Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:34 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.
Delve into a comprehensive comparison of Glenlivet 18 and Lagavulin 16, and determine which Single Malt suits your taste preferences 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
Glenlivet 18 vs Lagavulin 16: Comparison
Glenlivet 18: Smooth with ripe fruit, apricot, and caramel on the nose. Palate brings orange, vanilla, and spice. Finishes long with oak and cinnamon.
Lagavulin 16: Bold smoke, vanilla, and iodine on the nose. Palate combines smoke, tobacco, and seaweed. Finish is smoky with fig and vanilla.
Verdict: Glenlivet 18 offers a smooth, fruity experience, perfect for those who enjoy a gentler, sweeter whisky. Lagavulin 16 delivers a bold, smoky taste, suited for lovers of intense, peaty flavours. Each represents the best of their respective styles, providing distinct sipping experiences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 18-Year-Old Best Single Malts
Glenlivet 18: A Smooth & Fruity Single Malt
- Nose: Ripe fruit, apricot, caramel
- Palate: Orange, vanilla, baking spice
- Finish: Long, oak, dried fruit, cinnamon
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 18
Sweet aromas of apricot and caramel greet you first, hinting at the pleasant taste experience to come.
On the palate, Glenlivet 18 delivers a smooth and easy-drinking experience with hints of sweet orange, vanilla, and baking spice.
The finish is long and satisfying, offering a rich combination of oak, dried fruit, and cinnamon with a gentle warming sensation.
A Well-Rounded Choice: While not the most complex single malt, Glenlivet 18 excels in its smoothness and easy drinkability. The lack of smoke and strong aftertaste makes it ideal for those who prefer milder drams.
Enjoy It Neat: This single malt is best savored neat, as adding water doesn’t significantly enhance the flavor profile.
A Legacy of Excellence: Glenlivet, established in 1824, boasts a rich heritage as one of the oldest Speyside distilleries. Today, it’s owned by Pernod Ricard and continues to produce smooth and approachable single malts like the Glenlivet 18.
Lagavulin 16: A Bold & Smoky 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: Lagavulin Offerman
Intense smoke and sea salt aromas greet you first, hinting at Lagavulin 16’s unique character.
The taste is rich and balanced, blending smoky notes with sweet caramel and fruity hints. It’s smooth and creamy, leaving a warm, lingering finish with a touch of smoke.
Expertly aged in bourbon barrels, this excellent single malt offers a bold peaty character balanced by subtle sweetness. The aging process mellows the smoke and adds delicate vanilla, creating a complex flavor profile.
Lagavulin 16 is a celebrated whisky, earning the title of “Best Single Malt Whisky” in 2013.
For a smoother experience, add a few drops of water. Enjoy neat or with a touch of water, tailoring it to your preference.
Founded in 1816 on Islay, Scotland, Lagavulin Distillery has a rich history of producing exceptional single malts like Lagavulin 16. This distillery is owned by Diageo and contributes malts to the famous Johnnie Walker blends.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenlivet 18 | $135 |
| Lagavulin 16 | $105 |