Lagavulin 12 Year (2011) – 11th Edition

Review by: TOModera

You swap with glinsvad yet? Why not? He’s awesome, and he sent me 4 Islay staples that were amazing. Seriously, this guy deserves a steak and a high five (thought I was going to say something else, didn’t you? Dirty Scotch monkeys…)

Anyway, as I’ve said before, Lagavulin 16 is my go-to “someone else is paying” drink. It’s smooth, it goes great with a good slab of beef, and it’s amazing. And it’s pricey, so someone else buying it makes your night.

And as a lot of you have read (or are reading for the first time), some Scotches are hard to find here in Ontario, and are pricey, so Lagavulin 12 has never really been an option for me. I’ve read multiple reviews stating it’s amazing, and have wanted to try this one for awhile.

If you’re very observant, and stalking me, you’ll notice I’m working on the advanced and beginner list. I’ll be taking a break from it for awhile, and doing some others. Mostly World Whisky, though some Scotches will be popping up here and there. Here’s hoping this last “Essential” one (for awhile) lives up to the hype.

Distillery: Lagavulin Distillery.

Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Region: Islay, Scotland

ABV: 57.5%. Cask strength.

Age: 12 years. Distilled in 1999. Bottled in 2011.

Cask type: Bourbon Casks

Price: Not available in Ontario. Thanks LCBO. We get 15 bottles of $26,000 Glenfiddich 50 in Ontario, however don’t bring any bottles into the province that I can at least try to afford.

Color: Coors Light

Nose: Mint, alcohol burn, cedar, peat, bacon, leather, cocoa, roses, orange zest, white chocolate, coconut

The nose on this one is a little rougher than the 16. I’m assuming the lack of Abv. and the 4 more years mellows it out, kinda like me on medication. Very Islay, very smokey, and just a hint of sweetness.

Taste: Little burn, menthol, hot sausage, smooth, peat, oregano, smooth!, chocolate

And then the smoothness comes back in…. unlike me, ever. More of that burn, but it becomes smooth over time. Reminds me of other Islay’s, kinda like a relaxed Ardbeg or Laphroaig. Some complexity here.

Finish: Peat, sour lemon, pepper, bacon, lettuce, dry, med-short, faint earth, faint strawberry

I’m torn on the finish on this one. It’s less than the 16, yet it has more complex earthy/sweetness with the peat. Don’t like that it doesn’t last too long though.

Conclusion: I’ll be honest, I was expecting this one to be up there with Ardbeg Uigendail or Macallan CS. And while this is a great Scotch, it’s not at the top of my favourite list. It’s great, I’d just rather other ones instead. And it’s definitely better than the Lagavulin 16, so it’s well worth having some. I’d even consider getting a bottle of it, if I didn’t have other whisky to buy. And if I could buy it.

Final Score: 87.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

Leave a comment