Easily the darkest whisky in the 2012 Classic Malts Selection releases, this Lagavulin is immediately unusual due to its sherry finish. Only the second 21-year-old Lagavulin ever bottled by the distillery, it’s a unique malt for Islay whisky fans.

It’s a big malt, with lots to love. Quite smoky up front, the sherry does it justice. The peat is quickly tempered with citrus sweetness, golden raisins, then marzipan paste. It’s difficult to keep that smoke down, though. It rises again on the finish, overwhelming the fruit and nuts with the essence of the chimney. It would probably be asking to much to request another 4 years of age on this one, to give it time to mellow out just a bit more.

In the end, it’s a fine Lagavulin, and definitely worthwhile, but not my favorite of this year’s offerings.

104 proof.

B+ / $624 / malts.com

Lagavulin 21 Years Old Limited Edition 2012

$624

8.5

Rating

8.5/10