Lagavulin 12 YO (Special Release 2014)

Lagavulin 12 YO (Special Release 2014), 54,4 %

This is a classic element of the annual Diageo Special releases. The Lagavulin 12 YO (Special Release 2014) was the 14th release. Most years this release is the (only) affordable one out of all the Special releases, and it certainly is a contender for best value for money.

The Lagavulin 12 YO (Special Release 2014) was a "limited" run of 31428 bottles. It sold at GBP 80 when it was released, but is now, of course, sold out.

Nose: Fresh and peaty. Salty sea breeze mixed with the smoke form a barbecue on the beach on Islay. Add to that iodine, seaweed, vanilla and caramel ice cream. Cold and raw sausages.

Taste: Big and bold! Sweeter and a bit more spicy to taste than on the nose, but otherwise there is a very nice balance here. Briny with hints of smoked bacon. Sweet wood smoke.

Finish: Medium to long finish. The spices are more pronounced (black pepper and ancho chilli) and joined by oakiness and ashes that is borderline bitter towards the end.

Comments: These Lagavulin 12 YO releases are consistently very good value for money in my book!

Score (89/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas