Lagavulin 8 Year

Bottled in 2016 (the 200th anniversary edition) This is a conspicuously young Lagavulin 8. Instead of the meaty, rich, barbequed smokiness of the Lagavulin 12 or 16, this one has an eyebrow raising fruity and sharp smokiness. The youth is very evident with notes of bright yellow citrus and pineapple, and hints of acetone. The underdeveloped wood influence mixed with the Newport menthol gives this a unique suggestion of pencil shavings. I am conflicted whether or not I like it. Usually when I give a whisky a score of 0, it is because it is forgettable. Lagavulin 8 is definitely not forgettable. It is unique, forceful, but flawed. It is a memorable whisky that I suspect I can pick out of a lineup of any dozen mainstream Islay whiskies. It is also memorable because it marks the first shortcut Lagavulin has taken. Lagavulin and Macallan are the two names I feel were at the pinnacle of scotch. Every release guaranteed quality. While Macallan has gone head first into the porn industry, Lagavulin is still somewhat proud. This 8 year old was not a fall, but perhaps a little stumble. But the Game of Thrones and Nick Offerman editions definitely tarnishes the brand. To better explain why I am, for the first time, giving an unforgettable whisky a score of 0, I will use film to provide analogy. I realize I am speaking to a potential audience of around 10 people in the world who share my combined whisky and film snobbery. Lagavulin 8 is like a film by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, Mother!, The Fountain, etc.). His films are thought-provoking and you cannot mistake his style; but there is an unpolished immaturity to his works that mistakes shock value for artistry. This is made more frustrating because the ideas are ingenious, but the final product lacks the soul that more maturity would offer. You know what I mean? No? Boy, I’m glad I got the tasting notes out of the way early. Score: 0 (unforgettable, but flawed) How much does a bottle cost: $50-75 How much do I think a bottle is worth?: $55

A very young Lagavulin, this 8 year old expression is pale straw in color and looks inoffensive, but then it crashes your nose and palate and you know things got heavy. 48%abv, pale straw color (as most young islay's whiskies) On the nose is powerful. Perfumed peat. Heather, fresh can of Tenis balls. Toffee. Prunes. Limoncello, fresh Lemonade (with seeds and all), Tequila (agave). Quite interesting. On the palate is a punch in the face. Nothing off putting, just raw power in your tongue. Peat. Salt. Toffee. Black pepper. Aftertaste is super long. Heathery peat, smoke. In conclusion, this feels a lot more like and ardbeg rather than a Lagavulin. Still great flavor and aroma, it can only be enjoyed by experienced peat heads, since it is too powerful. Feels like a whisky intended for a specific target of people. Luckily for me, i am part of that target of people. 91/100.

Medical supplies, sea salt, honey, wet campfire