Lagavulin 12 years The Ink Of Legends

Tasting notes by Hans Offringa:

Appearance: Bright pale sunlight. Good beading and legs.

Nose: The immediate aromas are slightly more medicinal than smoky, showing hints of carbolic soap and soothing rub that soon mingle with aromatic wood smoke from a driftwood bonfire on the beach. As the intense, herbal smoke takes over, a savoury note drifts through it, suggesting barbecued pork. A drop of water reduces the intensity yet adds more maritime and darkly fruity notes, making the smokiness yet more aromatic.

Body: Medium.

Palate: At natural strength, the robust texture is creamy- smooth and mouth-filling, while with its ever-richer swirling flavours the taste is sweet at first and citrus-like, adds a good sprinkling of salt, then reveals notes of juicy plum in an increasingly smoky and lip-tingling finale. With a dash of water, it’s a little sweeter and smokier still.

Finish: Long, with a salty tang and finishing very smoky, with just a hint of that light meatiness in a smoky aftertaste that is both lingering and mouth-cooling. It is drying, with a lovely warm-heartedness.

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.