Tastes

Hot damn! What a *different* kind of Islay whisky. It reminds me of the Lagavulin 16 Distiller's Edition, but not as refined. But hey! The 40 U.S. dollar savings is something to consider. I think I would snag this above the Laphroaig Triplewood. Is that blashpemy? Well, this is a love it or hate it scotch, and even though the first sip was iffy, that second and thereafter had me coming back for more... and more...

Not for me! Strangely, the first dram was smoky and tolerable, but the rest got cloyingly sweet and medicinal tasting. I am not talking about that nice TCP/Iodine medicinal taste from Islay either. We're talking down right nasty to the point that I couldn't finish the bottle. For the price, get the Monkey Shoulder or a better blend.

Same ABV as the 10 year, which is surprising. It's very good, but do I notice an 8 year difference with the 10? Not so sure. It is a "thicker" and more coating mouth feel. A touch spicier, and a longer finish. I guess I talked myself into it. I think I am missing the floral properties, which is not big on my list, but maybe I will learn to appreciate that aspect more as my palate matures in time.

Awesome glass! Even though it's not technically from Islay, it might as well be. It has all the great elements you'd expect. The higher ABV helps this offering as well. Lots of salt and pepper! For a 10 year, it's surprising.

My first cask strength Lagavulin, and it was far from disappointing. I could smell the glass 15 feet across the room. You get a ton of peat here, but it wasn't as "earthy/smokey" as the 16. Was I missing anything? Not at all. I gained a touch of light fruit and smooth malt. Some ash qualities too, but not at all off putting. A very, very nice glass I enjoyed more than the Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength. Pricey if you can find it still though! 1/27/2018 - Re-review! I had to do a double take on this proper bottle. The first notes on the nose I got were cotton candy, bananas, and bubble gum. Sweet and strange, but it looks like the distiller reviewers got a similar vibe. The palate is intense and bring tropical coconut, pineapple, and sweet cream along with the peat. This finish from the cask strength goes on forever and I love it. Still a solid 4.75. The only thing they could add is some sherry or spicier notes, but I am quite content. The theme to the dram should be a powerhouse. I am thinking "Bonded by Blood" by Exodus.

Good dram. Of course I have to say that since I respect the 12, but is it worth much of a price difference? Well, not too sure with what you can get once you get to the 15/18. Being more of an Islay fan, and even though I can appreciate a decent speyside, it's hard to justify much more of an investment in taste here. This one I'd call a B+. To make things fair, this was a dram at a bar, so I should give it more time and attention maybe the next go around. I will update my review, if necessary.

A little too "middle of the road" for me. Maybe a little too much emphasis on barley, rather than some spice/peat/smoke/fruit etc... I had this with the Talisker 10/Lagavulin 16/Glenlivet 15 glasses at the same time, and this offering could not stand with those.

I think I like it slightly more than the Glenlivet 12 due to it not only having the nice fruit/spice combination, but I get some sort of toffee balanced with wood as well. It's a little more complex, so it's a nice find for the price. Great taste for an entry level 40 ABV glass.

Pleasant surprise! I think the three casks used set it up perfectly to be a nicely balanced dram. I could definitely pull out the fruit/figs, touch of smoke, sherry, honey, and I am SOOOO glad that the oak is not overbearing. For an Islay boy, this is a fantastic alternative!

This dram was difficult, and no, it wasn't a peat issue. I love peat, and if I could live, work, drink and play in Islay everyday, I would. The enemy of the state here is the Ribera del Duero wine barrel. Now, I know some love it, but it's just not for me. I will try another Octomore expression at some point, but this one was waaaay too "twangy sweet". I like a nice PX or Oloroso cask, but this one .. just has too much grape sass for me. I think I will try and trade the bottle for something equivalent. Only 1 dram poured.