Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | 43% vol | 70cl | Smoky & Intense | Peat-Rich | Sweet & Salty Single Malt | Aged in Oak Casks | with Gift Box, Packaging May Vary

Ah Lagavulin 16, the pinnacle of Scotch, perfection in a bottle and well and truly my ride or die whisky. My whisky journey began a year or so ago when I saw a bottle of Bowmore No. 1 on offer and decided to try it as my partner is from Orkney and I wanted to embrace some of the culture. I'm also a huge lover of Parks and Rec. and Ron Swanson is, in my honest opinion, a true role model. A proper 'man's man', and with an iron clad set of morals and a 'stash to be envious of. When such a man describes something as 'Nectar of the Gods' you know it must be special and I knew I had to try it. Well lo' and behold a bottle appeared for me at Christmas and I opened the box to finally stare at that iconic bottle in the flesh for the first time. I opened the plastic wrapping around the cork and pulled it for the first time, pouring the first of the luscious gold liquid into my glass. I was truly terrified! What if I hated it? What if Mr. Swanson had mislead me? Well in one whiff that fear evaporated all at once. When I finally put the glass to my lips the first time I immediately entered a heaven like no other. Below you'll find my tasting notes which I hope are helpful and perhaps come across to you too: Nose: A classic Islay with a twist. There's smoke there but it's not overwhelming. Maritime with a good amount of sea salt and just the tiniest hint of iodine. It's woody and intense but it takes you to the edge and hangs you off it, then just as you begin to fall pulls you back into a warming embrace. But there's more... A hint of fruit that's unlike your typical Speyside and certainly a world away from other Islays. To give you an idea, picture the smoke of Caol Ila 12, add a hint of the classic Bowmore citrus and crank up the intensity. Then add a dash of tropical fruit and banana not unlike a rum. It's exquisite. Palate: There's smoke immediately but again it doesn't overwhelm. Lagavulin is widely known as one of the smokier single malts and I'd agree but it doesn't punch you in the face in quite the same way as it's neighbouring distilleries of Ardbeg and Laphroaig. It's utterly unique as well in that it flirts with both oiliness and dryness and blends them so flawlessly. Oily in that it coats your mouth and you always know it's there, but dry in that it steps back before it gets too much. Behind the smoke there's more of that odd tropical fruit with saltiness. There's the classic medicinal note of iodine/TCP as well but it's only ever a cameo appearance to remind you that this is an Islay malt. Lagavulin takes you on a deep dive into unknown waters, then just as it all begins to get a bit much it lifts you back to the surface on a wave of fresh mint. Finish: The finish starts with the hint of mint from the palate. Fruitiness steps back forward through the smoke which serves as the bed on which all the other notes sit. It's a long finish and a satisfying one at that. This is a whisky that wants to be remembered. I discovered fairly early on that I'm a fan of Islay, but this is definitely not a whisky for beginners. Start with Highland Park 12 and then try one of the Talisker offerings. Then, when you're ready to make the jump to Islay, go for either of the aforementioned Caol Ila or Bowmore 12 year olds. The Ila will show you the smokier elements whilst with the Bowmore it's the fruit and honey that comes forward. They'll prepare your palate for some of the more intense offerings from this wonderful island. Back to the Lagavulin, to conclude, it's sheer magic in a bottle. Whether you love it or hate it, you'll feel something and feel it intensely. It provokes a response on a deeper level and it's wonderful. My only criticism would be Diageo's shameless price gouging. At 70 quid a bottle it's still a relative steal when you can afford it but I've heard on good authority that the price is like to soon go well over £100. Before that happens do yourself a favour and grab a bottle, even if you save it for later. And if you don't like it, send me the rest! This is my special occasion whisky and the one I always gaze longingly at when financial constraints force me to reach for a cheaper bottle from the cabinet. An absolute marvel of a whisky.

A classic for good reason. Rich, smoky and incredibly smooth with layers of sweetness, oak and maritime character. Definitely one to savour slowly. It feels like a special bottle that’s worth the price.

I tend to buy this when it’s on offer because it’s a wee bit expensive. But what a drink! If you like a peaty malt this fella has to be on your list. A few drops of water in there brings out the flavour. A real treat!

The best

Fantastic whisky at a super price

This is an exceptional Islay dram, very smooth and rich colour. You won’t be disappointed.

Not much to be said. This Islay is legendary. Easy to drink, smoky, tasty. Great depth of flavour. I look out for deals on it and grab a few.

Quality and lovely Whisky. My Nephew loved it.

Un buen whisky y muy buen embalaje, llegó todo perfecto

Eines der Spitzenprodukte von der schottischen Insel Islay. Wie für diese Provenienz typisch sehr rauchig und torfig aber im Vergleich zu Octomore und anderen "schweren" Islays durchaus auch einsteigergeignet. Komplexe Aromen die sich über Minuten entwickeln und am Gaumen lange nachhallen. Einer meiner Lieblinge! Der 12 jährige steht in Nichts nach, ist aber schwer zu bekommen und! teurer! Für den aufgerufenen Preis ein echtes Schnäppchen

値段もお安く買え美味しくいただきました レーズンバターや生ハムと一緒にまったりすごして下さい

As expected. Great whiskey for a great price.

Divin pour les amateurs de tourbé.