Lagavulin is probably one of the most legendary whiskies out there. Especially when it comes to the smoky ones. Actually, it is the reason why we fell in love with smoky and peaty whiskies. You probably got in touch with the 16-year-old edition of this Islay single malt. By the way, this very popular island is pronounced as "eye-la" in Scottish. You absolutely need to know this as whisky enthusiast! Learn more about this famous whisky and get a comparison with the new and rare 10-year-old edition. With the 10-year-old single malt, Lagavulin extended their core range with a special edition. It is a traveler exclusive version which is sold at duty free stores.
The Lagavulin distillery
The Lagavulin distillery is located on the rough south shore of Islay next to the famous city of Port Ellen. They are in good company on the south coast of the island with the famous distilleries of Ardbeg and Laphroaig next to it. The distillery of Lagavulin officially dates back to 1816, when John Johnston and Archibald Campbell Brooks constructed two distilleries on the site.
Tasting: Lagavulin 10y & 16y
Both whiskies are very similar to be honest. The mix of casks used at the 10-year-old brings out more of the character of the malt and introduces a little bit sweetness and heat. It has been matured in ex-Bourbon, refill and rejuvenated, newly charred casks. Dr. Craig Wilson, Malt Master for Diageo said: "The different wood types used have helped create a whisky with a fiery yet light, and smoky yet smooth character - one that is filled with surprising contrasts."
On the nose, both malts open with lots of heat. The aroma is full of earthy peat with cinnamon and pepper spice and sea salt notes. You get more of the spiciness on the 10-years-old version. The flavor and spices are distinct and warming. They tie in perfectly with the earthy richness of the peat.
To taste, the flavor is sweeter but still spicy. On the palate you get caramel and cinnamon, a smooth and warming mouth feel. A very enjoyable interaction of sweet and salty! Peat smoke continues here and is backed by the spices. It is dense and aromatic. Did you know barley grains are dried with peat-smoke and therefore creates these heavily peated notes? Whiskies from Islay are especially known for their intense smoky flavors because of the peat which is used on the island to dry the malt.
The finish wraps up well with a lasting note of peat and smoke. The different notes are lasting for a long time and turn into the taste of figs and dates.
The packaging of the Lagavulin malts is very classy. While holding a bottle of this fine Scotch single malt in your hand, you can literally feel 200 years of distilling tradition. The 10-years-old version comes in a very beautiful white box while the 16-years-old edition comes in a dark green.
Conclusion
Probably one of the smokiest whiskies with a heavily peated nose and palate. Yet it is still quite fruity with very interesting sweet notes. This is exactly what we need to combine with an intense and strong espresso or some dark Swiss chocolate. However, we wouldn't recommend it for a cigar pairing as you would probably get a smoke intoxication. But the rounded sweet notes with a punch of smoke and peat are letting us come to the result of 8 Artworth Whisky Points out of 10!
Do you prefer the very fruity and smooth whiskies? Here is the tasting of the Hibiki - Japanese Harmony.
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