Whisky Review/Tasting: Lagavulin 12 years 2016

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Lagavulin Distillery, Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in refill American Oak Hogsheads for at least 12 years.
Age Statement: 12 years.
Color: Very pale gold with gray-green lights.
Clarity: Clear.
Bottle Design: Commemorative bottle for the 200th anniversary of Lagavulin, featuring the years 1816 and 2016 on the label. Limited quantities available worldwide.

Balance of Flavors: Beautifully balanced, with a mix of smoky, sweet, and bittersweet notes. The whisky is described as lighter in aroma, texture, and less drying than recent expressions.
Unique Characteristics: The flavor profile includes powerful smoldering peat smoke, fresh clean notes, icing sugar, lemons, spearmint, syrup on a warm baguette, fruity chocolate, and an appetizing bitter edge. The palate is light and smooth, with an oily texture. The finish is very long, starting smoothly cooling then warming with a softly pungent and smoky aftertaste.
Comparison: The 2016 vintage is noted for being more expressive and less dry compared to a previous tasting of a 12-year-old Lagavulin, indicating a significant improvement in quality and flavor.

Anecdotes: Horst Luening, the master taster, shares his anticipation for tasting the Lagavulin 12 years old among other prestigious whiskies. He also recounts a missed opportunity to purchase a 12-year-old Lagavulin in the 90s, which has since increased significantly in value.
Trivia: The warehouse man's technique of checking casks by hitting them with a hammer and listening to the resonance is highlighted as a traditional method of ensuring quality.

Historical Context: The 2016 vintage celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Lagavulin Distillery, founded in 1816. This predates the Excise Act, which restricted malt whisky production in the Highlands until 1823-24, highlighting Lagavulin's long-standing tradition in whisky making.
Geographical Context: Islay whiskies are renowned for their distinct smoky character, and Lagavulin is a quintessential example of this regional style.

"Wonderfully smoky, oily and bittersweet, pure in style and beautifully balanced with an inspiring sophistication."
"This one really shows what Lagavulin is able to give."
"A giant leap forward for the younger Lagavulin."

Lagavulin 12 years 2016 is a commemorative bottle celebrating the distillery's 200th anniversary.
Matured in refill American Oak Hogsheads, it offers a beautifully balanced flavor profile of smoky, sweet, and bittersweet notes.
The whisky is lighter in aroma and texture compared to previous expressions, with a long, refined finish.
Historical anecdotes and the traditional method of checking casks add to the storytelling aspect.
The 2016 vintage is praised for its improvement in quality and expression over previous 12-year-old releases.
Recommended for collectors and those who appreciate the distinct smoky character of Islay whiskies.

For Collectors: The 200th-anniversary edition is a must-have, potentially offering value appreciation over time.
For Islay Whisky Enthusiasts: Its distinct smoky profile and improved quality make it a standout choice.
For Whisky Connoisseurs: The sophisticated balance of flavors and the historical significance of this vintage will be appreciated.
For New Whisky Drinkers: While the high ABV and intense flavors might be challenging, it offers a prime example of Islay's smoky whiskies for those looking to explore this style.