“Diageo Special Releases 2021” tasting at The Oak Barrel, Sydney, 22 June 2022. Whisky #7 Nose: Maritime peat reek on a gathering breeze, asphalt, tar, carnauba wax, creosote, iodine, vanilla, lapsang souchong tea (hooray!), grilled lobster with a squeeze of lemon. The addition of water increases the citrus aromas and makes the nose larger. Palate: Exceptional arrival. Sweet smoky lemons drizzled with creosote and honey-pepper pork ribs on the barbecue. Briney malt, shellfish, oysters, asphalt, saltwater toffee and a faint medicinal note in the development. Leathery and with oak hints in the later palate. Water expands the palate into a vanilla sweetness and brings out a fruity presence. The texture is uniquely Lagavulin - creamy, oily yet dry. Finish: Medium/long. Medicinal smoke, pepper, citrus and salt. The finish is initially dry but the long aftertaste turns delightfully sweet. This is the best expression of Lagavulin I have tasted for at least a decade. In more than one respect it reminds me of Lagavulin 16 from 20 years ago. If it was given another 4 years (but in sherry casks) and proofed down I have no doubt it would be very similar indeed. Now please, Diageo, go and do exactly that. The integration is astonishingly harmonious and it repays careful and extended attention. This is a big, elegant whisky that hides its complexity and while the immediately obvious aromas and flavours will wow you, its hidden depths will captivate you and earn your respect. There is no alcohol heat whatsoever and for all its immense presence it is light of touch and meticulously balanced. This whisky is a perfect katana. It was voted the best whisky of the night by roughly half the participants at the tasting. Bottles were not available on the night but could be pre-ordered. I have 1 coming. Highest Recommendation. “Outstanding” : 90/100 (5 stars)