Lagavulin 16 is among my favorite pours, so i was very intrigued to try this expression. The nose's immediate sensation is a potent mix of campfire smoke, barbeque, bacon, and sea salt - classic Islay peat monster - but give it a bit and the sherry notes come through. Palate is quite complex, while at the same time more mellow than the 16. Oak, tobacco, sea salt, grass and other pungent flavors merge with citrus, cinnamon, and dried fruit. It takes a while to unpack. The finish is where the sherry cask finishing really shows itself: a mix of sherry and dried fruit with significant peatiness that seems to linger forever. This is a very complex whisky that seasoned drinkers will not tire of u packing. It's a different enough experience from the smokier and more bombastic 16 to warrant keeping both around. It's gentler and less peaty, while still packing enough of that signature smoke and heaviness to keep Lagavulin fans happy. Picture this as Lagavulin's unplugged album. Outstanding.