Tastes

That nutty note on the 16 isn’t present here. Sharper nose with the younger age and higher abv. Still the bonfire smoke of Lagavulin for sure. The taste is very similar to the 16, just a lot more vibrant and fiesty. It’s not as settled. A decent dram but would probably grab the 16 if I had the choice! Poured this one out on the day big Liz passed, RIP, you had a great run!

Surprisingly good for a cheap bottle, reminds me of Islay (even if they aren’t using any in the blend anymore). For the price point this could be a solid daily drinker!

Tasted side by side with the Caol Ila 12 Nose: Fruitier than the 12, to be expected, less harsh. It’s actually a lovely nose, almost buttery and vanilla! But subtle peat throughout. Was less aggressive than the 12. Taste: Lovely Conclusion: If you want a mellow Islay you can’t go wrong here! Smoke and peat but not going to knock you out!

Nose: Really Islay, my god, no ash like Laphroaig, just brine and maritime, very peppery, similar to a Talisker 10 but less sharp, way more rounded… Taste: Thicc, juicy, rich…very similar to Talisker here but once again more muted, but in a good way! Delicious, I love it! Conclusion: Top draw dram, can’t pull out any specific flavours/notes (I’ve had a couple of ciders first) but lovely overall!

Tasted side by side to Talisker 10 On the nose, less bite than the 10, way more subdued with wood and oak coming forward over the standard brine and smoke in the 10. Bit of vanilla and fruity. Taste is lovely, what a treeeeat! Way more fruity, almost no brine and not sharp at all compared to the 10. Hint of banana, bit of sherry influence. Water opens this one up massively!

Less sharp on the nose than the 10. Almost reminds me of a Springbank dare I say! The flavour is so much more full and rich compared to the 10, really getting those vanilla notes and a bit more floral maybe? Having said all that, still peaty and smokey however!

Nutty, every time I try the 16 I get a nutty smoke. I couldn’t tell you what nut specifically, but it’s that characteristic that for met makes it unique compared to a Laphroaig or Talisker for instance. Outside of this all the classic peat and Islay brine you know and love!

Engine oil on the nose. Charred wood and heaps of peat. Lovely and rich.

Not the biggest fan of the smell, quite an alcoholic note and quite a lingering burn

Bottle has been open for many years so will probably not be the best representation…after coming from two Japanese whiskies prior, the nose was horrible comparably. Almost washing up soap. But slowly started coming around with some green apple being prominent. The taste was similar, but with a bit more fruit. Not bad not great…