Lagavulin 26 YO (Special Releases 2021)

Lagavulin 26 YO (Special Releases 2021), 44.2 %

OK, time to start working through Diageo’s Special Releases 2021. I have of course not managed to lay my hands on all the expressions released this year, but I have tried a few. First out is the Lagavulin 26 YO (Special Releases 2021). Diageo’s official description is brief and to the point:

“[..] this expression has been fully matured in first-fill Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks”

The Lagavulin 26 YO (Special Releases 2021) is available to buy online at around GBP 1650.

Nose: Ooh, aah. I’m not kidding. This whisky has me ooh-ing and aah-ing to myself. It certainly has the Lagavulin DNA; soft, sweet, medicinal smoke. Hints of smoked meat, light fruitiness and a deep sweetness. It is soo balanced. It kisses the nose. So delicate and mild - yet still quite assertive and big. This lion is certainly not asleep.

Taste: Big and bold! Surprisingly peaty and peppery. Soot, coal and ashes. A hint of iodine. Cured, smoked and lightly salted meat. Dried fruits. Somewhat dry in character actually. Mildly tannic.

Finish: Blessedly long finish. A bit more oakiness now, but it works a charm. Peppery, sooty chocolate. Chocolate and caramel smoked bacon. Hints of citrus and salt in the end.

Comment: The Aslan of old Scotch!

Score 92/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas