First the 2017 and then the 2018. Two titanic whiskies that stand out as all-time favorites. Because there were some noticeable (though fairly subtle) differences between the two, I pulled the trigger on this 2016 200th Anniversary edition. So let's see if Lag pulled a hat trick with the 12y.o. Nose: Where to start. On one hand we've got peat, campfire smoke, iodine, sea salt, seaweed, ocean spray/brine. Then there's lemon/grapefruit/lime citrus. Cilantro. Black pepper. Apple, pear, vanilla, and cream. Roasted pineapple. Mint. Plenty of heat, but no ethanol. It's peppery and offers some baking spice. A touch of unripe banana? A bit of oak. I really could go on all night. I'll keep it moving, but first say that this is as good a nose as I could ask for. Palate: In your face peat and campfire smoke. Iodine, and all the sea salt, seaweed, and brine notes from the nose. Salted caramel, vanilla, milk chocolate, mint chocolate, raspberry jam. Lemon and grapefruit citrus. Banana bread and malt. Apple and toffee. Loads of black pepper. Some chili on the mid-palate. Healthy dose of oak and baking spice. As was the case with it's successors, there are a variety of flavors that seemingly shouldn't coexist. And yet they do, and beautifully at that. Finish: Beast of a finish. Red pepper black bean chili. Smoked brisket. Appetizer and entree. Salted caramel and milk chocolate for dessert. Vanilla, grapefruit, lemon, and lime before you hit the road. Black pepper, sea salt. Cinnamon and baking spice. Oak spice. All of this amounts to a mile-long finish. 57.7% ABV in all its glory. Hat trick completed. If there are any left at the store I got this, I'll buy 'em up. If you've read my reviews of the 2017 and or 2018, you'll know my stance on Lag 12. Synopsis: Perfection at work. Perfectly embodies Islay spirit and Lagavulin character. How on Earth could a 12-y.o. annual release regularly double the price of its 16 y.o. older brother? Have a glass of this. You'll get it. 5/5. I say that with ease. I give 2016-18 straight A's. 2019 next? Can't find it. I'm incredibly disappointed that I haven't seen a single one. Diageo re-imagined the pristine solid green packaging with some frilly and modern-looking artwork. I'd notice it at a glimpse, yet I haven't seen a single 2019 in the wild--and we're well into 2020. I'll buy on sight. For now, the saga concludes here. And all I've got to say about this one is that it is every bit worthy of representing one the finest distilleries in the world on its 200th birthday. Right down to the last molecule.