So, my first GOT sample. I recently purchased this at a discounted price to share with my son who is/was a huge GOT fan and learning to appreciate whisky (because of me?). I have been drinking this with some mental notes and tasted recently. Being a Lagavulin, I know what I am in for and have certain expectations. Hints of bacon-wrapped hickory-smoked oysters with a maple syrup glaze. Maritime brininess, cream soda, grilled pears, sweet tea. A nose reminiscent of campfires near the ocean and autumn breakfasts. Like at a B&B with an indoor fire going with a Vermont syrup on the bacon. Though my descriptors may be vivid, the aromas are actually not as dense. They are detectable but time, patience and digging may you find these notes. As expected, the campfire, smokey peaty flavor is the primary flavor. Now, add vanilla icing, lemon zest, toffee, dark chocolate and dark roast coffee, grilled peaches. Chew on it and hold it in and wood spices and cinnamon spices provide the tingle. A woody bitter palate, lemon zest and white pepper keep the palate dry and spicy. Slight cigar ash remains to the end. Short overall finish that you wished found a way to stay. I have been drinking this over a course of two weekends and noticed a few things. The neck pour revealed the youthful side. Spicy, biting, tingly with a predominant peaty, tobacco flavor. However, as the volume decreased and oxidation occurred, it softened somewhat and more of the sweetness was more present. This definitely improved with time in the opened bottle. Comparatively, it’s akin to Talisker 10 with the smoky, peppery sweetness (IMO). I would definitely choose a Talisker, Laphroaig or Ardbeg first before choosing a pour of Lagavulin 9. A good second place pour. At about $10 less then the discounted price, the trifecta is a better purchase at around $49 then the $59 Lagavulin 9 GOT. Worthy of a try. [87/100][$59][Tasted: 9/18/21]