[2020] Lagavulin is not messing around. This year I did not notice the meaty taste to the whisky like I did in the 2019 Rare by Nature Special Release. You cannot go wrong with Lagavulin. It is a staple scotch for a reason.
[2013] The Lagavulin 12 does seem to be a bit of a “hit or miss” whisky in regards to being between a B+ to an A- year over year, but it’s always a good whisky and a great option if you’re looking for a double digit cask strength Lagavulin.
[2013] I think the Lagavulin 12 never stops improving, year after year. In a way, I'm considering it's the best 'simple' malt whisky money can buy, because it is simple whisky. To put in your cellar as a gift to the next generations.
[2016] The Lagavulin 12-Year Old is a solid whisky, but when considering the cost of this versus other Lagavulin offerings we would be hard-pressed to put this at the top of the list in rating or value.
[2013] Though bottled at cask strength, the body is surprisingly easygoing. The smoke and fruit are well integrated here, that light peat — more earth than seaside — quickly giving way to notes of fresh orange, banana, and surprising tropical notes of mango and pineapple. It’s nicely balanced but the experience fades away all too quickly due to a relatively short finish.
[2013] This is Lagavulin at its very best: bold, yet complex and satisfying; full of character, with smoky, savory, maritime, sweet vanilla, and fruit notes all merging into a balanced and eminently drinkable whole.
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House Review
Nose:
Whew. Smoke, peat, acetone, some bandage funk but nothing like Ardbeg. There's a little vanilla, citrus and sherry sweetness. I like this a lot.
Taste:
There's a lot more sweetness and a lot less smoke and peat. A couple drops of water really bring out the sherry and the cream which now balance the smoke very well. I like it, and a drop or two of water really helps tame the proof as well since 110pf here tastes a lot rougher than a good deal of the higher proof bourbons I own.
Finish:
It's long and surprisingly less vicious than I expected. Less peat here and a very pleasant amount of smoke.
Overall:
This is really a very impressive bottle. If only it weren't so hard to find / expensive. This really shows how good a peated dram can be and the blending is very well done.
Score:
88
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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