Time for the third ‘affordable’ expression from this year’s SR. The very much loved (and I can see why) Lagavulin 12 , a cornerstone every recent Special release. Like every year, this is the 16 year old’s younger, non-sherried , kicking young brother. will it be as good as last year’s? Bottled at 56.5% this is the peatiest expression in the range.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old SR 2019, 56.5% , £110 (MOM)
Nose: Quite briny at first, with tarry ropes, linoleum floors and medicinal qualities. Green olives, salt, citrus peel, as well as red apple, pears and iodine laden bandages, pepper and anise, earthy and a bit dirty just like we love it, right?
Palate: Peaty and smoky with spent cigar butts, ash, and soot, quite mineral as well with lots of earthy notes, mostly damp, some leather , wood and spice, orange peel, and lemon drops amidst all the sweet lingering smoke.
Finish: Very sooty, hessian, bitter sweet and ashy.
Conclusion: Not as punchy as one would expect, but what it lacks in sheer power it compensates with complexity and does not disappoint. A classic Islay.
Score: 89/100
Available online at the MOM site