From Sparrow’s Scotch list, the Lagavulin 16 is a legend for a reason, a bold, smoky Islay single malt that smoke lovers cherish at our Kirkland bar ($29 by the pour, or $43.50 for a larger pour).
About Lagavulin 16
Lagavulin is one of the great names of Islay, the island off Scotland’s west coast famous for its heavily peated whiskies. The distillery dates to the early 19th century and sits right on the bay, and Lagavulin is known for one of the slowest distillations on the island, which helps build its deep, intense character. This expression is a legendary and wildly complex Islay style single malt, aged 16 years in a combination of used American whiskey and sherry casks. It is the distillery’s flagship and a benchmark for big, smoky Scotch.
Tasting Notes
This is full-on Islay character. Expect a powerful wave of peat smoke layered with sea salt, rich dried fruit from the sherry casks, and a long, warming, smoky finish. It is intense and concentrated, the kind of pour that divides a room and wins lifelong fans, one of the world’s most distinctive single malts.
What to Pair It With
A smoky malt like this is built for slow sipping, neat or over one big cube. It is a fantastic after-dinner pour in our 21+ lounge, and its smoke and richness are a natural match for the Sparrow-Smoked Rack or the American Wagyu steaks from the Sparrow dinner menu. Let it warm in the glass and take your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lagavulin 16 from?
It is an Islay single malt Scotch from the Lagavulin distillery on the island of Islay off Scotland’s west coast, aged 16 years in a combination of used American whiskey and sherry casks.
Why is Lagavulin 16 so smoky?
It comes from Islay, where whiskies are made with heavily peated barley, giving Lagavulin its powerful smoke, sea salt, and long smoky finish.
How much is a pour of Lagavulin 16 at Sparrow in Kirkland?
It is $29 by the pour, or $43.50 for a larger pour, at Sparrow in Kirkland.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near other single malts like the gently smoky Highland Park 18 and the unpeated Glenmorangie 10 yr. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come taste it.