Lagavulin 16 Year Old

I really appreciate that we have at least one guy here who isn't hung up on the proper way of doing things and gives us reviews of good old-fashioned whiskies on the rocks.

Despite being in the deep end of whisky fandom, that's how I like 'em too sometimes.

Thanks, @MadSingleMalt ; but don't judge only by the pic; my tasting process usually goes like this: neat, water, ice, sparkling water, seltzer. I know it sounds a little too over the top, but I like to know which one suits each whisky better. Nonetheless, for pics (and I always take at least one of my own, all my reviews this far show it) ice cubes pump the image up. And, of course, I totally agree with you: sometimes ice is the right option, despite what some purists might consider. Thanks again.

@huineman I enjoyed your review. I don’t necessarily agree with your assessment, but that’s just fine. Variety is the spice of life. I happen to enjoy whiskies that “lean excessively toward any given direction”.

@huineman There is only one proper way to drink whisky.

@Nozinan And that is.....whatever way you like?

@huineman I don't think the Lag 16 is anywhere near what it was 10 years ago. For me, its glory has faded and I find myself liking the 8 year old at 48% much more these days. Good, straightforward review. Thanks.

@BlueNote - can't speak for ten years ago but I've had two bottles in the last five years and tasted in bars a couple of times; batch variation is (or has been) wild with this one but get a good bottle and there aren't any other 16 year old Islay whiskeys that give such good value for money (c£55 in UK).

Angus, form Whiskyfun would definitely agree with you ...

whiskyfun.com/archiveseptember17-2-Lagavuli…

@BlueNote You inferred correctly, my friend. While it's highly unlikely you'll hear me asking for whisky mixed with ice, water, or soda, you have to drink it the way you like it, otherwise what's the point of drinking it?

My uncle takes his scotch with ice. I love him more than I love my scotch, so he get my favourite whiskies with 2 cubes. Other visitors would not necessarily get the same courtesy...

@RianC I must admit, it’s been about 3 years since I’ve had the 16 and I might have to get a bottle and give it another go. But wouldn’t it just kill at the same 48% as the 8?

@BlueNote - Oh yes, Lagavulin 16 @46+% and NCF would be awesome! Doubt it will ever happen though, it's got to be one of, if not THE, best seller in the Diageo stables? Start messing with the presentation and Mr. Onceayear will start complaining and be forced to buy Macallan instead

@BlueNote, didn't Lagavulin add a still or something around 10 years ago, which apparently explains the procession of new younger whiskies they're releasing these last couple years as that new gush of spirit reaches maturity: the 8, then a 9, the a 10.

Maybe we'll see a shakeup with the 16 six years from now.

@MadSingleMalt A 10 at 48% would be an excellent start to that progression.