Lagavulin 9 Year (Game of Thrones-House Lannister)

Nose: Smoke and rubber up front, floral honey notes with a bit of green apple. Taste: Charcoal and peat smoke off the bat with a long honeyed cereal finish. A bit milder Lagavulin that’s still got some bite. One of the better examples in the GoT line.

Nice pour, nice peat, nice finish. Liked the Talisker game of thrones a tad better, but still a good one and would get again if it was available.

I haven't watched GoT, but I've seen bits and pieces of the show. From what I do know, House Targaryen would've been the most logical selection to pair with Lag with their connection to dragons. That aside, I was skeptical of these releases. I figured that they'd be simple and inoffensive, ideal for the whisky novices that would inevitably buy these releases in droves. That being said, age-stated Lagavulin is age-stated Lagavulin. Loved the 8 so I can actually justify having expectations for this 9-year. Nose: Classic Lag campfire-peat smoke. Sea salt and seaweed give this some maritime quality. There's also quite a bit of cirtus: grapefruit and lemon. Smoked brisket and spicy cinnamon (from the respectable 46% ABV). Also heavy chili note. A nice touch of oak in the background. Classic Lag. Great start. Palate: Oily and smoky. It's that same campfire smoke, smoked brisket, and spicy chili. The sea salt is still present, but it becomes less prominent as the cinnamon and black pepper spices step to the forefront. Lemon and grapefruit citrus notes are ever-present. There are some unexpectedly light notes of green apple, vanilla, custard, toffee, and maybe a slight honey and milk chocolate. Oak presence is still strong. Finish: Long, smoky, and spicy. Big cinnamon, black pepper, and oak notes. Some drying sea salt on the way out. I can't speak on any of the other releases (I'd expect good things from the Talisker as well). But I'll say this: this is not just some gimmick. I'm sure that most of this lineup was little more than a cash grab, but Lagavulin did not take this assignment lightly. It may well be my least favorite Lagavulin, but that really isn't much of an insult. The 8, 12, 16, and DE all scored at least a 4.5 if I remember correctly. Lagavulin has always done me well, and nothing changes with this one. $80 is a bit steep for what this is, but I understand that this release is tied to the greatest cultural phenomenon of the decade. If you're a Lag fan or a peat-head, this is worth your time if you can spare the money. It's the most subtle of any Lag expression I've tried, but still holds its own as a worthy dram. Re-tasted a few days later and decided that the 4.5 is more appropriate. Still may rank it last on Lag list, but once again, it doesn't mean much when I rate everything from them through the roof.

Game of Thrones is done and gone...but the whisky lives on. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe this is the recent 8 year old with an added year of sherry maturation tacked onto it. I gave that one a 4.25, let’s see how this one compares. Bottled at 46% ABV and is most likely chill filtered and definitely has colorant added to make it exactly the same color as the other GoT releases, a solid amber. Immediate heavy peat smoke on the nose, thick and wonderful. Very salty and briny with strong phenolic notes of creosote, smoldering coals, damp wood and earth. The peat influence steps aside after a while to reveal lemon custard, vanilla, vanilla cake batter and almond flour. A sherry sweetness with tons of fruits, orange zest, tangerines, apricots, plums and raisins. Letting it sit a bit longer brings out more sweetness, like frosted sugar cookies and toffee. A powerful arrival on the palate with spice and billowing smoke. Dry oak, peppery, anise and ashes. Grilled fruits make their way in just like on the nose, apricots and plums. A sugary sweetness along with the spice, lemon custard and vanilla. Brine, maritime notes and a bit mineral as well. Classic Islay. A medium to full bodied mouthfeel that is oily, creamy and mouth coating. The finish is medium long, smoky, ashes, peat and anise. It’s a Lagavulin, what’s more to be said? Amazing, that’s what. Similar to the 8 but with an added sweetness. The peat at times is intense, and at others restrained. It has an elegance in its intensity. The 46% really helps carry it and I wish the 16 year old would follow suit. Even though I think this edges out the 8, I’m giving it the same score of 4.25. Cheers Shameless plug time... please check out Dapper Drams on YouTube for some fun comedy based whisky reviews. @LeeEvolved and I are working hard to bring you more content. Can’t promise it will get any better, but it shouldn’t get any worse either lol.