Lagavulin 9 Year (Game of Thrones-House Lannister)

This is a good Lagavulin overall. A tad smokier than the Lagavulin 16, but less smoky than the Lagavulin 11 Offerman Charred Oak. Nice balance of sweet and smoke, and a decent finish.

With whisky prices today, it feels like a steal to find this for $45. Probably should've cleared the shelf at that price. The nose is honey glazed barbecued pork belly. Some orchard fruit in there. The peat is barbecue smoke and slightly briny, but it's balanced by the sweet and fruit. Citrus fruit becomes becomes more prominent after some time. The palate shows ashy smoke, creamy caramel, brine, lemon custard, a touch of oak. The finish is a little peppery, with ashy smoke and sweet lingering. It's not got the depth of the 16 year, but the bump in proof is appreciated and it's a solid peaty dram on its own. I've been in a peaty mood, and this fits the bill. I don't know what this was originally priced at, but at $45 it's a no-brainer. Probably over-rating this a bit due to value, but going with 4 stars. I may have to make another visit to buy some more.