Distilled and bottled by Lagavulin, this 11-year single malt is the third release in the distillery's collaborative series with actor Nick Offerman, best known for his role as scotch-loving Ron Swanson in "Parks and Recreation." Released in October 2022 at a suggested retail price of $79.99, this whisky was aged 11 years in American and European oak casks that were shaved down and heavily re-charred.
Fans of bold Lagavulin peat need not apply on this pour, but it just might be the perfect introduction for Irish and Bourbon drinkers who are peat-curious.
If Offerman/Lagavulin really did want to create their “smokiest whisky ever,” I think they’ve succeeded — though it’s not so powerful as to bowl you over the way, say, a glass of Octomore can. If you want to experience Lagavulin stripped down to its basics, this makes for an interesting experience, though I don’t think it will be anyone’s favorite version of the whisky.
This is a surprisingly pleasant spirit, the kind of whisky I’d imagine Burt Reynolds in the 70s sipping in front of a fire on that old bearskin rug. It’s classic, yet modern. A creative imagining of what can sometimes feel like a cloistered product.
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House Review
Nose:
Bold char and honey, bright lemon, lime and slate. The peat is inviting, and the nose is char-forward with a bit of salinity, charred wood, ash and charcoal.
Taste:
Thin to moderate viscosity on the palate with plenty of honey, apple, pear and sweet vanilla. Peat is present but not overbearing, and there's a nice briny character that marries oak, a touch of barbecue and sweet lemon curd.
Finish:
The short to medium finish is pleasant and inviting but ultimately doesn’t hang around too long.
Overall:
Fans of bold Lagavulin peat need not apply on this pour, but it just might be the perfect introduction for Irish and Bourbon drinkers who are peat-curious. It’s enjoyable, if a little simple, but is easy to enjoy no matter whose office you’re standing in — Swanson’s or your own.
Score:
85
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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