Lagavulin 8 Year

I have a bit of a thing with 5-star ratings. I've generally reserved them for drams that absolutely astound me in a way that is different from the norm. Things like excellent quality for not a lot of money (Evan Williams Single Barrel/Crown Royal Hand Select); Exceptional quality and exquisite flavor (Laphroaig PX/Ardbeg Uigeadail); and finally, a flavor profile so far outside the norm of what is routinely available that it simply astounds at the nose and palate (Octomore). This drink is none of those. What it is however, is what I consider the epitome of Scotch. All of them. If I had to pick just one bottle to use as a general guideline for the flavors, colors, and smells that define Scotch, it would be this drink. Color is golden straw, lighter than most, but honest in its natural state. Fine legs crawl the glass and a swirl produces tendrils that take minutes to reach the bottom. The nose is all things outdoors and fresh. Grass, brine, camphor, seaweed, sugar cane and smoke all make their aroma present, but in an orderly fashion so as to be individually enjoyed for what they bring. The palate is obviously island, but not obviously Islay. Rich and oily with brine, sweet peat, menthol, iodine, that hint of petrol that Laga seems to have all to itself and smoky wet ash. The finish is much like the open, but lasts well after the swallow is gone, and leaves an ashy goodness behind. Excellent, excellent whisky. It doesn't do anything exquisitely, but it does everything exceptionally well. This has earned a permanent spot in my home....................I was going to start big with my lyrical debut and go with something deep and provoking by the Stones, but in the end (and after 90 minutes of Classic Rock on Pandora), I've decided on Lynyrd Skynyrd's Simple Man.

Half the age, twice the curiosity. Extremely pale. On the nose, fresh, minty sea air, creamy, soft fruit and a trace of smoke. The palate remains soft and fresh, but prickles slightly by the salt and 48% ABV. A lovely dram so far, but the finish is where I first recognize its namesake: peat and the greatest of bonfire smoke, together with the sea air encountered before. Overall, it's softer and fresher than its big brother, which is predominantly musky at face value. Nevertheless, this whisky stands its ground and is deserving of the Lagavulin heirship. Is best accompanied musically by something youthful yet classic like Magic Bus from The Who.

Really don't understand this one. Flavour is quite rough and the smoke from peat is too intense. Even from a lover of peated malts.