Lagavulin 12 Year (2020 Special Release)

This is much better than 2017 expression. The lemon note is much more subtle. It smokier similar to octomore 11.3 but with a salty maritime note added in. Not as rich mouthfeel as that octo expression. Great whisky though.

Nose - briny peat, ash, hay, rich malt, seaweed, almond, clove, tar, pineapple, earthy vegetal notes, light caramel, lemon pith, pencil eraser, apple, dry vanilla, musty grape, cocoa, leather, powdered sugar, moderate to high ethanol burn. Taste - lemon oil, smoky peat, leather, orange blossom, mint, underripe banana, yeast, almond, vanilla cream, chili pepper, toffee, milk chocolate, cereal grain, tar, brine, iodine, bitter herbal notes, decaying grass, moderate to high alcohol bite, finishing medium length with deep citrus, bitter peat, cocoa, and chili pepper flavors. The final Lagavulin of my tasting series, and it’s one I’m sure isn’t worth the purchase price. But hey, it comes in a fancy black tube that lets you know it’s special and you’re special for owning it. The nose is full-bodied Lagavulin, but earthier and mustier than the 16 year. Almond, pencil eraser, and a nice rich maltiness are present as well. The palate is deeply citric, with well rounded peatiness and some grassy, underripe banana notes. This is really nice, great even, but the juice isn’t worth the squeeze. I paid around $160 for it, and there are malts I enjoy just as much or more for half the price. Honestly, I’m not even sure whether I like it more than the 16 year. It’s richer, thicker, and hotter, but I think the citrus notes on the palate are overdone and detract from the overall experience. I recommend trying this at a restaurant or snagging a sample, but don’t purchase a bottle at the going rate unless you’re a diehard Lagavulin enthusiast.

Nose. Slight wood, brine and oily notes followed by fruit and a touch of smoke. Palate. Intense and smoky, dark chocolate and, at the end, medicinal flavours. Finish. Beautifully long. It sticks with you. I love this whisky; it’s easily one of my desert island picks.

Tasting neat in a Glencairn: Nose presents lemon curd and vanilla, with soft, oily smoke. Palate offers brine and peat smoke, with citrus zest and slight vanilla. Finish is hot with a sharp smokey bite combined with saltiness.

This might be the most flavorful stash I’ve ever had. It’s kind of fruity on the front Which makes me think it was aged in a Pinot Gris barrel or something. Still amazingly smoking an amazing scotch. Have some fruit knows I can’t put my finger on though.

Puissant en fumée ! Vraiment un produit d’exception! En plus de la fumée, il y a un bon goût de poire et de citron. Facile de comprendre le hype constant autour de Lagavulin. Goûté chez M. Drolet en 2021-06.

Wow! Compared to the standard 16 year, the added abv adds increased flavor and intensity:).