The 2023 Special Release of the Lagavulin 12 Year featured yet another twist— while 2022 included new oak, the 2023 year Lagavulin received a tequila cask finish. I enjoyed the typical refill cask maturation that the whisky received for many years, but I do not mind a little variation… and an anejo tequila cask finish is certainly different!

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Whisky: Lagavulin 12 Year, Special Release 2023

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 56.4%

Cask: Don Julio Añejo Tequila Finish

Age: 12 Years (Bottled 2023)

Notes: Citrus, smoke, and salt, the aroma spoke of boozy margaritas on the beach with salty rims and plenty of tangy tequila. The cask finish was hard to miss with plenty of earth, agave, vegetal matter, vanilla, and burned wood— a bit like a laser cut wooden puzzle. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the whisky had a surprising heft and weight. The flavor profile was similar with plenty of tequila coming through familiar smoke, citrus, and sea— again it felt like a margarita with some extra pepper and vegetal notes. A touch of herbal and medicinal spice came late on as mugwort and oregano joined the pepper. The finish was medium-length with plenty of caramel, salt, wood char, and pepper.

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Score: 6 (78)

Mental Image: Islay Margaritaville

Conclusion: This was interesting and I am glad I got to try it a few times, but it was not something I could see myself pouring often. It was a “great to experience” but not a “I want to always have this on hand” sort of whisky.  The characteristics of Lagavulin were clear and present, but when I crave Lagavulin, I prefer something a bit more pure (or sherried if I am completely honest.) It had some strong tequila cask influence, but left me wanting a margarita rather than another dram. Overall, fun, as a special one off should be.