If we decide not to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms, such decision shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Looking at these scores, it’s clear that while both whiskies offer a great experience, my preference leans towards Lagavulin 16. It’s not a simple case of one being better or more expensive than the other, it’s about the details that resonate with my palate.

Lagavulin 12 yo 'The Flames of The Phoenix' (57.3%, OB, Special Releases 2022, Elusive Expressions, 2022) - 051222- by Angus - 210123 Lagavulin always bottles something for the Islay Jazz Festival and 2018 was no exception. This one was matured in first-fill American oak barrels, refill American oak hogsheads, and European oak puncheons. Originally released as a distillery exclusive for Islay's 2021 Jazz Festival, this 13-year-old single malt was matured in refill American oak casks, before finishing in casks that previously held mezcal! A jazzy release indeed, limited to just 3,000 bottles. Laggan Mill 'The Secret Islay' (56%, The Coopers Choice, sherry, cask #9466, 320 bottles, 2013) - 231213Lagavulin 30 yo 1991/2022 (44.3%, OB, Cask of Distinction, for Hong Kong Whisky Fellows, House Welley Whisky Bar, Christoph Kirsch, Sebastian Jaeger and Boris Borissov, 1st Fill PX/Oloroso seasoned European oak butt, cask #5403, 318 bottles) - 051222

Our Competitions offer you the chance to win some of the world’s rarest and most exclusive whiskies! Originally there was a 12 year old expression but when Diageo launched the Classic Malt series in the 1980s, Lagavulin 16 Year Old was introduced and became the distillery's flagship bottling.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply indulging yourself on a quiet evening, these pairings can elevate your Lagavulin experience to another level. Lagavulin 8 vs 16: Final Thoughts Lagavulin 31 yo 1991/2022 (49.2%, OB, Cask of Distinction for 50th anniversary of the family of The Whisky Exchange's co-founders, first-fill PX sherry hogshead, cask #P504, 264 bottles) - 190523 For my part, I enjoyed this dram. It perhaps wasn’t quite as smoky as I remembered although I seemed to find more of the Lagavulin DNA the further I got into the bottle. Maybe it doesn’t quite live up to the memory I have of the same whisky from six years ago but that’s not a very scientific analysis. Maybe it’s me that’s changed, rather than the whisky. I can’t say for sure without tasting two batches side by side. In any case I still found it to be a good quality whisky that’s positioned at a decent price.

Lagavulin 8 offers an intriguing introduction to the world of Islay whiskies. It’s peaty yet refreshing. Light yet complex. The smoky sweetness dances around on your palate, flirting with citrusy hints before leaving a warm, lingering finish. Lagavulin 26 yo 'The Lion's Jewel' (44.2%, OB, Special Release 2021, Untold Legends) - 300921- by Angus - 040323Releasing this as their big anniversary bottling is a bold move by the distillery and might be a portent of things to come. It’s true that young whisky, especially peated whisky, can be good. It’s Not as rich as older whisky, but good and different, and it’s interesting to see a distillery showcasing it so prominently. I wonder how many other distilleries will follow in the Lagavulin 8 Years’ footsteps and release a younger age-stated version in a way that allows them to test the market and see how it reacts.