Taking a high spot on my wish list, I finally had the opportunity to taste the Lagavullin 16 on vacation in Italy last week. Surprisingly, they poured me a double, and it got nicely served with some cooled water at the side in case I needed/wanted to dilute it. The setting was not far from perfect either : A sunny terrace at the historic Piazza dell'Amfiteatro in Lucca, Italy, and in the company of the ones I care most about. After reading several reviews I had high expectations though, even after having tasted Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Port Charlotte. What a surprise. The Lagavullin proved to be a fully, bodied whisky, sporting appropriate amounts of smoke and peat, but so nicely tempered by 16 years of aging in oak. Every sip revealed balanced hints of caramel, as well as barbecue and meat. An instant favourite, of which I'll buy a full bottle soon, and one that will be top-shelved without much doubt!