Clarkebar
Lagavulin Distillers Edition
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
July 25, 2018 (edited October 29, 2018)
First foray into the Islay smoke and peat. Read the reviews and chose this over the L16 yr. since I have a predilection for Distillers Editions and Cuts. Am quickly growing fond of tasting smoked meat in my drink. Although I lean more to the non/light peated Sherry cask Whiskys and like the fruit and floral nose and flavors produced, this example shows what can be achieved with both fairly strong Islay smoke and peat and also sherry casking. I could drink this daily it is so well done. Being a relative novice to the world of Scotch, the Islay way seems a more masculine, straightforward approach to the water of Life and I fear it has hooked yet another fish on the line. Will definitely try the Laga16 yr. but feel certain the DE will remain my favorite. As to chasing the smoke and peat, along with bottles of Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Laphroaig 10 yr, I hope to make a good Islay start.
Edit 8/28/2018: I've simply fallen in Love...just don't tell my wife. Could drink this exclusively, it is that damn good.
$99.99 USD in PA 2015 lgv 4/504
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@Rick_M Thanks for the welcome! Much enjoyed your review on this extraordinary Whisky. I see we have both been bitten by the the same snake and are firmly in our trances. Submission is the only recourse. Let's hope each new batch of venom provides the same mystical experience.
@Davout_1806 - I hope you will enjoy the Lag DE as much as I do. There is something almost hypnotic about it. I go back to it after a week or so without the taste and rediscover how much I really love it. Almost makes me want to not have any other Whiskys but that would be insane. : -) Have taken your advice and special ordered a Bunnahabhain 12 yr from the PLCB. I'll post something on it soon.
Congrats, my wife and I are also recent converts to fully peated scotch, and mostly appreciate the sherry finishes. Like you, we're in PA, and I just picked up a bottle of this Lagavulin DE, from batch lgv 4/506. Smells wonderful, but haven't drank yet. You should try something from Bunnahabhain. They typically are at a low-ppm peat, but have a wonderful Islay character that is unique. Some of them are available in PA, but online only through the state website. Enjoy!
@Clarkebar - welcome to Islay! Please fasten your seatbelt. :)