Whisky : Lagavulin 2018 Distillery Exclusive

Country/Region : Scotland/Islay

ABV : 53.5%

Cask : First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Charred American Oak

Nose :  Subtle smoke off a wood burning stove, malty and spicy like French toast, and a hint of creamy, starchy roasted breadfruit.  Burnt orange and citrus notes linger in the back, while tamarind pods, and dragonfruit come forward along with a building maritime salt.

Palate :  Medium body with a mild palate— an easy drinker.  Charred wood, mild vanilla, and a dirty auto shop rag give way to citrus fruit notes.  Burnt orange peel, tropical fruit skins, and dark cocoa surface as a tannic dryness builds on the back palate.  Kiss of salty brine comes on the end.

Finish : Lingering with a clean salty breeze, citrus zest, and slight astringency.

Score : 7

Mental Image :  Patio Bottle for the Hammock.

Something Similar : Longrow Red 13 Year Malbec (similar orange peal/mild smoke, more berries)

Something Similar : Paul John Peated Select (similar fruit/charred orange, more tobacco/vanilla)

Notes :  This is what I want in my glass on a lazy summer day when I lounge in a shade covered hammock.  I can almost feel summer heat and cool breeze.  This had a lovely array of fruity citrus notes with just an undercurrent of heavier peat flavors.  It was light and mild, not a punch in the face at all, and though it was no doubt more viscous than the standard 16 Year, it felt more refreshing (and satisfying).  If the 16 Year is the memory of a beautifully dingy old steakhouse, then this is a patio grill at home.

I really wish more Lagavulin was bottled at cask strength— the 12 Year has for too long been the only reliable way to find it at cask strength and it has been years since that was available locally.  This was eminently drinkable and I believe even the casual scotch drinker or peat curious prospect would find this approachable and interesting.  A tasty bottle, though considering it was about the same price as the most recent edition of the 12 Year, I would pick the 12 over this.  Side by side tasting this and the 2019 Edition of the 12 Year, the 12 had more viscosity as well as more complex maritime and earthy barbecue notes.