Lagavulin Distillery

Lagavulin, founded back in 1816 by John Johnson is the second whisky to be reviewed in this 2018 special release series from the  Diageo stable..

No Special Release would be the same without the Lagavulin 12 year old, it has after all featured in all but the very first release back in 2002 !!

Lagavulin has a capacity to produce 2.53 million litres of alcohol per year and is probably best know for the superb Lagavulin 16 year old.. This 12 year old though does have its fans with many flocking to buy this expression as soon as it hits the shops, it does have you thinking why isn’t this also part of the core range..

Lagavulin 12 year old

As with all the Special releases this Lagavulin 12year old was is bottled at a natural batch strength of 57.8%, Distilled in 2005 the whisky was matured solely in first fill ex bourbon hogsheads..

Nose.. Just think Smouldering wood on a dying bonfire, ash riding on the back of the cold winters air and the sea spray coating your lips, add a little citrus peel, damp grass, soft vanilla and a touch of tobacco leaf and that’s what you have in this glass.

Palate.. If I knew what it was like to lick an ashtray I’d imagine it’s just like this.. Ashy and smoke infused fruits flavours coat the mouth while adding an oily texture and a little brine.. Burnt toffee and a little ginger bread surface but you know what this is all about.. Peat and Smoke.

Finish.. Drying, smokey and lip smacking..

Thoughts.. What’s not to like ?

This is certainly one of those big, bold expressions that those who hanker after peat just drool over.. Take a sip and you have a mouth full of ash and smoke,you will find yourself smacking you’re lips together looking for a little moisture and restbite from the taste, but for some reason you just love it, and the fact you come away smelling of smoke after drinking a few sips says it all about this !

Full bodied and plenty to occupy your senses makes this a real winner in my book and for those who don’t like the Diageo bandwagon I say get off and leave the whisky to those who can appreciate it..

Enough said !