When it comes to the Special Releases on whisky almost always present: the 12-year-old Lagavulin! It’s usually a kicking, high abv version as opposed to the older more restrained, and sherry-influenced 16 yo.
This year the 12 is present again, yet in addition to the traditional re-fill oak casks, there’s a wee touch of virgin wood casks used to finish this edition of the Lagavulin 12. One more fact worth mentioning this year, is that this whisky is made of the peatiest Lagavulin in the warehouse in terms of PPM (it appears they keep a ppm information on the casks when they go to the warehouse for aging) – interesting, isn’t it? Let’s dram.
Lagavulin 12 yo, Special Release 2022, 57.3%
Nose: Dark and smoky with rich peat smoke, seashore campfires – earthy and muddy one could say – then comes the trademark tarry rope and kerosene lanterns one finds in fishing boats, pepper and black tea leaves, and even a note of cigar wrapper leaf. Give it more time and some smoke haddock comes into mind, as well as leather and peppermint. Complex, and Lagvuliny. yes.
Palate: Starts sweet with brown sugar, golden syrup, and dirty earthy notes, licorice candy, Lapsang tea, damp leaves, and wet damp oak, brine, and quite medicinal as well, with a touch of grilled apple on wood fires, more tar, peat embers, and a salty edge.
Finish: Tar, earth, ash, peppermint, espresso, and a lingering saltiness.
Conclusion: Excellent complex stuff, just what you’d expect from a younger Lagavulin, full of flavor, complexity peatiness, and dirty. The Virgin cask finish is a clever choice. A no-brainer for Lagavulin and Islay fans.