88 / 100
The long finish gives this Lagavulin a clear point of focus, carrying peat smoke and sea breeze into vanilla, citrus and oak. I like the contrast between that persistent smoky character and the brighter fruit notes on the nose and palate. The iodine, smoked oysters and traces of ash make the palate sound assertive, while vanilla and citrus offer some balance. A strongly peated direction, but with enough variation to hold my interest.
Reviewed by shortwave lantern
- Nose
- Peat smoke and sea breeze, Seaweed salad, Vanilla, apples, lemon and orange peel, Licorice and fennel, Smoked ham, with traces of tar and engine oil
- Palate
- Smoke and iodine, Smoked oysters, Lemons, grapefruit and apples, White pepper and vanilla, Salted peanuts, ginger, ash and oak
- Finish
- Long, Peat smoke and sea breeze, Vanilla and toffee, Licorice, citrus and lemongrass, Oak