International Spirit ratings competitions have generally given Lagavulin's 16-year spirit extremely high scores. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, for instance, gave the 16-year four consecutive double gold medals between 2005 and 2008 and has awarded it gold medals in the years since. Tasting notes by Jim Murray; NOSE: Massive peat. Ultra-intense iodine carries a shade more spice than of old. The fruity-sherry notes are clean, vanilla is much deeper. Beautifully layered. PALATE: Peat so thick you could stand a spoon in it. Chewy iodine bolstered by sherry and big oak. FINISH: A little spice lightens the grip of the peat and vanilla. Dries off with malt, dried dates...and iodine. COMMENT: A true classic in every sense that offers breathtaking depth.