LouisianaLonghorn
Lagavulin 8 Year
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
January 8, 2020 (edited April 8, 2020)
Here I find myself again on my annual Lagavulin purchase. I was real close to buying the Distillers Edition after my delightful experience with the Talisker DE, but I opted for this younger (and less expensive) bottle instead. I must say, this is quite unlike any whisky from Islay I've tried so far. Complex yet approachable. Peaty yet fruity. Young yet full of layers and vibrancy. Let's get started, shall we?
I commend Lagavulin for putting out a single-digit age statement expression. Not a lot of places have the stones to do that, but rather opt for NAS releases. Pansies. The nose on this one is unmistakably Lagavulin. Rich, meaty smoke that isn't cloying or acrid at all. Beneath that is a layer of aromas that show off the youthfulness of the spirit. Notes of pear, light sea spray, and peaches. There's a savory note that reminds me of new make spirit I try when I visit local distilleries, showcasing just how slow maturation in Scotland is. While the smoke is reminiscent of its older brother Lag 16, this younger sibling is clearly trying to stand on its own.
As you sip it, the spirit is light on the palate. Not the smoke bomb of the 16, nor the fiery, temperamental peat of Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10. The smoke eases in gently, and reveals layers of malt, sultana, apricot, and a dry white wine quality. The smoke lingers through the mid-palate and coats your throat in a warm, drying effect. At 48% ABV, while perhaps the sign of a brittle spirit, the warmth lingers for some time. Lovely!
As y'all work through your bottles of Lagavulin 16, and want to try something different yet within the same ballpark, check this one out. I may leave this one on the shelf through the winter and break it out again as a summer dram. It's light yet complex, and easy to drink. Try a bottle for yourself! Cheers!
56.0
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Anyone coming from a bourbon background I recommend Deanston 12, Bruichladdich Classic and Bunnahabhain 12. All around $50. No overwhelming peat or sherry just nice pure quality scotch
@jonwilkinson7309 Same here, I prefer the 8 year old to the 16, and I prefer the 12 year old to either. @Milliardo Good suggestions below, I'd also recommend Caol Ila 12, Kilchoman Sanaig, and if you want to stay in Speyside but go smoky Benriach 10. For reasonably priced sherry bombs I don't think you can go past GlenDronach 12.
@Milliardo for a sherry bomb and affordable—Tamdhu batch strength. My favorite in that price range: Kikkerran 12.
@Milliardo I’m not the best to recommend any “sherry bomb” options so I’ll leave that to others.
@Milliardo i totally agree with the recommendations for Lagavulin, Talisker, and the Cambeltowns (Springbank and Kilkerran). I’d add Highland Park 12 and Old Pulteney 12 to cover the opposite end of Scotland. If you liked the Lagavulin (or can’t get it for a reasonable price) you could add Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10, or Caol Ila 12.
@Milliardo you've got some great suggestions from @Soba45 and @SolanaRoots already. I'm in agreement with the Springbank or Talisker 10 along with the Lag 8 to dip your toe in the peat pool. Ledaig 10 is also a good choice for a beginner peater. I've reviewed it, and @Ctrexman just posted a recent review of it as well. Double check the prices in your area (you're in Chicago, right?). I was at the liquor store today and the new Scotch tariffs kicked in at the start of the year. I used to get Talisker 10 for $58, now it's $70, so your $40-$60 price range may vary depending on the prices in your area.
@Soba45 I want to develop my palate with scotch before going in too deep, but I’ll be putting on my swimmies eventually. Talisker 10 is definitely in that price range over here (for now at least). Thanks for the recommendation! @SolanaRoots you too!
@Milliardo It depends how deep and wild you want to dive in! How much is Talisker 10 over there now?
@Milliardo Can’t go wrong if you choose this bottle of Lagavulin but my picks would be Kilkerran 12 or Springbank 10
A buddy of mine has offered to buy me a bottle of scotch. I want something wholly different from the Balvenie and Glenmorangie flavor profiles in the $40-60 range, to expand my scotch horizons. Is this a good target for me or have you found something better out there? I’m wanting to get a survey of what all scotch can do. Anyone else feel free to chime in!
Great review! From experience, I can say this makes a great summer dram. If you like it and want something similar, I highly recommend the Kilchoman Machir Bay
Nice review! I really love the 8. In fact, I've come to love it more than the 16. I've seen the 8 priced as high as $75, but at some of my favorite stores in Massachusetts, the going rate is $40, and I've found it on sale for $35. At $40 or less I find the VFM to be tremendous.
@Rick_M i made an infinity bottle like that—-combining all my leftovers. Usually the Islay took over the flavor profile
@Rick_M interesting idea! I thought about doing the same with my (more than) half empty bottles of Talisker 10 and DE.
Recently combined quarter bottles of 8 and 16 to make room in the liquor cabinet. Makes a nice blend that leans more toward the 16.
Haven’t met a Lagavulin I didn’t like. Except the TRE 10yr...that I didn’t like.