Tastes

Lagavulin 16 was my first whisky love. I can still remember the first time I tried it and experienced the smoke, brine, iodine and peat. The finish was warm and flavorful. It is my 'spirit' whisky as it made me a Scotch and Islay fan for life. However, as both my tastes and experiences have greatly expanded, the truth is that this is that classic first love. It changed my perspective, made me a better scotch consumer but ultimately it was just the gateway to a bigger, richer world. It will always have a special place in my heart, and I still enjoy having a dram.

For me, Lagavulin Distillers Edition is a slightly improved and nuanced version over Lagavulin 16. Both are quintessential Islay Scotch whiskeys. It is very flavorful with a nose of dark, sweet fruits, sea salt and iodine. The finish is warm and comforting. There are other more complex and richer Scotch whiskys but there is nothing to not like about this offering.

First time trying any Kilchoman offering as it was part of an Islay Sherry Cask blind flight. It was enjoyable and definitely piqued my interest to try more from this distillery. It had a very pleasant balance of sea breeze and light peat with a full palate and a nice medium length finish. Ironically, in a blind tasting it beat out Lagavulin which is the original scotch that made me an Islay/peat fan for life.

For me, this is a a can't lose offering that is difficult to beat for the quality, flavor and price. It easily beat out Lagavulin Distillers and 16 year as well as Kilchoman Sanaig in a blind tasting. A perfect fit for consumers who enjoy Islay and Sherry finished scotches. All the classic Islay characteristics of peaty vegetation, smoke, and sea salt. It was sweet and flavorful that was chewy with a long, warm and very satisfying finish.

Another multi-night blind tasting this time with an Islay sherry cask twist. This Laphroaig easily came out on top and stood heads and shoulders above Ardbeg Uigedail, Kilchoman Sanaig, Lagavulin Distillers, and Lagavulin 16. To be fair the Uigedail was the only thing even in the same league as this Laphroiag offering. Probably should have included the Lagavulin 12 instead of the standard lower proof offerings. I immediately picked up an orange peel with a chewy cherry flavor wonderfully mixed with everything that is great about Islay, smoke, peat, and sea salt.

I would never say no when offered this nice bourbon, but I am not sure I will pay the price to hunt for this in Northern Virgina as there are so many other options that for me are of better quality and value.

Quality pour. Will always welcome this in my bar or out for a drink. Great value when you can find it.

I really enjoyed this pour. It came out on top in a multi-night blind tasting with Blantons, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare and John J Abrams. It consistently stood out as the best. A nice nose, full palate with a good balance of spices and vanilla. Too bad it is not easier to get in Northern Virgina at a reasonable price. Shout out to Eagle Rare and John J Bowman SiB as runner ups.

This just came in third to Willett 4 yr Small Batch Rye and Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye in a blind tasting that also included Russell's Reserve SiB Rye. The tasting represented my favorite ryes to date. It was an absolutely delicious pour and I would gladly have a bottle on my shelf. Looking forward to trying against Rittenhouse in a blind showdown.