In late Summer 2007, word broke that Lagavulin would be releasing a 21 year-old version from first-fill sherry casks. At cask strength. For (in the U.S.) about 300 bucks. Of all those things, which one do you think was not exciting news?
Well, when it finally reached U.S. shores, there was a mad scramble to get it (it had sold out in the UK nearly immediately). Who had it? How much did they have? And -- oh yeah -- is it any good?
Yes. It was good. Very good. Now, we can't say it's mind-blowing, because as soon as you describe anything to anyone that way, it of course won't live up to the hype. But while it hurts to pay $300 for this, the joy of drinking it should ease your pain. If you're thinking of blowing this much money on a bottle, then this is the bottle to blow it on. As of this writing (spring 2008) it's still available at your finer whisky retailers.
One of those privileged whiskies that makes me think, "Easy A." The question is, is it A+? This is blissfully amazing, rich, complex, and... yeah, I love it. Waves and waves of rolling phenols -- smoky, medicinal, earthy, rich sweet yumminess. The sherry that's present melds in a way that doesn't scream sherry, but instead combines with everything else to create new distinct and rich flavors. This is a freight train, a tornado of deep rich flavor. Definitely one of my top all-time whiskies.
N: Initially just smoke, then deeper peat, caramelized fruit, and rum-like spice. Invigorating. P: An explosion of smoke and peat that reveals itself in waves. A thick syrupy sweetness develops. Wonderfully balanced and endlessly complex. F: Evaporative. Excellent. An almost perverse pleasure every time I have it.
N: Smokey and peaty. Nice! P: Peat! Plus a little smoked fish, smoked meat and smoked smoke. F: Medium and, guess what, smokey.
Maybe I'm just a cheap date, but I like the Lag 16 better. This is amazing peated whisky, but not ten times better than the Laphroaig 10 or three times better than one of the Port Charlottes. The Lag 16 just seems more balanced and interesting to me. This is a little one-note. Then again, it might be because I tasted it after five sherried whiskeys, and I certainly wouldn't turn down a bottle if someone gave it to me.
Stong, peat/iodine nose, which eventually reveals some hints of caramel/sherry. Initially there is pure peat and smoke in the mouth, which then gives way to some late fruit/floral flavors. The finish was a bit abrupt and then disappeared, which I found a bit odd. I really, really enjoyed this other than the finish. Overall, an excellent bottle.
Everything I love about Lagavulin 16, made better. I couldn't stop going back to this. Why drink something else if you can drink this? One of the best I have ever tasted.
This one lived up to every bit of the hype. Might be the best whisky I have ever tasted.....
The deepest campfire smoke and peaty greatness with so many earthy tones and sweet nuttiness and shortbread rounded out with vanillas and wood resin .... every bit worth the extra dollars to have around. Getting one is becoming harder and harder.
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