new to Scotch inform me please.

[guardsman]

Well said English bloke,try neat then add water till the nose is satisfied and the taste is elevated to succulent , Ahh. Myself I like Glenkinchie , cragganmore, singleton and the like, The various Jura I love but get terrible hangovers, I wonder why LOL

[Macman]

I'm with English Bloke. Water is added to the whisky prior to bottling, so add whatever amount you like, or none at all. That is one of my favourite whiskies you've been given, so you ARE a lucky sod!

[Father Bill]

Lagavulin's great - two or three drops of water. No ice. If you want to chill it, keep a couple of clean garden rocks in your freezer. They sell scotch rocks, but why pay for something God provides?

[xman]

Often up to a teaspoon of water is recommended to lengthen the flavours a little. Try it without first. I often drink without, but for a very nice bottle like the Lagavulin I would usually like to add a few drops of water.

[chewse]

In my opinion, water (even a few drops) does not bring out flavor complexities in peated scotches. I believe the stronger the peaty taste; the more unlikely water enhances the hidden flavors. I think it’s the peat that prevents many underlying notes from “excaping” when water is added; as opposed those sweeter highland scotches where water does bring out complexities. As such, I recommend having a dram of the 16 yr old Lagavulin neat; strong peaty taste with the subtle fruity sherry notes. This is an excellent example of an Islay scotch!

[mookien]

Lagavulin is a peaty scotch, ie made with peated malt. If you like the peat nose/flavor you will very likely enjoy any of Lagavulin's distillations. The 16 is particularly smooth, and quite peaty.

How to drink it, or any scotch for that matter? Any way you like. You may have to experiment (life's tough) to find your favorite mix, if any, and temperature. There is no correct way for everyone.

I have a friend who was living on an oil-exploration ship, manned by a British crew, off the coast of Africa. The only whisky of any kind available on board was Glenfiddich 12 - peaty, but not nearly as much as the Lagavulin 16. He hated the peat nose/flavor, so he drank it with strawberry soda. He said it was quite tolerable when sweetened a bit.

Good luck.

[Spartan Tartan]

I am by no means an expert, and tbere are PLENTY out there so here goes....

first, it is always good scotch if YOU (the one drinking it) like it.

second, it is a personal preference how to drink it. try all the variations and see which YOU prefer.

In both cases, it really only matters what you think...not.others. This isnt the typical "do.as you wish" comment either. I truly believe that you should enjoy your drinks how you like them. plus, if you.actually try it several ways,, it will help yojr experience in drinking scotch. You might find that you enjoy it.several ways depending upon the situation.

now...get out there and taste away!!

[islandkilt]

lagavulin? no, no, no... it's terrible stuff... do your friend a favor and take it off his hands... have a dram or two in front of him to show your sincereity and gratitude... pretend to enjoy it as you choke it down... yes... be a dear friend and save your friend from himself.. take it off his hands, it's what friends are for... relieve him of his burden... and then call me and I'll be right over to help...

[flyrod6057]

Lagavulin 16 is great scotch. I prefer it neat. I've tried scotch with a few drops of water in it to "open it up" but I don't like it; it tastes watered-down! (DUH!) To add anything to it is to mask the glory of the peat smoke... Perish the thought! (All spoken as I sip at a wee bit o'Lagavulin, neat, of course...)

[English Bloke]

... Glenfiddich 12 - ... he drank it with strawberry soda...

AAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!! !

There is of course absolutely nothing wrong with that. We all have different tastes and palates and no matter what you do to help your whisky along, it's not wrong...

(Sorry, I think I need to go and have a lie down...)