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 disparities between Macallan 12 and Lagavulin 16 in my direct comparison, and determine which whisky better suits your taste!
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
Macallan 12 vs Lagavulin 16: Comparison
Macallan 12 Double Cask: A blend of sherry and oak, offering a rich tapestry of dried fruits, chocolate, and spice. It’s an elegant introduction to sherry-aged Scotch, though the oak can be overwhelming for some.
Lagavulin 16: A definitive Islay single malt, celebrated for its intense smokiness complemented by vanilla sweetness. Its depth and smoothness make it a standout choice for those who appreciate a bold, smoky whisky.
Key Difference: Macallan 12, a Speyside whisky, is known for its smooth, sherry-aged sweetness, while the peaty Lagavulin 16 from Islay boasts smoky flavors and bourbon notes.
Verdict: Both Macallan 12 Double Cask and Lagavulin 16 excel in their categories, with Macallan presenting a sherry-oak harmony and Lagavulin showcasing the classic Islay peat. Each offers a distinctive, rich experience, tailored to different palates within the whisky spectrum, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Single Malts
Macallan 12 Double Cask: Sherry & Oak Harmony
- Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, mixed nuts
- Palate: Baking spice, oak, chocolate
- Finish: Oak, dried fruit, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenlivet 14
Aroma: Opens with inviting aromas of sherry, oak, and dried fruits.
Palate: Features oak upfront, balanced by sherry, hints of dark chocolate, and orange zest. A warming finish lingers with oak, dried fruit, and gentle spice.
My verdict: Macallan 12 Double Cask offers a delightful introduction to sherry-aged Scotch. It showcases the influence of both American and European sherry casks, but the oak presence can be dominant.
Taming the oak: While water reduces heat, it doesn’t diminish the oak influence.
Double Cask facts:
- Aged 12 years in ex-sherry casks and American oak.
- 2017 SF World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medalist.
- 2017 International Review of Spirits Tasting Gold Medal (95 points).
- Naturally colored.
Learn more: Macallan 12 Website
Lagavulin 16: A Bold Smoky Classic
- 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 Corryvreckan
Aroma: Lagavulin 16 boasts a powerful combination of smoke and sea salt, balanced with sweet vanilla and caramel notes.
Palate: Rich and complex, it offers a distinct smoky and peaty flavor alongside hints of fruit and caramel. The smooth texture enhances the experience.
Finish: Long and warming, marked by lingering smoke and a touch of caramel sweetness.
My verdict: This iconic single malt is known for its bold, smoky character balanced by sweetness. The long aging process creates a smooth and enjoyable dram, even for those new to peat.
Taming the smoke: A few drops of water can open up the flavor profile, enhancing the sweetness and making the smoke more approachable.
Best enjoyed neat, with water optional: This allows the full character of the Lagavulin 16 to shine through.
Lagavulin 16 facts:
- Aged 16 years in ex-bourbon barrels.
- Awarded “Best Single Malt Whisky” at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Owned by Diageo and contributes to Johnnie Walker blends.
Learn more: Lagavulin 16 Website
Note: This information is for educational purposes only. Please drink responsibly.
Price Comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Macallan 12 Double Cask | $68 |
| Lagavulin 16 | $75 |
Differences between Macallan and Lagavulin
The Macallan 12 Double Cask and Lagavulin 16 differ in several ways.
Firstly, Macallan is a Speyside whisky, distilled in the area around the River Spey in northeastern Scotland, while Lagavulin is produced on the island of Islay, which is known for its mineral-rich and smoky whiskies.
Speyside whiskies like Macallan are popular for their smoothness, ease of drinking, and low levels of smoke, while Islay whiskies like Lagavulin are famous for their rich, smoky notes that come from the peat used to dry the malted barley.
The Macallan 12 Double Cask is aged in a combination of American and European ex-sherry casks, which gives the whisky a sweeter taste and deeper amber hue.
Lagavulin, on the other hand, ages for 16 years in ex-bourbon barrels from Kentucky, which gives it detectable bourbon notes.
Another difference between the two is that Macallan is free of caramel coloring, while Lagavulin is artificially colored.
Overall, these differences in production and aging lead to distinct flavor profiles, with the Macallan offering a more intricate and opulent taste with a balance of fruity sweetness and peat, while Lagavulin provides a strong and enjoyable peaty profile with a touch of sweetness.