Lagavulin 12 Year (2018 Special Release)

Barbecue lamb chops and seaweed in profusion invade the nose, with the acrid smoke of the embers pinching the nostrils. Balsamic touch with scorched pine flakes, orange peel. Penetrating without alcoholic burning. And even on the palate the considerable alcohol content pushes the spiciness without overwhelming, enhancing the more marine and brackish aspect of the whisky with the smoke that, although present, withdraws in front of the rising tide. The waves bring sweeter hints, which emerge laboriously bringing orange, licorice, green apple, cardamom. Long finish, of spices, ash, baked sardines, candied orange. Similar yet different from the release of the following year, perhaps less balanced between the peat and the sweet side, but still exciting and engaging.

Its a cask strength Lagavulin, what were you expecting of me? It was obviously going to be an almost perfect score. This 56.5%abv expression is not only full of flavor, but it is also balanced and easy drinkable. White wine color. One of the most clear whiskies i have ever had. Not as peaty as you expect from it, at least not smoky/peaty. Moss, herbal, heather, ashes, caramel, toffee, prunes and seaweed. Its a lagavulin, on steroids. On the palate it is fantastic even if it is a little straightforward. Spent matches, leather and sea water. A long salty finish. Pepper also. Adding a couple of drops of water will turn it into chocolate and butter. Amazing. Overall this dram deserves at least a 96 over 100, truly fantastic.

Strong but sharp and smokey

very smoky and PEATY. don’t love it. but it’s interesting and ok