Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:36 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.
Explore the distinctions between Bowmore 18 and Lagavulin 16 in this comprehensive comparison and determine which Single Malt suits you best!
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
Bowmore 18 vs Lagavulin 16: Comparison
Bowmore 18: Opens with gentle peat and sherry, balanced with orange and ripe fruits. Palate combines red fruits, chocolate, and tobacco. Finishes with peat, sherry, and a hint of rubber. A smooth Islay with moderated smoke.
Lagavulin 16: Known for its rich smoke, vanilla, and iodine on the nose. The palate is deep with smoke, tobacco, and seaweed. Long finish with smoke and vanilla. A bold Islay classic with intense peaty character.
Verdict: Bowmore 18 offers a more delicate peat presence, perfect for those appreciating subtler smoky notes and sherry sweetness. Lagavulin 16, with its pronounced smoke and complexity, caters to enthusiasts of bold Islay flavors. Both represent Islay’s rich whisky tradition, providing distinct experiences for diverse palates, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Smoky Scotch Best Selections
Bowmore 18: A Delicately Peated Islay Single Malt
- Nose: Peat, sherry, orange, ripe fruit
- Palate: Red fruits, chocolate, tobacco, oak spice
- Finish: Rubber, peat, sherry, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Bowmore 15
Subtle Smoke & Sherry: Bowmore 18 opens with a gentle peat aroma, followed by intriguing notes of sherry, orange zest, and ripe fruits.
Smooth & Silky: The body is pleasantly viscous and silky, contributing to a smooth mouthfeel.
Balanced Flavors: The taste offers a combination of red fruits, chocolate, tobacco, and oak spice, with a touch of smoke and a subtle salty undertone.
Decent Finish: The finish lingers for a moderate time, showcasing light peat, sherry, and oak spice, with a slightly rubbery note.
A Delicate Islay Dram: Unlike many Islay whiskies known for their bold smoke, Bowmore 18 showcases the region’s delicate side with a low level of peat smoke. It offers a pleasant and easy-drinking experience with a well-balanced combination of sherry and subtle peat influence.
Subdued Profile: While enjoyable, the flavor profile might lack the intensity or unique characteristics to be truly memorable for some.
Moderately Peaty: If you appreciate a moderately peaty whisky with a touch of sherry, Bowmore 18 delivers a satisfying experience. Adding a few drops of water can further enhance its complexity and liveliness.
Bowmore Legacy: This whisky hails from Bowmore distillery, the oldest on Islay, established in 1779. Today, it’s owned by Beam Suntory, a renowned name in spirits.
For those seeking a subtle Islay dram with a touch of smoke and sherry, Bowmore 18 offers a smooth and easy-drinking experience.
Lagavulin 16: A Bold & Smoky Islay Single Malt
- 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: Ardbeg Uigeadail
Aromatic Smoke & Sweetness: Lagavulin 16 opens with a distinctive aroma of smoke, sea salt, and hints of sweet vanilla and caramel, enticing smoky whisky enthusiasts.
Rich & Complex Palate: The flavor offers a bold and satisfying experience, balancing a powerful peaty and smoky presence with layers of sweet fruits and caramel. Despite the smoke, the texture remains smooth and creamy.
Long Smoky Finish: The finish is long-lasting, with a pleasant warmth, lingering sweetness, and a delightful smoky aftertaste.
Not for the Faint of Heart: This Islay single malt is known for its powerful smoky character, which some might find intense. For those new to peaty whiskies, adding a few drops of water can make it more approachable and highlight the sweeter notes.
Award-Winning Classic: Despite its bold flavor, Lagavulin 16 is a highly regarded whisky, earning recognition as the “Best Single Malt Whisky” at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition alongside numerous other accolades.
Islay Tradition: Crafted at the Lagavulin distillery founded in 1816 on the island of Islay, Scotland, this whisky carries the legacy of the region’s renowned peaty malts. Today, Lagavulin is owned by Diageo and contributes significantly to their Johnnie Walker blended whiskies.
Enjoy neat, or with a touch of water to open up its full flavor profile.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Bowmore 18 | $150 |
| Lagavulin 16 | $75 |