Lagavulin 12 Year Old Diageo Special Release 2020 - 56.4% 70cl

The 2020 Special Releases are an annual collection of limited-edition natural cask strength Scotch whiskies that feature rare and unusual releases from some of Scotland’s most loved distilleries.

This Lagavulin has been matured in traditional refill American oak casks selected to give a perfect expression of distillery character. Soaring in taste and intensity, the flavour is powerful and assertive yet subtly sweet.

Lagavulin is an iconic Islay malt, its majestic spirit steeped in history for over two hundred years. Standing proud in a rocky bay crowned with a castle by the Lords of the Isles, who long ago ruled Islay, it reigns supreme today like the White Tailed Eagle that soars high above sea and shore nearby.

Nose: Mild overall, with light prickle. The top notes are unusually ashy for Lagavulin, but familiar hints of linseed oil soon reassure. Gradually fruity notes of hard candy (boiled sweets) emerge, as does a clean, fresh suggestion of the sea, like sniffing the sea air in a fishing harbour. With water, the aromas reduce and the more pungent, smoky notes come slightly forward.

Palate: At natural strength, soft and smooth in texture with a big taste that is sweeter than expected. Smoky too, with a little salt. A clean, fresh Lagavulin that is very lightly drying midpalate. The sweetness is more prominent with water, when the tastes are reduced yet broadly unchanged.

Finish: Long and very smoky, as the smokiness comes through much more strongly. Lightly drying, with an appetising salty aftertaste. With water, sweeter, though the smokiness still reasserts itself in the aftertaste.