16 years. Lagavulin the benchmark expression from one of Islays most storied distilleries, widely considered the most balanced heavily peated single malt Scotch in existence presenting 16 years of coastal maturation in refill American and European oak casks that integrates the distillerys intense peat smoke with sherry sweetness and maritime salt.

Lagavulin Distillery was founded in 1816 on the south coast of Islay near the ruins of Dunyveg Castle, and its distinctive character comes from the combination of heavily peated Islay barley, the distillerys famously long and slow distillation runs, and the salt air of the Kildalton coast where the warehouses sit directly above the tidal shoreline. The 16 Year is the expression that established Lagavulins international reputation as one of the Classic Malts of Scotland.

What distinguishes the Lagavulin 16 from other heavily peated Islay expressions is balance the sherry cask influence and extended 16-year maturation have integrated the peat smoke deeply into the spirit rather than presenting it as a raw, dominant force. The result is smoke that carries sweetness, dried fruit, and maritime depth alongside the power.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense peat smoke, iodine, seaweed, sherry, dried fruit
• Palate: Dry, assertive peat, sherry sweetness, coffee, leather
• Finish: Exceptionally long, warming, persistent smoke and dried fruit

Specs

• Distillery: Lagavulin Distillery, Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland (est. 1816)
• Style: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Age: 16 years
• ABV: 43%
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Lagavulin 16 compare to Ardbeg and Laphroaig? All three are heavily peated Islay malts but with distinct profiles. Lagavulin 16 is the most sherry-integrated and balanced peat and sweetness in tension. Ardbeg is drier, more medicinal, often younger. Laphroaig is the most distinctively medicinal and seaweed-forward. Lagavulin 16 is widely considered the most approachable entry into the heavily peated Islay style.
• Why does Lagavulin use such long distillation runs? Lagavulins wash stills have a distinctive long neck and slow distillation pace that produces a heavier, more full-bodied new make spirit than faster distillation would. The additional copper contact during the slower run also reduces sulfur compounds, producing a cleaner base for extended maturation.

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