Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2017 Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

The 15th incarnation of Lagavulin 12 in the Diageo Special Releases, is a testament to this whisky’s sheer likeability and complexity. Its relative youth compared to the phenomenally popular Lagavulin 16 can be misleading: this Islay whisky is rewardingly diverse, with smoke and fruit melded into minerality.

Expect swirling layers of smoke, liquorice, charred meats and green tones of apple and sweet pear. Quickly approached at natural strength; rich and sweet, the first burst of liquorice was quickly supplanted by greener notes. The sweetness grows in the mid-palate, as golden syrup suffused with the savoury smoke of burning leaves, and smoked meat. That smoke becomes sweeter and spicier with black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and golden sugar.

Finally, the greenness returns as gently drying grass. Water (it can take a good splash) emphasises lightness, sweetness and smoke; the smoke is now more mineral, and the syrup and fruit are simpler and fresher.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Full-bodied aroma.

Palate: Firm, powerful. A well-balanced attack gives equal footing to aromas of peat, smoke, spices.

Finish: Smooth & lingering.

" The Diageo Special Releases are not known to be bargains, but this Lagavulin is sensibly priced, and the greatest all-around value from the 2017 lineup." - Gavin Smith, Whisky Advocate (94 Points)

" Perhaps a slightly simpler and sweeter one, but we keep flying very high with these little 12s." - Serge, Whisky Fun (90 Points)

" ... Something very special indeed. As mouth feels go, this is just about perfect. I think whisky like this was invented by the whisky gods to be experienced at full strength. Even people who do not regard themselves as peat lovers are likely to be seduced by this one. Talk about controlled power." - Jim Murray, Whisky Bible (96 Points)