How to Drink Lagavulin 16

Last Updated on: 11th August 2024, 01:26 am

In this post, I guide you through the best ways to drink Lagavulin 16, a sweet and smoky Scotch.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

1. Drinking Neat: Scotch expert Neil Coleman recommends enjoying Lagavulin 16 neat to appreciate its complex flavors.
2. Adding Water: Coleman suggests adding a few drops of water to enhance flavors, a common practice in Scotland.
3. On the Rocks: Advises against ice but recommends whiskey stones to chill the drink without diluting it.
4. Glassware: Recommends the Glencairn glass or whiskey rocks glass for different experiences.
5. Tasting Notes: Describes Lagavulin 16’s smoky, sea salt aroma with vanilla and caramel notes.
6. Cocktails: Provides recipes for Smoky Isle Martini and Islay’s Old Fashioned.
7. Food Pairings: Suggests pairing with roast beef, grilled lamb chops, blue cheese, oysters, walnuts, and bittersweet chocolates.
8. Storage: Emphasizes upright storage, protection from sunlight, and cool, dry conditions.
9. 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.

Best Way to Drink Lagavulin

“Lagavulin 16 tastes best when drunk neat, letting seasoned drinkers enjoy its rich and challenging taste. When a whisky has matured for many years, it’s a good idea to pour it and let it sit in the glass for about 15 minutes to fully reveal its flavors.”, suggests whisky expert Neil Coleman.

Lagavulin stands out, even compared to other whiskies from Islay, because of its special mix of smoky, salty, and fruity notes.

Whether you love smoky tastes or are just starting to explore whisky, you’ll discover many flavors in this drink.

Coming from the coastal area of Islay, Lagavulin 16 is more than just a whisky.

Its strong smoky taste combined with a hint of sea breeze makes it a favorite for experienced whisky lovers who know and value its deep flavors.

• Also read: Smoky Whisky Best Recommendations
• Learn more: Lagavulin 16 Website

Adding Water: Embracing the Tradition

In Scotland, adding water to whisky is a common practice, bringing out the drink’s true flavor.

It’s not about filling up the glass but carefully adding a few drops until it tastes just right.

This way, the whisky shows off more of its smells and flavors. Many people notice that it brings out sweet and fruity flavors that you might not taste when drinking Lagavulin by itself.

On the Rocks

Adding ice to Lagavulin makes it cool and refreshing, but you might miss out on some of its tastes.

If you want it cold without watering it down, whiskey stones are a good option.

They cool the Scotch without changing its taste.

For the best of both worlds, use whiskey stones to chill it, and then add a little water to bring out the full flavor.

Glassware Recommendations

The right glass can make a world of difference when savoring a dram of Lagavulin 16.

Here are my top recommendations to elevate your tasting experience:

The Glencairn Glass

Often hailed as the definitive whiskey glass, the Glencairn is designed specifically for enjoying single malts and aged blends.

Its tulip shape concentrates the aromas, allowing you to fully appreciate the complex scents of Lagavulin 16.

The narrow mouth ensures that every sip is directed to the tip of the tongue, where sweetness is perceived, allowing for an optimal tasting experience.

Whiskey Rocks Glass

If investing in a Glencairn seems a bit steep, a whiskey rocks glass is an excellent alternative.

With its wide bowl and sturdy base, it’s perfect for those who like their Lagavulin with a splash of water or a couple of whiskey stones.

Its broader opening means aromas aren’t as concentrated as in the Glencairn, but it still offers a satisfying experience, especially for casual sipping or when sharing a drink with friends.

Tasting Notes

The Lagavulin 16 brings forward a deep smoky scent mixed with sea salt, beautifully combined with hints of sweet vanilla and caramel.

On tasting, you’ll find a layered richness, where the signature smoky taste pairs perfectly with fruity sweetness and hints of caramel.

Lagavulin feels smooth and silky, making each sip memorable, ending with a warm and extended finish.

It concludes with a memorable smoky punch complemented by a gentle caramel sweetness.

Suggested Cocktails

Lagavulin 16 isn’t my first pick for smoky cocktail creations given its premium price point.

Laphroaig, being a more budget-friendly Scotch, is ideal for adding that smoky kick to mixed drinks.

However, if you’re inclined to use Lagavulin 16 in cocktails, here are some recipes to consider:

Smoky Isle Martini:

• 2 oz Smoky Scotch
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• Olive or lemon twist for garnish

Islay’s Old Fashioned:

• 2 oz Smoky Scotch
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes of bitters
• Orange twist for garnish

Food Pairings

Lagavulin 16’s distinct flavors resonate beautifully with a variety of gourmet foods.

Here are some recommendations to take your tasting experience to new heights:

1. Roast Beef: The robustness of the meat, especially when seasoned with herbs, marries well with Lagavulin’s smokiness, highlighting the whisky’s deep character.
2. Grilled Lamb Chops: The slightly gamey flavor of lamb, when grilled to perfection, finds a companion in the smoky, sea-salty notes of this Scotch.
3. Blue Cheese: The sharp and salty nature of blue cheese set against the whisky’s smoky depth results in a delightful contrast, creating a culinary synergy.
4. Oysters: Fresh oysters, with their salty brine, enhance the maritime notes of this Islay malt, connecting land and sea.
5. Walnuts: The earthy, slightly bitter flavor of walnuts complements the peat and smoke of this Scotch, grounding the experience.
6. Bittersweet Chocolates: Dark chocolates with their rich and intense flavor amplify the sweet undertones of this whisky, offering a lavish pairing to end a meal.

Experiment with these pairings and discover new ways to appreciate the multifaceted world of Lagavulin 16.

Storing the Bottle

Storing Lagavulin 16 requires attention:

• Upright Positioning: Store bottles vertically, ensuring the cork remains moist and preventing unwanted air from affecting its taste.
• Sunlight Shielding: Protect from direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
• Stable Temperatures: A cool, dry place preserves its genuine Islay charm.
• Post-Opening Vigilance: While whisky’s flavors are enduring, it’s ideal to enjoy it while it’s freshest.

About Lagavulin

• Lagavulin is aged 16 years using ex-bourbon barrels.
• It was awarded the “Best Single Malt Whisky” title at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013 and has received 6 Double Gold Medals at the same competition.
• It was also named the “Best Single Malt Whisky (13-19 Years)” at the 2013 competition.