Lagavulin 12 Fèis Ìle 2022 - 57.7%

From the Lagavulin website

An unusually rich, full-bodied, and sweet-spicy Lagavulin in which powerful oak spice seems to control the smoke until water releases it to pour forth from its hiding place; forward in style and bursting with self-confidence.

First Feis bottling under the new Distillery Manager, Jordan Paisley.

Cask Information: Matured in refill American Oak Hogsheads and finished in virgin American Oak casks.

Bottles available: 6,336

Tasting notes: 

Appearance: Pale gold, forms thick line which falls as thick, oily legs.

Nose: Quite closed at first with notes of tarry peat smoke, honey and caramel gradually developing. Opens up with a few drops of water.

Palate: Spirit forward, notes of caramel, vanilla and honey with gentle peat smoke. Water brings out a little more of that distinctive Lagavulin smokiness, soft brown sugar and a drying oakiness.

Finish: Tannic oak astringency, lingering gentle smoke, sweet caramel, honey and peppery spice.

Summary: For a 12 year old whisky this feels young and lacking in both complexity and balance. Having been impressed by a few virgin oak finished whiskies recently this is one which, for me anyway, misses the mark. After the initial heat and bite of the spirit, the cask influence comes through as tannic, spicy and overly woody leaving the typical Lagavulin peat smoke feeling restrained and underwhelming. Addition of water opens it up a little and improves some aspects, but still not enough to make me want to go back for more. 

This is priced at £165, so it would be fair to expect a lot from this bottle outside of the collectibility of a Fèis Ìle limited edition. Yes, you could argue that you’re paying for an unusual cask finish for Lagavulin, but if you charge a premium price then that finish has got to add quality and, although it’s only my opinion, this one fails to deliver. Unfortunately, this just left me with the feeling of it being an immature, very average whisky dressed up in Fèis livery to justify an otherwise unrealistic price. Needless to say, after the tasting session I was happy to let this one stay on the shelf at the distillery shop.

If you would like to know more about Lagavulin, the distillery and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.