Lagavulin 8 years

Tasting notes by Serge Valentin (WhiskyFun.com) 90/100 points

The first new 8, which they did to celebrate the Distillery's two hundred years back in 2016, had been excellent in my opinion (WF 90) but I haven't tried any subsequent releases, while quite some friends have been fearing this 8 was actually a sneaky little move to replace the popular 16 with a whisky half the age and at roughly the same price. I for one wouldn't care too much, both drops being equally excellent; what's more the 8 comes with some precious extra-5% vol.

Colour: pale white wine.

Nose: 'putting your head into a long-abandoned coal stove', or something like that. Then diving into the Irish sea, smelling oysters, nosing lemon juice, muscadet, beach sand, newly washed pull-over, old newspapers, plus the obligatory olive brine. There's a lot of purity and cleanliness, you could almost think 'Scottish mezcal'.

Mouth: perfect, straight to the point, bold and tart, with this funny fat minerality that's very Lagavulin in my book, quite some saltiness, lemon, roots, earths, clam casserole, olives, tar and just smoked fish. Kippers.

Finish: long, pretty peppery, maybe a little savoury now (miso), with olives and lemon twists. Mr Bond would approve, I suppose. Kippers and anchovies in the aftertaste, plus loads of smoke.

Comments: a little uncomplicated but I would say that's an asset in this context where precision is the key. I can't see why we wouldn't keep those…

SGP:368 - 90 points.

Lagavulin Distillery

Lagavulin Distillery is located on the south coast of the island of Islay, overlooking the rugged coastline and Lagavulin Bay. Founded in 1816 by John Johnston, the distillery has built a rich history and a strong reputation as one of the most iconic Islay distilleries.

A specific feature of Lagavulin is the intense peat smoke that gives its whiskies a deep smoky character. The distillery is known for its slow distillation process in traditional copper pot stills, which creates a rich and complex flavour profile. The whisky is mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks and European oak sherry casks, which contributes to the full and layered flavours.

Lagavulin whiskies are loved for their powerful aromas of smoke, seaweed, salt, vanilla and dried fruit. The long, warm finish and perfect balance between smoke and sweetness make Lagavulin a favourite among whisky lovers. The combination of traditional methods, a unique location and a distinctive flavour profile makes Lagavulin an iconic name in the world of single malt whisky.