Well, it looks like my hopes that this is a somewhat regular release from Lagavulin exploring slightly different things each time. And fortunately it’s not at too quick of a pace, though it’s about as regular as I’d want it. Whiskybase only has a 750ml version and I read this is a US only release (not confirmed though as the source wasn’t official) so I wonder what that means about how this sells in certain markets. Anyway, with the first two releases enjoyable enough, I plan to keep getting these knowing it’s not just a celebrity endorsement to sell sub-par stock, at least until that happens. Let’s see if it’s still a worthwhile release.
Minutia: Matured for 11 years in casks which previously held either Scotch or wine and were shaved and re-charred. Enjoyed neat in a glencairn.
Color: Deep copper; 1.0.
Nose: Smoke, seaside. A touch of wine, then it’s masked by the smoke and sea. Honey, molasses, green wood. Maybe some citrus.
Taste: Smoked seafood/weed. Creosote. Some spice.
Finish: Nice musty smoke. Salty chocolate covered caramel. Wood spice. Medium, maybe erring in the medium-long direction.
Worthwhile indeed, at least where it’s priced near MSRP (I paid around $70 and think it’s fair). I’m definitely a fan and this is an excellent Lagavulin. It reminds me of some of the 12 year old special releases (disclaimer: not nearly the same presence due to the ABV). This feels like a really good one to wrap up reviewing before my side by side Bowmore review coming up in a couple days leading into this year’s Advent calendar.
Score: 87
Musical Evocation: Willie Nelson – “The Scientist”
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