Lagavulin – 16 Years (70cl, 43%)

Lagavulin 16 Years is an Islay single malt in a 70cl bottle, bottled at 43% ABV. It is often regarded as the unofficial flagship of Diageo's Classic Malts range. The malt is dried with a high level of smoke, and the spirit matures in bourbon and sherry casks. The distillery stands in Lagavulin Bay on Islay's south coast and, with its neighbours Ardbeg and Laphroaig, is counted among the Kildalton distilleries. The nose is intense peat smoke with iodine, seaweed and a full, deep sweetness. On the palate, dry peat smoke carries a soft but powerful sweetness before giving way to sea and salt with hints of wood. The finish is long and elegant, peaty, with plenty of salt and seaweed.