Ok, games are over, lets review some seriously old Lagavulins i had the pleasure and luck to taste at the distillery. I will start this series of critics with a super good looking, limited expression, the Lagavulin 26yo Lion's Jewel 2021 special release. This is one of two of Diageo's Special Releases; the other one, the 12yo Cask strength wasn't super impressive, but i was eager to try this very expensive 26 years old one, which is still to this date the oldest "Laga" i have ever had. Bottled at 44.2%abv, matured in first fill PX casks and Oloroso sherry seasoned butts. The legend of the Lion's Jewel goes as follows: "hidden within his den on Islay bay, The King of Islay guarded a gem of precious worth. The resplendent stone glowed ruby red, glistening with lustre. Won through decades of fire and ferocity, it reflected an alluring warmth and smouldering intensity – the captivating nature of Lagavulin.” On the nose, quite attractive: Ashtray and tangerine. Coffee beans, cigarrtetes. Very appealing. Oranges. On the palate it was very good but a little dim. Vanilla water, pepper, ashes, Gooseberries, coconut. Oranges. Aftertaste was good, not mind blowing though. Smokey and citric. Grapefruit, it actually has a fruity finish. Gooseberries, citric. Cigarrette finish. Overall, for a $2.400 dram which i believe it was the original retail price, you are not getting what you are paying. Don't get me wrong, i am the one who believes that any whisky over $450 is demential, but if i have the chance to try a glass or two for the fraction of the price i will go for it. Good whisky, not incredible, my score for it is 88 over 100.