Lagavulin Distillery Exclusive 2023

This year's Lagavulin Distillery Exclusive release, was a different looking one. An Ex-Bourbon & Heavily Charred American Oak cask matured single malt, bottled at a nice strength of 56.5%abv. I was actually very interested in this dram, since i had a previous heavily charred Lagavulin, the third Offerman edition, which was fantastic. It only made sense that a cask strength version of that whisky should be even better. On the nose, i get some bourbon & peat notes. A pair of wet Converse shoes; Rubber tires. Vanilla custard and coconut, but also a Sharpie marker. Crazy but appealing. Vanilla fondant, coconut and meringue. On the palate, three very bourbonish notes, well delivered. It is like a vanilla ice cream with ashes. Lemon and gooseberries. Aftertaste was fantastic. Ashes, bonfire, chilli. A very "meaty" finish. Lots of character here, with a slight maritime ending. Overall, i believe that most Lagavulins are stunning; but this one was too straightforward and not complex. Nevertheless, the notes it had, were very well crafted and delicious. It is a wonderfull whisky, but it loses some points because it feels like it has a sleepy soul, i mean that it could be better. My score for it is 94 over 100.

Smoky and sweet. Very pleasant.

I really like this one. Nice classic lagavulin nose, strong body, long lasting finish. Gets a lot of oak and burned flavour.