbeg, which I find to be a bit more robust. Still, Lagavulin 16 offers a good value for what it is, so I’m giving it a 7/10.
Brad: I actually think $95 is a great price for this whisky. It’s under $100, and considering the quality, I think that’s a steal. If it were $10 or $15 cheaper, I’d give it a perfect score, but as it stands, it’s a 9/10 for me.
Final Scores
Bob: My final score for Lagavulin 16 is 39.5/50. It’s a solid whisky, but it didn’t quite hit the highs I was expecting based on its reputation.
Brad: I’m coming in much higher with a 48/50. This is one of the best whiskies I’ve ever had, and I think it’s nearly perfect in every way.
Average Score: Our combined score for Lagavulin 16 is 43.75/50, or 87.5/100.
Conclusion
Lagavulin 16 is a whisky that truly deserves its reputation. While Bob found it to be a bit more medicinal than he would have liked, Brad was absolutely blown away by it. With an average score of 43.75/50, this is a whisky that we both recommend. If you’re a fan of peated scotch, or if you’re looking for a special occasion bottle, Lagavulin 16 is a fantastic choice. Given its price point and quality, it’s a bottle that belongs on any whisky lover’s shelf.
