This one isn't too far off from the 2017 in terms of notes. The quality is all there. If you happen to have read my review for the 2017, you would know that I hold that one in the highest of regards. It's my immediate reaction whenever somebody asks me my favorite whisky. I had lofty expectations for this one, and, spoiler alert, it absolutely delivers. Nose: Medicinal peat, iodine, campfire smoke, sea salt, and brine are immediately present, true to Lag. Beyond that is a creamy lemon note (think lemon custard pie). Interestingly, there are some floral notes, as well as sweeter ones like vanilla and honey. There is also a bit of orange, as well as some other fruits that I couldn't quite pick out. With a little help from the internet, I've determined it's a combination of raspberry and peach. Like a blue raspberry lollipop. Cask strength? Not a whiff of booze. Instead, you get layer upon layer of goodness. Wow. Palate: Bonfire smoke and bean chili spice explode upon entry. Beyond that is a citrus punch: think lemon and grapefruit. Sea salt and brine still present. Smoked BBQ meats, ash and char. Salted caramel and milk chocolate. Rounded off with some heavy cinnamon and black pepper spice. Oaky. The ABV rears its head here, but I welcome it. Wave after wave of rich, intense flavor. Amazing. Finish: Salty smoked salmon like with the 2017, but a bit less prominent. Transitions to more citrus: lemon, orange, grapefruit. Then we move to the sweet portion: more milk chocolate and caramel. A late-game cinnamon and pepper kick revitalize the finish until it finally extinguishes. When this long finish is finally over, I'm left feeling like I'm driving home from a much needed day at the beach. Refreshed and relaxed, but also in serious need of some water to combat the salt! 5-star rating. Don't feel as though I need to explain that one. I hate to give out too many of those, but it really was inevitable with this one. Where this gets interesting is how I compare it the 2017 release. The reality is, I need to pick up another bottle of each and put the two to task. Before tonight I'd have said the 2017 with ease, but as time has passed, this one has really opened up. Lag fans, peat heads, and cask-strength lovers rejoice. This is an automatic purchase if you can handle a good dose of smoke and ABV. Cannot wait to try the 2019; I'm also eyeing a 2016 release that I saw on the shelf at a local store as recently as a month ago. Lucky me. This is worth every penny of $130. Buy with confidence.