Last Updated on: 11th August 2024, 01:26 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 every aspect of the Lagavulin 8 Single Malt Scotch in my comprehensive review that covers all details thoroughly.
Reviewed by: J Highland
Lagavulin 8: A Smoky Masterpiece, But Not for the Faint of Heart
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Whiskey expert Neil Coleman warns that Lagavulin 8 is not for everyone. Its peaty smoke can be overpowering for casual drinkers. However, for those who appreciate a bold and impactful dram, this Islay single malt offers a rewarding journey.
Strengths:
- Smoky Paradise: Lagavulin 8 boasts a strong and undeniable smoky character, a true delight for peat enthusiasts.
- Beyond the Smoke: This whisky is more than just smoke. Hints of sweetness and Islay minerality emerge, creating a complex and multifaceted experience.
- Unlockable Nuance: A splash of water can help unveil the intricate flavors hidden beneath the initial smoke, offering a more nuanced appreciation for those who find it intense initially.
Weaknesses:
- Bold and Divisive: The strong smoky character might be overpowering for some drinkers, making it an acquired taste.
Verdict:
Lagavulin 8 is a bold and smoky single malt Scotch that caters to a specific audience. If you’re a fan of peaty Islay whiskies and enjoy exploring complex flavors, this dram is a must-try. However, if you’re new to smoky whiskies or prefer milder options, it might be best to start your exploration elsewhere.
- Related: Discover the Best Lagavulin Whisky
- Learn more: Lagavulin 8 Website
What’s unique about the Lagavulin 8?
Initially introduced in 2016 to commemorate the distillery’s 200th anniversary, Lagavulin 8 swiftly gained such popularity that it secured a permanent place in the brand’s collection.
This whisky is the smokiest offering within Lagavulin’s range, a notable feat considering the brand’s established reputation for its distinctive smoky and intense character.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Popcorn, roasted nuts, wood, burnt sugar
- Palate: Smoke, oak, caramel, herrings
- Finish: Smoke, ash, apples, almonds
- Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Laphroaig 10
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
Lagavulin 8 hits with a bold smoky aroma, underscored by nuanced hints of roasted nuts, oak, burnt sugar, and a reminiscent popcorn fragrance.
The texture experienced on the palate is notably creamy and substantial, contributing to a gratifying mouthfeel.
Upon tasting, the smokiness takes the forefront yet gradually yields caramel sweetness, complemented by a subtle suggestion of herring, culminating in an intricate and captivating array of fruity flavors.
The long, warm finish reveals additional smoke layers alongside cigar ash, apple, and almond notes.
Is it smoky?
When rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the highest score, the Lagavulin 8 earns a full 5, delivering an intense burst of smokiness.
Lagavulin 8 FAQ
This is a quick FAQ to address your questions:
Alternatives
- Ardbeg 10 resembles Lagavulin 8, as both whiskies deliver a bold punch of smoke and peat, rendering them two formidable options.
- Individuals seeking a more readily approachable whisky might find Lagavulin 16 a better fit; it offers a smoother entry point for appreciation.
Lagavulin 8: Price
- United States: $62
- Canada: CA$110
- Britain: £65
- Australia: $110
How to drink it?
- Add water: A dash of water makes it more approachable.
Alcohol content
- 96 proof (48% ABV).
Aging
- Lagavulin 8 is aged for eight years in bourbon barrels.
How is it made?
- The peated barley undergoes notably more peat smoke exposure, about twenty times greater than typical Scotches.
- After harvesting and malting, the grains are dried over a peat and gas fire, calibrated for the distinctive bold flavor.
- These grains are then milled and mashed, followed by a fermentation period of around 72 hours.
- The whisky undergoes double distillation: first through a wash still for roughly five hours, then a spirit distill for approximately nine hours.
- Lagavulin boasts the slowest distillation process among Islay distilleries, resulting in its characteristic rounded flavors and smooth qualities.
Does it expire?
- Alcohol doesn’t expire.
- Store in a cool place, away from sunlight.
- Consume ASAP once the content drops to 25% to avoid undesirable flavor changes.
How to store it?
- Upright position in a cool area, protecting it from sunlight and preventing stopper contact.
How did I review Lagavulin 8?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Lagavulin 8: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Single Malt |
| Age statement | 8 |
| Proof | 96 |
| ABV | 48 |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | Yes |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | A bit |
| Peaty? | YES! |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | Yes |