This Lagavulin was bottled for the Islay Jazz festival back in 2018; like many of these special and limited edition Lagavulin no age statement and no vintage information is provided. If there is one truism to growing older, it’s that jazz music suddenly starts to make a lot more sense— and does pair well with whisky.

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Whisky: Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2018 Edition

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 58.5%

Cask: First & Refill Am. & European Oak Puncheons

Age: N/A (Bottled 2018)

Notes: Maritime and meaty, the aroma left me licking my lips and recalling meaty white fish, butter, kelp, lemon, and white wine sauce. Blackened, crispy fish skin, coriander, and fresh parsley provided a fresh, herbal, and oily quality with pepper, tar, and brine further in the background. Medium-bodied and very oily on the palate, the flavors ran largely in reverse, with a big briny wave of black pepper crashing into my taste buds followed by more subtle tar, butter, and charred fish skin. Bitter burnt coffee beans and herbal digestifs came near the back end, sometimes with more creosote and road work. The finish was medium length, peppery, and drying.

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Score: 6 (77)

Mental Image: Fire in the Galley

Conclusion: The aroma was wonderfully rich and subtle, but the palate was a massive blast of pepper and brine. I loved the smell, and did not care for the taste, while the finish was thankfully more subdued than the palate. This felt young and aggressive, with some enjoyable elements but more distractions— I found it way too peppery for my taste and bitter at the end. Maybe I misspoke last time when I imagined Lagavulin could be one of my favorite distilleries if only I had it more often… I suppose the jury is still out after all. Overall, not a bad Lagavulin, if there is such a thing, but not one I would seek out again.