Lagavulin Rare By Nature 12 Year Old
Single Malt Scotch Whisky 56.4% Abv, Islay

Lagavulin is an iconic Islay malt, its majestic spirit steeped in history for over two hundred years. standing proud in a small bay guarded by treacherous rocks and the ruins of a 13th century castle, once ruled by the Lords of the Isles, it reigns supreme today like the white tailed eagle that soars high above sea and shore nearby.

'Soaring and intense, a small batch of single vintage Lagavulin matured in refill American oak casks.'

Tasting Notes

APPEARANCE
Pale gold; very pale straw. Good beading.

NOSE
Mild overall, with a light prickle. The top notes are unusually ashy for Lagavulin, but familiar hints of linseed oil soon reassure. Gradually fruity notes of hard candy (boiled sweets) emerge, as does a clean, fresh suggestion of the sea, like sniffing the sea air in a fishing harbour. With water, the aromas reduce and the more pungent, smoky notes come slightly forward.

BODY
Medium.

PALATE
At natural strength, soft and smooth in texture with a big taste that is sweeter than expected. Smoky too, with a little salt. A clean, fresh Lagavulin that is very lightly drying mid-palate. The sweetness is more prominent with water, when the tastes are reduced yet broadly unchanged.

FINISH
Long and very smoky, as the smokiness comes through much more strongly. Lightly drying, with an appetising salty aftertaste. With water, sweeter, though the smokiness still reasserts itself in the aftertaste.