Diageo celebrated Feis Ile 2021 with two bottlings: the Caol Ila 12 Years Moscatel end and this Lagavulin 13 Yr Outdated. It was initially matured in refill American oak earlier than being transferred to closely charred Port-seasoned barrels.
The (official) bottle picture doesn’t give the precise impression. In actuality the whisky is kind of mild, not as darkish because the picture suggests. It’s definitely not exhibiting a pink hue or anything that may point out a heavy wine affect.
Lagavulin 13 yo (56,1%, OB for Feis Ile 2021, Port cask end, 6000 btl.)
Nostril: actually good. There’s (refined) wooden smoke and tarry rope, with coal mud, linseed oil and hints of iodine. It additionally reveals a collection of candy notes, like crimson grapes, raisins and blackcurrant. Vanilla roundness (closely baked butter biscuits), in addition to ginger and blood orange. Hints of espresso. Not the smokiest Lagavulin, nearer to a Distillers Version, nevertheless it definitely steers away from the everyday Port pitfalls.
Mouth: dialed up a notch. Extra smoke now, with a variety of darkish sweetness. Candy wine comes out, in addition to maple syrup, toffee and chocolate. A sudden burst of black peppercorns seems. Additionally a lemon and salt combo. A bit rougher and undoubtedly extra savoury after some time, on earthy notes, burning leaves and a natural bitterness.
End: fairly lengthy however a bit much less expressive now, with bitter charred notes, chilli, ashes and a toffee sweetness.
Excessive char certainly, which provides sweetness to the darkish fruits of the Port. This isn’t a traditional Lagavulin profile, however I actually prefer it. Wanting on the Whiskybase feedback, not everybody appears to be satisfied although. Thanks for the pattern, Tom! Initially obtainable for £ 160, now solely with a premium. Verify TyndrumWhisky as an illustration.
