Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Lagavulin 16 is characterized by intense peat smoke and brine, layered with dried fruit, caramel sweetness, and subtle oak spice developed over a minimum of 16 years of maturation. The balance of heavy smoke with a rich, almost sherried sweetness is what distinguishes it from its Islay neighbors.

Lagavulin Distillery sits on the south coast of Islay, Scotland, between Ardbeg and Laphroaig. Officially founded in 1816, it is now owned by Diageo and is one of six distilleries featured in the company's Classic Malts of Scotland portfolio.

While both are heavily peated Islay single malts, Lagavulin 16 tends toward richer, sweeter notes of dried fruit and caramel alongside its smoke, whereas Laphroaig 10 is generally more medicinal and austere with a pronounced iodine character. Lagavulin's 16 years of maturation also gives it a softer, more integrated mouthfeel.

Yes, Diageo produces a Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength released as part of its annual Special Releases series, typically bottled at around 55–58% ABV. There is also a Distillers Edition finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks that adds sweeter, fortified-wine notes.