Review #15 Lagavulin 16:

One day an Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman walked into a pub together.

They each proceeded to buy a pint of Guinness.

Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy beverage, a fly landed in each of their pints and became stuck in the thick head.

The Englishman pushed his beer from him in disgust.

The Irishman fished the offending fly out of his beer and continued drinking it as if nothing had happened.

The Scotsman picked the fly out of his drink, held it out over the beer and yelled,

"SPIT IT OUT!! SPIT IT OUT YOU BASTARD!!!!"

Lagavulin 16:  43%,  from Boozer’s Reserve

Color:  Amber +1.5 Rich with a Golden brown Hue, Streaming Tears with Lots of Legs

Nose:  Peat, Iodine, Islay, Sand, Fruit; pears,Nutmeg, Syrup, Black Pepper, Leather, Tobacco, Cocoa, Carmel

Mouth Feel:  Thin viscosity oily, well balanced yet smooth 

Taste:  Warm, Fruity: Apples and Pears, Oak, Spices, Metallic, Radish, Moss, Earthy, Cinnamon

Finish:  Leather, then Sharp, fades slow and long.  Pepper, Lemon Zest, Earthy Peat and Moss

With Water: 

Nose:   Smoke and Pest a bit more pronounced, Opens up to more Toffee and Caramel

Taste:  Sweeter, Carmel, Syrup, Pepper and Ginger.

Score:  Taste:  73/75,  Value 10/15  Unique:  5/5  Buy Again 3/5  Total:  91 

Overall one of the greater single malts.  I picked this up at a discount from a friend, otherwise it would have been closer to $85 to $100.  Very complex, and it opens up very nicely over time and with water.  I think it’s popularity and hype has raised it’s price, but one of the more balanced Islay Malts IMO.  Love the taste and nose, I just wish it cost a bit less, really my only negatives go to value and buy again, otherwise I’d raise it a few more points overall.  Would love to try the 12  cask strength sometime soon.