Lagavulin 16 Year Old 750ml

Lagavulin 16 was first released in 1989 as part of United Distillers’ Classic Malts of Scotland collection a series of six single malts chosen to represent different regions. Lagavulin was the Islay pick, and it was seen as the wild card: a big, smoky whisky expected to appeal only to a small group of peat lovers.

The reality exceeded all expectations. Demand quickly outstripped supply, and in the early 1990s it had to be placed on allocation in many markets. Most distilleries choose a younger expression as their flagship, but Lagavulin committed to 16 years a decision that communicated, clearly and unapologetically, that this whisky was serious.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: A deep, dusky amber.

Nose: One of the smokiest noses from Islay intensely concentrated, redolent of iodine, sweet spices, mature sherry, and creamy vanilla. Cured meats sit alongside hints of tar and charcoal, as well as bonfire, driftwood, and camphor, with whiffs of hemp rope and salted caramel, before a gentle fruitiness of clementines and white peaches emerges.

Palate: Very thick and rich a massive mouthful of malt and sherry with fruity sweetness, big powerful peat, and oak. The mid-palate introduces a peppery and spicy character black pepper, clove and nutmeg intertwined with Lapsang Souchong tea and dark chocolate.

Finish: Long and spicy, with figs, dates, peat smoke, and vanilla. A sprinkle of salt, some walnuts and syrupy caramel linger, along with notes of iodine and diesel. A dash of water is said to unlock Indian spices and further mellow the smoke.

Accolades

Lagavulin 16 is, by any measure, one of the most decorated single malts ever produced:

• It has earned six Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named Best Single Malt Whisky (13–19 Years) at the 2013 edition of the same competition.
• Most recently, it was awarded a Platinum Medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition the competition’s highest honour.
• It scored 97 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2018.
• It received the Malt Maniacs Non-Plus-Ultra Award in both 2010 and 2011, the World Whiskies Awards Best Islay 13–20 Years in 2012, an IWSC Gold Outstanding Medal in 2012 and was shortlisted for The Whisky Exchange’s Whisky of the Year in 2013.
• Legendary whisky writer Michael Jackson awarded it 95 points in his Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch, and Jim Murray gave it 95/100 in the Whisky Bible, praising its richness and balance.

How to Enjoy Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Serve neat at room temperature to experience the full complexity of the spirit. A small dash of still water opens up the sweeter, spicier notes beautifully. For food pairing, intensely flavoured salty blue cheeses complement the peat-rich, sweet, and saline character perfectly. It also pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate, smoked salmon, or oysters.

Explore more of our single malt Scotch whiskies or browse our full range of premium spirits available for delivery across Nairobi. Looking for something peated but different? Explore Islay whiskies like Laphroaig and Ardbeg available at Oaks & Corks.