Lagavulin 12YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (2021 Release) (ABV56%)

The King of Islay in his prime, fiercely rampant, with a clarity of vision and a sense of purpose none can deny. A glorious and classic Lagavulin, with an intensity, saltiness and sweetness that balance perfectly as perfumed wood smoke rises to envelop them all; absolutely delicious.

Nose - Mild, drying and soon, wonderfully aromatic; clean, fresh and maritime, with top notes of sea air and Himalayan salt, supported by fragrant smoke-dried Lapsang Souchong tea, mineral salts and light cleansing salve. Beneath these lie drier notes of cocoa powder and dried seaweed, with a squeeze of lemon zest, this salty sweetness imbued with wood-smoke from a distant bonfire on the shore.

Palate - The texture is smooth and attractively oily; the taste sweet to start then soon growling with an intense lemon acidity, with a sprinkling of sea-salt and persistent char talking each sip. The overall salty-sweet taste is rounded, softened and sweetened by a drop of water.

Finish - Long, with great waves of smoke, and roaring with chili pepper warmth. Even better with a dash of water. Smoke lasts wonderfully in the aftertaste.