Lagavulin 8 200th Anniversary - 48%
Released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Lagavulin distillery by John Johnston in 1816, this eight-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is big and smoky. A celebration of the people and craft that have made Lagavulin great over the last two centuries, its fragrant, tea-scented smoke alongside nose-drying, maritime aromas is unlocked with just a drop of water. Inspired by the visit of Alfred Barnard to the distillery in the 1880s when he tried an 'exceptionally fine' eight-year-old from the distillery, this is a fitting tribute for the milestone. With a light body that becomes pleasantly oily, the Lagavulin 8-Year-Old palate boasts a magnificently full-on Lagavulin taste that’s somehow even bigger than you expect. The limited-edition, beautifully pristine presentation box makes it the perfect gift for lovers of peaty and powerful whiskies.
Tasting notes:
Appearance: Pale, white wine colour. Forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Soft and floral, citrus, vanilla, sea breeze and gentle phenolic peat smoke.
Palate: Light, growing slightly oily with time. Lemon citrus, vanilla and caramel bring sweetness at first, balanced by a touch of maritime saltiness. Lapsang Souchong smokiness follows before rapidly being overtaken by ginger spice and peppery ethanol heat. A few drops of water tones down some of the spice, bringing out more sweetness, a touch of tart apple and a more medicinal peat smoke.
Finish: Floral with sweet peat and a large helping of ginger spice.
Summary: The core range 16 year old Lagavulin is undoubtedly a classic malt, although disappointingly it seems to be have mellowed significantly since my first bottle over 30 years ago. And so it was that I was really looking forward to trying this 8 year old expression, hopeful of the promises of that more robust Lagavulin character.
There are some great young and NAS whiskies out there, many with a character which belies their youth. Sadly this is a whisky where the youthful nature of the spirit is far too obvious, and neither the atypical Lagavulin peat smoke nor the cask influence are enough to provide complexity. It’s certainly robust, but lacks that Lagavulin character I was hoping for. Instead, what you get is a spirit-forward whisky with little real character which feels like it’s been aimed at the mixer and cocktails market rather than as a serious sipper.
Current price is around £55, quite expensive for a younger bottling but no doubt there is a market with those who enjoy lighter whiskies with a bit of heat, as well as those who will want it as a base for mixing. For me though, there are other options at this price point which provide far more character and interest.
If you would like to know more about Lagavulin, the distillery and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
