Lagavulin 12 Year (2012 Special Release)

I like cask strength bourbons (Stagg, Craig, Bookers) and I like cask strength scotch (Uigeadail, A'bunadh) ... but, this doesn't work quite as well for me. Some of the smokeyness & smoothness I love in the 16 is lost in this expression. (I've now had more from this bottle and my impression has improved since my first tasting but I still won't be replacing this bottle when it's gone.)

I'm a sucker for Lagavulin & their annual special releases are no exception. This cask strength version is four years younger than the standard 16 year release. I'm not sure if it's the same mashbill or it's just different because it's younger. It's very very smooth for barrel proof. Not at all over whelming. I'll take Lagavulin any kind, any time.