Drinking the 2005 DE (Bottled in 2020) batch no. lgv. 4/509. Good. God. Okay so with this bottle, the iconic laga peat smoke is wrapped in a rich vibrant sweetness that I can only describe as bold, dark and sophisticated The nose has a dense vanilla (think extract) and a toasted note, light brine, and dried fruits like raisins. That raisin note continues onto the palate, where its met with a rich bitter chocolate, molasses, fig and underripe plum. The salt also kicks up a notch on tasting. All the while, that all-to-recognizable meaty peat smoke is ever-present. But it never runs away with your palate. Its balanced by the bold rich sweetness and dried fruits so elegantly the whole way through. I cant believe I’m saying this, but this may have surpassed the 16 for the title of my favorite Laga. I was beginning to think I would never say that. But the PX sherry cask finish really gives it a balance unlike anything. That same mistifying and baffling cool, minty (eucalyptus?) finish is there. It still magically goes from deep dense smoke to a vaporous cooling note somehow. But now its almost as though its wrapped in yet another layer. It’s as dynamic and interesting as the 16, but it’s almost like it’s refined older cousin. Savoring this bottle for sure. My favorite Laga to date, and just a hair shy of a perfect rating for me.