50,9°
Distillery : Lagavulin - Islay
Refill American Oak and Freshly Charred Hogsheads
Original Bottling
Limited Edition
Single Malt
Bottled in 2019
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength
Peated around 38 ppm
Since 2011, the distillery has been offering a limited edition on the occasion of the Islay Jazz Festival, which takes place every autumn. Here we have a 21 year old produced in 2004 numbered bottles aged in a blend of American casks and casks just burnt with a blowtorch. Obviously, it's very appealing.
Let's Taste It :
Initially, a slight bourbony influence, vanilla and banana, along with limestone earth. Then an explosion of iodine. It cleanses your nose. A touch of lemon, and the peat comes in. Quite strong for a 21-year-old. White gooseberry, just slightly acidic, and ripe mirabelle plum. Balance settles in. With the addition of water, it becomes sweeter, marzipan and brioche. A hint of smoke. Sand and tide, under the sun. Some shellfish and seaweed. On the palate, very creamy, pastry cream, then the spices rise gradually, first mild then very strong. Cane syrup, smoked tea, vanilla, prawn fritters that crunch on the tongue, crispy fried squid and octopus. Lychees on the lips. A pinch of salt that lingers on the finish, the sea foam caressing your feet. Prickly pear, white grape, coconut. Finally, a slight bitterness. Cola. Vicks ointment, and a last grain of salt.
In Short,
Quite an experience! It's both iodised and fruity, but also quite calcareous. However, the price is very excessive, and given the pedigree, I have to say that I expected better. It's a bit like the 12yo cask strength, but much better. I was hoping for something more original. It's still close to sublime.
Score : 91
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Ten Years After - I Can't Keep From Crying
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