After final yr’s pointless Lagavulin 12 Years from tequila casks and a barely doubtful virgin oak ‘enhanced’ launch, we’re again to basic first-fill bourbon and refill casks. Regardless of the elevated affect of first-fill oak, that is the Lagavulin 12 Yr Outdated character we’ve all fallen in love with, proper? The 2021 and 2020 editions from refill oak have been a few of my latest favourites.
Lagavulin 12 Years ‘Fireplace Tales’ (57,4%, OB Particular Releases 2024, first fill bourbon + refill casks)
Nostril: clear and really ashy, with loads of phenols, slightly menthol and a great deal of coastal notes. Vertical and pure, not as boldly peated as anticipated. Then bread crust and only a trace of spherical coconut and vanilla. Seawater, some grapefruit, lemon and lime peel, with only a drop of olive brine. Sharp however by no means too fierce, simply beautiful.
Mouth: actually punchy now. There’s bonfire smoke, with fumes and ashes. Citrusy freshness (lemon and lime) together with gentle honey and vanilla. Maybe slightly extra sweetness than I anticipated. Then additionally black pepper, iodine and delicate hints of roasted espresso beans. Smoked kippers and tobacco ultimately.
End: actually lengthy, deeply warming, with ashy notes, iodine, tobacco, hints of mustard and extra of those espresso beans.
A Lagavulin 12 that jogs my memory of the 2020 Particular Launch with its barely elevated sweetness. Not essentially the most complicated model, however merely an excellent one that you may’t be in opposition to, in my view. One of many Particular Releases I can suggest. Obtainable from The Whisky Alternate and Grasp of Malt, amongst many different retailers.
