Lagavulin 12 Year (2016 Special Release)

Been looking forward to tasting this 12 year old. The 16 is a quality, peaty standard. The DE has is at another level. It seems that Lagavulin can do no wrong. And once again, yes, they prove that they can do no wrong. Pour and nose. A lovely honey sweetness, dried apricots, the ever-present Islay peat, brine, maritime start the journey. As more time passes, an earthy, mineral side shows itself, along with iodine, and, eventually, surprisingly and almost oddly, bubble-gum notes. While nosing, I usually try to envision where I would be; what the nose paints in the minds eye. The nose, here, transports me to a December-chilled morning near the coast with fireplace smoke, from fires warming nearby houses, loom in the air. An incredible opening. The mouthfeel is thick, heavy and oily. A spicy burn similar to jalapeno sauce (not the flavor, but the sensation) is all around and is warming. Once you get past the spiciness, the sweeter side of brown sugar starts to be drawn out. Charcoal, smoked-meat, pine resin, iodine and black peppercorns all swirl about. Once you finally swallow, you are left with a long lasting finish of bitter lemon rinds, oak, iodine (again) with a cigar-ashy foundation that never seems to fade away. This is worthy of time. Thoroughly enjoyable for those who like the smoky Islay style. Full of a variety of flavors from nose all the way through the finish. Tuck yourself away for a wee bit of time. Sip. Reflect. Enjoy. Pranay, thank you for the opportunity for a sample. One of the best I have had. I must find this one for my collection. [Dry Glass: Charcoaled-cedar]. [94/100][Tasted: 2/24/17]

Had when thoughts turned to whisky with me mate Shano at The Guildford Hotel for Jenna's 30th. Cask strength and had this one rocked. Happy that Shano loved it, might have another recruit. Very good and seemed like it may have even had the 16 covered too which is saying something but I'm not quite sure what

Lagavulin can do no wrong! Man, this is outstanding stuff. Start to finish there's very little to reproach it, and so smooth, especially surprising considering the ABV. If I had to analogize it to the point of bastardization, imagine grilling pineapple slices on a charcoal fire. Or here's a better one: picture having a cigar and a Jolly Rancher candy in your mouth. Yeah there's peat, smoke, salt, and tropical fruit notes, but there's nothing special or remarkable about that. What makes THIS EXPRESSION so successful is the perfect union of all these flavors into something wonderful and unique. I can't rave enough.

Great stuff, very similar to homemade moonshine, maybe because of the high alcohol %