Lagavulin vs Macallan: Comparing the Two Titans of Scottish Whisky

Last updated on August 13th, 2024

Arguably, Lagavulin and Macallan couldn’t be more different when it comes to the whisky they produce. Whereas Lagavulin whisky is intensely smoky and peaty, Macallan whiskies tend to be more lightly flavoured with a hint of sweetness in each sip.

Lagavulins are aged for 8-16 years, while Macallans are aged for 12-25 years. Macallan is usually more expensive than Lagavulin because it undergoes a longer maturation process.

Both brands have their loyal followers who believe that either one is the best whisky on the market – so it’s really down to personal preference as far as which type you prefer!

Peat is a divisive topic for whisky lovers, you either love it or hate it. And Lagavulin makes no apologies when it comes to their use of peat in creating the characteristic Islay smoky whisky. This signature smokiness has become a hallmark of their brand and is what draws many whisky connoisseurs to its bold flavour profile.

Lagavulins are produced using malt that has been heavily peated. This malt is mixed with water sourced from local burns and then matured for 8-16 years in oak casks. As it matures, the smokey-peaty flavour becomes concentrated and can linger on the palate long after drinking.

On the other hand, Macallan whiskies are usually milder and have a delicate sweetness because of their longer maturation time and the meticulous choice of oak barrels for ageing. Macallan offers a diverse range of styles, including traditional single malts and limited edition bottles that are aged in sherry casks.

This article will examine the taste and flavour of each whiskey to assist you in selecting between Lagavulin vs Macallan. I’ll breakdown the two most popular selling whiskies from each of the brands: Lagavulin 16 and the Macallan 12 Double Cask, both aged in oak casks, both in a similar price range but couldn’t be anymore different in terms of flavour.

Lagavulin vs Macallan: Quick look comparison

Lagavulin vs Macallan: Lagavulin 16 Review

Arguably the most well-known Islay whisky, Lagavulin 16 is a single malt scotch whisky produced by Diageo at their distillery in Lagavulin on the Isle of Islay. The iconic peaty and smoky flavour of this whisky is renowned amongst whiskey connoisseurs around the world, and its distinct taste has made it an icon in the whisky industry for over 200 years.

Made from heavily peated malted barley, Lagavulin 16 is aged in a combination of ex-American oak casks and refill sherry casks for up to sixteen years before being bottled. This lengthy maturation process gives it a unique depth of flavour that can only be achieved through traditional methods. The strong smokiness of this whisky is complemented with notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate and sweet spices which further enhanced its complexity.

Lagavulin 16 also has a particularly long finish that lingers on the palate long after you’ve taken your first sip. This characteristic is due to its high ABV level (43%), which gives it a boldness that other whiskies may lack.

Despite its intense flavour profile, Lagavulin 16 remains one of the most popular single malt whiskies on the market today – owing largely to its wide array of fans including actor Nick Offerman who famously declared it “‘Holy Cow! I see what all the fuss is about if this is Scotch.’”. With such heavy celebrity endorsement and an impressive history behind it, Lagavulin 16 continues to be one of Scotland’s most beloved single malts!

Its strong smokiness – reminiscent of iodine, sweet spices, mature Sherry, and creamy vanilla – is complemented with notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and sweet spices which further enhanced its complexity. The dominant flavour of malt and Sherry with a pleasant fruity sweetness creates an overall delightful sweetness. Furthermore, the prominent taste of peat and oak gives it a big and powerful presence that lasts long after each sip.

The peat smoke of Lagavulin 16 is reminiscent of a campfire and intimidatingly smoky on the nose its certainly not for the faint-hearted. The use of ageing in charred oak casks will have definitely contributed to the peat to supercharge the smoky aroma.

This is because the smoke and heat from the charring process are absorbed into the wood, allowing it to infuse the whisky with a distinctive smokiness that can’t be replicated in any other barrel.

The charring process also helps to remove unwanted tannins from the wood, creating a smoother and more mellow whisky than other maturation processes that use untorched oak. Over time, the intense smokiness present in Lagavulin 16 will slowly mellow out, making it an incredibly complex whisky that has notes of iodine, sweet spices, mature Sherry, creamy vanilla and peat smoke.

In addition to these aromas and flavours, aged charred oak casks can also add subtle nuances of vanilla and almond which further enhances the complexity and overall flavour of this whisky. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a deep-bodied whisky with both sweet and smoky notes that linger on every sip.

Overall, ageing Lagavulin 16 in charred American oak casks for up to sixteen years has resulted in an intense yet complex single malt scotch. Its signature smokiness gives it a unique character that sets it apart from other whiskies produced around Scotland – especially Macallan 12 Double Cask which is not peated or smoky at all compared Lagavulin 16 – making it one of Scotland’s most iconic drams!

Lagavulin vs Macallan: Macallan 12 Double Cask review

Describing the Macallan 12 Double Cask in the context of being compared with the Lagavulin 16 couldn’t be any more polar opposite. Its subtle, creamy and sweet flavour reminiscent of thick marmalade, hints of cinnamon, and warm pastries.

The Macallan 12 Double Cask is a single malt whisky that has been matured in two different types of casks – sherry and American Oak. This particular whisky is the result of a carefully crafted combination of intense Oloroso sherry with light, sweet bourbon casks. This creates an exquisite whisky with flavours of a thick marmalade, hints of cinnamon and warm pastries. The aroma is gentle yet complex, with notes of freshly cut grass and heather alongside dried fruits and subtle floral hints.

On the palate, the whisky has a smooth texture with a pleasing balance between sweetness and spice. On the first sip, a creamy note of vanilla is immediately apparent followed by zesty orange peel and spiced fruitcake along with hints of sweet toffee. As it moves to the finish, the sweetness turns into a lingering hint of oak and cinnamon that lingers on the tongue for some time after consumption.

The Macallan 12 Double Cask may not a strong or smoky flavour profile as Lagavulin 16 but it certainly has bags of character. Its still an incredibly enjoyable dram due to its complexity and balanced flavours. With its gentle sweetness coming from both American oak and sherry casks along with subtle hints of vanilla, it provides an unbeatable combination for all whisky connoisseurs. Furthermore, its milder flavour profile allows it to be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, making it incredibly versatile for tastings or nightcaps alike!

Lagavulin vs Macallan: The Comparison

Comparing Lagavulin 16 to the Macallan 12 Double Cask is like trying to compare apples and oranges. Whilst the former is a peaty, smoky whisky that packs an intense flavour profile, the latter offers subtle sweetness with hints of vanilla and spice. Both whiskies are aged in barrels – Lagavulin 16 in charred American oak casks for up to sixteen years, and Macallan 12 Double Cask in two different types of casks – sherry and American Oak.

On the nose, Lagavulin 16 has a distinctive smoky aroma with hints of iodine, sweet spices, mature Sherry, creamy vanilla and peat smoke. Whereas the Macallan 12 Double Cask displays notes of freshly cut grass and heather alongside dried fruits and subtle floral hints.

On the palate, Lagavulin 16 has an intense yet complex single malt scotch with underlying sweet and smoky notes that linger on every sip. The Macallan 12 Double Cask exhibits a smooth texture with a pleasing balance between sweetness and spice. It has a creamy note of vanilla followed by zesty orange peel and spiced fruitcake along with hints of sweet toffee which turns into a lingering hint of oak and cinnamon at the finish.

In conclusion, both whiskies offer unique taste profiles that are suitable for different occasions. Whether you’re looking for an intense smoky flavour or something more subtle yet complex – both Lagavulin 16 and Macallan 12 Double Cask are highly recommended choices!

Price Comparison

Both Lagavulin and Macallan are priced higher than the everyday, mainstream whisky but they are still very much within reach of most whisky enthusiasts. The Macallan 12 Double Cask is the more affordable of the two.

However, both whiskies offer a great deal of value for money due to their outstanding quality and flavour profiles. Lagavulin 16 Year Old is one of Scotland’s oldest and most respected single malt whiskies offering a full-bodied taste with notes of iodine, sweet spices, mature Sherry, creamy vanilla and peat smoke. On the other hand, Macallan 12 Double Cask provides an exquisite combination of intense Oloroso sherry with light, sweet bourbon casks leading to flavours of thick marmalade, hints of cinnamon and warm pastries.

In terms of affordability these two top-shelf Scotch whiskies are comparable; however their flavour profiles couldn’t be more different from one another. With both choices being wonderfully complex and well balanced – it all comes down to personal preference as to which you would prefer in your glass!

Lagavulin vs Macallan: Food Pairings

I enjoy providing food pairing suggestions when recommending and reviewing whisky because it helps to better understand the flavour profiles. Pairing food with whisky can make the experience of both the drink and the dish more enjoyable.

Lagavulin 16: Food Pairing

The smoky notes of Lagavulin 16 are a perfect accompaniment to smoky beef short ribs. The rich and complex taste experience is achieved by balancing the strong peaty flavour of the whisky with the sweet and smoky flavour of the beef. The short ribs are enhanced by the strong character of the whisky, which brings out their natural umami flavours.

To fully savour the pairing of whiskey and short ribs, consider marinating the meat in whiskey before cooking. This trick allows the meat to absorb more of the whisky’s flavour, enhancing the overall taste. For an added complexity, adding wood chips with a hint of smoke while grilling or smoking also helps to bring out the nuances of the whiskey.

The combination of Lagavulin 16 and smoked beef short ribs makes for a truly indulgent experience. The sweet and smoky flavour profiles play off each other perfectly, allowing for endless possibilities when pairing food with this particular Scotch whisky. Whether you’re enjoying these delicious dishes at home or in your favourite pub – one thing is for sure: Lagavulin 16 is an excellent choice for any occasion!

Lagavulin 16 being strong and smoky whisky – making it the perfect companion for slow cooked lamb shank. The intense peatiness of the whisky adds depth and complexity to this rich dish, accentuating the herbs used in the marinade and helping to bring out the natural umami flavours of the meat.

The combination of smokey whisky and succulent slow-cooked lamb shank makes for an unforgettable dining experience. Not only does it offer an intriguing blend of flavours that perfectly balance each other out – but it also stimulates different senses with its unique textures and aromas.

A simple one for afters… an insider tip from a worker at Lagavulin distillery themselves is Maltesers! You’ve gotta try this one!

Macallan 12 Double Cask Food Pairing

The Macallan 12 Double Cask is a great choice to enjoy with freshwater fish like trout or bass. The whisky has a light and sweet taste from the bourbon casks, which complements the sweetness of the fish. Its intense Oloroso sherry notes add a new and interesting flavour dimension. The combination of the whisky and the fish enhances the overall taste for a delicious pairing.

To enhance the taste, make sure that the fish is not too salty as it might overshadow the gentle notes of the whisky. Opt for mild-flavoured fish like trout and bass, which will complement the whisky’s subtlety well.

The Macallan 12 Double Cask paired with fresh water fish creates a unique mix of tastes that will provide a remarkable dining experience. The whisky’s light sweetness enhances the natural sweetness of the fish, while its intense sherry notes add layers of complexity and depth that simply cannot be replicated by other ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying this pairing at home or at your favourite pub – one thing is certain: Macallan 12 Double Cask is an unbeatable choice for any occasion!

Fruit tarts featuring apples or pears are an excellent pairing for Macallan 12 Double Cask. The whisky’s light sweetness enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit, while its oloroso sherry notes provide a unique depth of flavour that works to delicately balance out the sweetness. Additionally, the whisky’s intense roasted nut and malt flavours work to bring out the best in both the whisky and the tart, creating a truly indulgent tasting experience.

When making this pairing, it is important to avoid citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons as their sourness can easily overpower the delicate flavours of this particular Scotch whisky. Apples and pears are ideal choices due to their milder flavour profiles which allow for greater subtlety when combined with Macallan 12 Double Cask.

This combination of sweet fruit tarts and Macallan 12 Double Cask makes for a memorable culinary experience that won’t soon be forgotten. The complimentary flavour profiles play off each other perfectly, allowing for endless possibilities when pairing food with this particular Scotch whisky. Whether you’re enjoying this delicious dish at home or in your favourite pub – one thing is for sure: Macallan 12 Double Cask is an excellent choice for any occasion!

Lagavulin vs Macallan: Cocktails

Cocktails can really enhance the drinking experience of whisky, making you taste things you never noticed before.

Lagavulin 16 Cocktail: The Douglas

combining vibrant citrus flavours with a smoky, peated whisky to create this stand out cocktail.

Macallan 12 Cocktail: The Copa

This cocktail is a variation of a Gin and Tonic that highlights the adaptable flavour of The Macallan 12 whisky. Its sweet, vanilla undertones complement the tartness of lemon and dry sherry to form a well-balanced foundation for the tonic’s refreshing kick.

Lagavulin vs Macallan: Final Thoughts

When it comes to the titanic showdown between Lagavulin vs Macallan 12 Double Cask, there is no easy answer. Both of these Scottish whiskies boast a timeless complexity that is unparalleled in the whisky world. It ultimately comes down to whether or not you are a lover or hater of peated whisky.

Lagavulin 16 has a distinct smokiness that sets it apart from other Scotch whiskies. It has a strong peaty taste, with notes of roasted nuts and malt, as well as hints of vanilla and caramelized sugar. This unique flavour profile makes it great for sipping neat or in cocktails such as The Douglas. The complexity of this whisky allows for endless possibilities when pairing food with it – from game meats to seafood dishes and even fruit tarts.

Macallan 12 Double Cask, on the other hand, offers a light sweetness and intense sherry notes that make it an excellent choice for mixing into cocktails such as The Copa. The subtle this Scotch whisky is complemented by sweet fruits such as apples and pears which makes it an ideal combination with whisky. Moreover, it goes well with fish dishes, as its Oloroso sherry flavors bring out the natural sweetness of any seafood dish.

At the end of the day, only you can decide which whisky reigns supreme; Lagavulin 16 or Macallan 12 Double Cask? But one thing is certain – when either one of these two titans is involved, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience!

Author pick

I prefer the Lagavulin 16 because I enjoy peated whisky. This Scotch whisky has a distinct and complex flavour profile, which makes it a great choice for those seeking a truly exceptional experience.

The robust, smoky aroma of Lagavulin 16 perfectly complements its intense flavour of roasted nuts, malt, and caramelised sugar. This particular whisky also features hints of vanilla and oaky spices, adding even more depth to the overall taste experience. The finish is long and smooth, ensuring a lasting impression on your palate.

When compared to its counterpart Macallan 12 Double Cask, there is no denying that Lagavulin 16 is the clear winner in terms of flavour complexity and pairing possibilities. With its intense smokiness, oaky finish and subtle sweet notes – this delightful Scotch whisky has everything you could ever want in a whisky.