May 2021

Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2014 Edition

/ / Islay, Review, Scottish Whisky /

Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2014 Edition
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

54.4% ABV
$110-$180
Website
Lagavulin 12 year old cask strength

What the Distillery Says

From Islay’s most famous distillery, this lively and clean expression of what was for whiskey writer, Michael Jackson, “Islay’s most complex malt” combines the anticipated Lagavulin smoky intensity with gentle, fresh aromas and a delicious toffee and fruit sweetness. Add water and those clean scents are softer, accompanied now by a subtle interplay of mint and wood smoke. On the palate it’s intense, sweet and oily, with lime zest wreathed in wood smoke, while when water is added it’s like eating a slice of rich fruit-cake near a wood stove. Tasted neat, the finish is long and warming, with sweet wood smoke. With water it has a delicate sweetness, with fresh-cut pine and autumn smoke. This is a Lagavulin free from worries, with a lighter spring in its step.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Briny, smoky peat, sea air, earthy, bit of grilled lemons.
Palate:  Dry, malty sweetness with peat, bit of unsweetened lemonade, vegetal notes with sea salt and roasted pine nuts.
Finish:  Long and drying with honey, peat and sea salt.
Comments:  Lagavulin wears the higher ABV well (not that this is a shock, as I can’t think of any whiskey I wouldn’t enjoy at CS over a 4x% bottling). This is significantly lighter in color than the standard bearer 16 yr which I tried side-by-side. A similar nose to the classic 16 yr, with a bit more citrus neat. Palate is intense, and a bit thicker mouthfeel. Not sure I’d say I like this better – it is a bit different, more intensity but a bit less complexity. The premium price would be a turn off for me – as it can be double the price of the 16 yr which I think is insane.

Rating: Stands Out

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Game of Thrones House Lannister Lagavulin 9 Yr Old

/ / Islay, Review, Scottish Whisky / ,

Game of Thrones House Lannister Lagavulin 9 Yr Old
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

46% ABV
$50
Website
Lagavulin_Game_of_Thrones_9_Years

What the Distillery Says

Lagavulin is one of the most legendary single malt brands and has been crafted on the shores of Islay for more than 200 years – mirroring the meticulous calculation and tenacity employed by the Lannisters in their rise to conquer the Iron Throne. This single malt whisky is a roaring single malt that recalls the Lannister’s riches.

TASTING NOTES
APPEARANCE: Light, golden colour.
NOSE: The nose is characteristically Lagavulin with the sweet smoke that explodes on the nose with a little more brine than the other expressions.
PALATE: The palate opens with smoked caramelized banana and heavy vanilla and burnt marshmallow. which subside into a light, dry, slightly salted caramel.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Peaty with freshly shoveled earth, creosote, smokey sea air, grilled peaches and smoked pork roast.
Palate:  Viscous mouthfeel with sweet vanilla, subtle fruit, smoked brisket, hints of lemon and anise with a salty note.
Finish:  Moderately long and drying with sea smoke and peat.
Comments:  Really solid Lagavulin offering. Nothing off-putting, and I’ve seen some folks trying to move this for under $30 – and I would consider it a ‘Must Buy’ at that price (at least one to try if you haven’t). At the suggested retail around $50, it is still pretty solid.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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