Lagavulin 8 Year

Open 6.5 months Nose - Light peat, black pepper, lemony vanilla, sea salt and brine, honeycrisp apples, honeysuckle, and medium ethanol. Palate - Surprisingly light and smooth, honey, honeysuckle, apples, butterscotch, sweet cereal grain, light smoke, salted caramel, and almost no hint of ethanol or oak. Finish is medium, longer than expected, with some campfire ash, brine, honey, and cereal grain. Picked this up in Virginia since it is not readily available in NC. I was most surprised how light and delicate this Islay was, despite being higher proof than almost all flagship 10Y and 12Y peated whiskeys. To me, this has elements of Talisker 10 and Laphroaig 10, but lighter and softer across the board. If peat and medicinal spice are overwhelming for you, try this one out.

Much like any Lagavulin, it’s got that briny quality and that meaty peat smoke on the nose. However, it’s quite a bit fruitier than the 16, and does lack the minty finish. Color is significantly lighter as well, looking almost like a Pinot Grigio. Finally, whereas the peat comes forward right upfront on the 16, it’s most present on the finish for this whisky. Super interesting anniversary release for Laga.