Lagavulin 2018 Distillery Exclusive Bottling - 53.5%

Double matured in charred American oak casks and first-fill bourbon hogsheads and bottled at natural cask strength.

Personally selected by the distillery team, this is a 2018 Distillery exclusive with only 6000 bottles produced.

 

Tasting notes: 

Appearance: Yellow gold, forms a thick line which falls as slow thin legs.

Nose: Gentle bonfire smoke, citrus fruits, burnt orange, grilled pineapple and banana, malted loaf and a hint of alcohol burn.

Palate: Initial alcohol bite with a light mouthfeel. Fruity, with an abundance of citrus, salted caramel and soft tropical fruit notes. Ashy smoke with a hint of tar, nutty charred oak and a hint of dark chocolate.

Finish: Lingering and slightly astringent, lemon citrus, woody oak, caramel and sea spray with soft traces of peat smoke in the background.

Summary: This is a Lagavulin with a very summery feel. Light and citrusy with tropical fruit notes and just a hint of smoke like a distant bonfire on the seashore. 

A slightly unusual Lagavulin which focuses more on the light, fruity nature of the spirit than the characteristic Islay peat. There was a noticeable emphasis on these characteristics of the spirit during the tour and tasting, whereas previous tours have always focused on the peatiness. It does lead you to wonder whether the owners are looking towards a softer, more approachable Lagavulin character to widen their market. I can understand the commercial justification, although if that is the case I would hope they leave a few expressions for those of us who prefer the more traditional bold, robust nature of Lagavulin.

Priced around £100, for me a little overpriced but still far better value and more enjoyable than the 2022 Fèis Ìle bottling. 

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