Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:43 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Aberlour 16 vs Lagavulin 16 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Aberlour 16 vs. Lagavulin 16: Comparison
Aberlour 16: Features a nose of honey, vanilla, and caramel, with a palate that combines caramel, ripe fruit, and chocolate, finishing with caramel and sherry notes. It’s a well-balanced, smooth whisky, ideal for those seeking a non-smoky dram.
Lagavulin 16: Known for its bold smoke, vanilla, and iodine on the nose, with a palate of smoke, tobacco, and seaweed, complemented by a smoky, fig, and vanilla finish. It’s a robust, peaty whisky perfect for smoke lovers.
Verdict: Lagavulin 16 offers exceptional value and a distinctly peaty experience, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a smoky profile. Aberlour 16 is a solid choice for a gentle, sherried whisky experience. Your preference between these two depends on your taste for smoke and peat versus a smoother, sherried sweetness, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Single Malts
Aberlour 16: A Speyside Single Malt for Easy Enjoyment
- Nose: Honey, vanilla, caramel, dried fruit
- Palate: Caramel, ripe fruit, chocolate
- Finish: Medium, caramel, oak, sherry
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Dalmore 15
- Smoke level: Zero
The Aberlour 16 Year Old is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky known for its pleasant drinkability and well-balanced flavor profile.
Subtle & Inviting: The aroma offers a gentle introduction with hints of honey, vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit, creating a welcoming and approachable first impression.
Balanced Flavors: The taste unfolds with a smooth and satisfying blend of caramel and fruit notes, complemented by a touch of chocolate and a hint of oak spice, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile.
Lingering Warmth: The finish lingers pleasantly, featuring notes of caramel, oak spice, and a subtle touch of sherry that leaves a gentle warmth on the tongue.
Easy Does It: This Aberlour expression is a great choice for those seeking a smooth and easy-drinking Speyside dram. It avoids any overpowering elements, making it approachable for a wide range of palates.
Solid Choice: While it might not be the most complex or attention-grabbing whisky, the Aberlour 16 offers a solid drinking experience. Compared to the Aberlour 12, it boasts a more robust and nuanced character. However, for a richer taste and higher alcohol content, the Aberlour 18 remains the slightly superior choice.
Award-Winning Whisky: The Aberlour 16 has received recognition from prestigious competitions, achieving a Gold Medal at the World Whiskies Awards in 2017 and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the same year.
Crafted with Tradition: This Speyside single malt matures in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and oloroso sherry butts, contributing to its balanced flavor profile. It’s worth noting that artificial coloring is used to achieve a consistent appearance.
A Speyside Legacy: The Aberlour distillery, established in 1879 by James Fleming, is located in Speyside, Scotland, at the confluence of the Lour Burn and River Spey, near the majestic Ben Rinnes mountain.
Lagavulin 16: A Bold Islay Single Malt with Lingering Smoke
- Nose: Smoke, vanilla, iodine
- Palate: Smoke, tobacco, seaweed, fresh fruit
- Finish: Smoke, fig, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Bowmore 18
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
Calling all smoke enthusiasts! Lagavulin 16 is a powerful Islay single malt Scotch known for its intense peaty character and undeniable smokiness.
Intriguing Introduction: The aroma instantly captivates with a unique blend of smoke and sea salt, balanced by the sweetness of vanilla and caramel. This creates an enticing invitation for a taste exploration.
Complex & Rich Flavor: The first sip unveils a complex and rich flavor profile. A bold smoky and peaty taste takes center stage, complemented by surprising bursts of fruity sweetness and lingering caramel notes. The smooth and creamy texture adds to the luxurious drinking experience.
Lingering Smoke: The finish is long and warming, leaving behind a distinct smoky aftertaste with a touch of sweetness that lingers on the palate.
Not for the Timid: Lagavulin 16 is a bold dram, not for those seeking a subtle spirit. This Islay single malt expertly balances its strong peaty notes with hints of sweetness, creating a captivating flavor profile.
Unlocking Complexity: The aging process in bourbon barrels contributes to the whisky’s depth, introducing hints of vanilla and taming some of the initial smokiness. A few drops of water can further open it up, making it slightly sweeter and more approachable for those new to peaty Scotches.
Award-Winning Scotch: Lagavulin 16 isn’t just powerful, it’s widely celebrated. Notably named the “Best Single Malt Whisky” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013, it boasts an impressive collection of awards, including 6 Double Gold Medals from the same competition.
Islay Legacy: The Lagavulin distillery was established in 1816 on the south coast of Islay Island, Scotland. It has stood the test of time, crafting smoky single malts that continue to capture the hearts (and palates) of Scotch enthusiasts worldwide. While it uses artificial coloring for consistency, the true star of the show remains the whisky’s powerful character.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 16 | $115 |
| Lagavulin 16 | $75 |