Lagavulin 16-year-old

Quintessential
The Lagavulin 16 is such a quintessential malt that everyone should have in their bar cabinet. I already tasted several batches. Today there is one from 2021 in the glass, thanks to my good friend Pat who gave me another sample.
Powerful and distinct nose on maritime elements that transport me straight to the south coast of Islay. Rocks in the surf, foam heads on the waves, kelp. This is perfectly accompanied by caramel, charred wood, vanilla and orange marmalade. And of course, that typical smokiness that characterizes Lagavulin so much. Tar and car tires.
It caresses the taste buds with sweet notes of caramel, blood orange and even something of cocoa, while the salty notes translate to salmiak, tar and olives. The peat smoke is not dominant, but it is unmistakable and gives this malt warmth and weight.
The finish is medium-long, sweet versus salty and slightly drying towards the end. Delicious.
This remains a winner, batch after batch. Kudos!

Lagavulin 16 years, 43% alc. Original bottling (2021). Ageing: Bourbon and Sherry casks

Nose: peat and tar, pleasantly dry smoke. Behind it, in addition to citrus fruits, machine oil and a little rubber. The sweetness increases, orange marmalade next to almonds, salt water and cedar wood, a little leather can also be found.

Palate: Intensely smoky, dry and slightly salty. Liquorice, anise and salmiak next to tar and smoker, various herbs, blood oranges. Also very light cocoa, again the orange marmalade and pickled olives.

Finish: Land and dry, mineral and salty.

Conclusion: Lagavulin has managed to maintain the quality for decades, even if the batches have repeatedly changed minimally over the years. Very beautiful. 86/100 points (2021).