Whisky : Lagavulin 11 Year, Offerman Edition

Country/Region : Scotland/Islay

ABV : 46%

Cask : Refill Hogshead, Rejuvenated American Oak

Age : 11 Years

Nose : Opens up with sweet citrus, salty sea, and toasted herbs.  A bit further in sit coal fire and greasy shop rags.  It is impossible to escape the fruit and sea as hints of cream, tangerine, and salt crusted fish come alive.  As the nose settles a sweet graininess like warm sake comes through with meaty grilled unagi and hot salted caramel.

Palate : Medium to light body with a lovely sharp citrus brine.  Notes of seafood marinade with caramelized sugars, peppers, cinnamon, and sweet chili.  Subtle charcoal appears at times as the dram takes on a salted caramel or toffee blondie bar sweetness toward the end.  The wife described the profile as smokey sweet grass with a jelly bean candy finish.

Finish : Lingering malt, char, and sweet maritime.

Score : 5

Mental Image : Tugboat Martini Cruise

Something Better : Cragganmore 12Y Peated, 2019 SR (similar spice/blondie, more herbal/oily)

Something Better : Bunnahabhain Staoisha 6Y; TWB (similar citrus/seafood grill, more savory)

Notes : This was quite nice for what it was.  It had a lovely saltiness with a good layer of bright citrus and sweet charr.  The only thing really holding it back was the light mouthfeel, if this was a bit punchier or richer, it would have easily ticked up into the B range.  

If I loved Lagavulin (and I do) and wanted to pick up a bottle that presented some familiar flavor notes in a new packaged then this would make for a solid pickup.  It was mild enough that it did not need water and even the occasional drinker should find it reasonably approachable.  It was also different enough from the standard 16 that it presented a whole new tasting experience.  I am not sure if it really differentiates itself from the 8 Year all that well and the 8 year sits at a much lower price point, probably making it for most drinkers, the more cost effective option.  If they were the same price, or the Offerman was priced cheaper, then I would likely grab it over the 8.

Overall this was a fine whisky to celebrate Ron Swanson from the indomitable Parks & Rec, a show the wife and I have probably watched all the way through 3 or 4 times.  It is one of those shows we turn to in the evening when we need to escape a particularly bleak day at work.  My ideal Lagavulin to sip on while watching is the cask strength 12 Year and I think Ron would approve.