Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release 2019

A mild nose overall, with light prickle. Classic Lagavulin. The nose is highly phenolic, with clean, fresh top notes of medical supplies; carbolic, dentists’ mouthwash and medicine cupboards, all on an ashy base, reminiscent of a recently extinguished peat fire. A savoury note and a mineral, maritime note; sea air, tarry ropes, seaweed, sand. With water, the last comes to dominate, quietly.

Medium.

At natural strength, smooth in texture and unexpectedly sweet, intense and very smoky from the off. with light acidity, a sprinkle of sea salt and a very smoky finish, long and warming. A little salt, no pepper. Benchmark distillery character throughout, exactly as is expected from a Lagavulin 12. At reduced strength, the taste remains the same.

Long, warming, sweet and delightfully smoky. Lightly drying, leaving the breath smoky. With water, sweeter and smoother, though the smokiness reasserts itself at the close.