My first introduction to the Lagavulin distillery was this bottle. Almost three years ago, while just getting into bourbon and heading out for a vacation to the mountains, Mrs. Bourbon Bossman picked out this bottle as a birthday gift and I never looked back. Today’s review is from the Lagavulin distillery and is of their classic well-known and world-renown Lagavulin 16.

From the Malts.com website: Revered by connoisseurs and experts, Lagavulin is known as “the king of Islay”. It is an ‘essential’ Scotch Whisky that any connoisseur or enthusiast must have in their collection; one of the world’s favourite Malt Whiskies. Aged in oak casks for at least 16 years, this much sought-after Single Malt has the massive peat-smoke flavour that’s typical of southern Islay, while also offering richness and a dryness that turns it into a truly interesting dram. The Lagavulin 16 Year Old has become a benchmark Islay dram from the Lagavulin distillery. A gift for all occasions for lovers of peaty and powerful whiskies.

This bottle should be easily found at a decent store and is in every store I visit regularly in NoCo. Although this review is of the classic Lagavulin 16, I can help by mentioning my all-time favorite release from this distillery, Lagavulin 11-Year-Old Offerman Edition Finished in Guinness Casks. Overall, if you are a bourbon lover, this bottle may be a stretch for you to try if it is either your first time enjoying a scotch or if you are expecting a sweet pour. Unlike many scotches that are known for the iodine or “band-aid” flavor, Lagavulin 16 provides a smokey, dark chocolate, and citrus-forward profile with minimal medicinal flavor. I would recommend trying this before buying this, but it has become a favorite scotch of mine. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Smoke, Peat, Orange Zest, Red Apple, Vanilla, Spice, and Slight Caramel
• Palate: Peat, Dark Chocolate, Orange, Vanilla, Cinnamon, All Spice, Oak, Figs, and Iodine/Medicinal
• Finish: Medium to Long with Lasting Notes of Smokey Oak, Vanilla, and Cocao
• 2023 MSRP: $101
• 2023 National Average: $127
• Proof: 86 Proof
• My Rating: Save It! (A now favorite scotch whisky for me)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman