Moving up the age scale of the 2020 special releases from Diageo we arrive at the annual crowdpleaser, the Lagavulin 12. The nose brings a classic mix of creosote and burnt brisket, with a drop of water unleashing aromas of petroleum. In the mouth it starts sweet and turns savory, with lots of green olive and vegetal notes. The long finish evokes black licorice chews. An on-point Lagavulin, though of the recent releases I much prefer the 11.