Review by: The Muskox
After finally relenting and admitting I was wrong all along about Lagavulin 16, I figured this one was as good a selection as any when I was in the mood for some peat.
Distillery: Lagavulin.
Bottler: Official bottling.
Region: Islay.
ABV: 48%.
Age: 8 years.
Cask type: Unknown.
Price: $98 CAD.
Color: Natural colour and non-chill-filtered, maybe?
Nose: Hoo baby, that’s a big one. Nice and heavy, medicinal, burnt-rubber, barbeque, earthy peat. A serious coastal influence on this one as well, with some seashell-like aromas. As a contrast, there’s some light citrus and apple in here too. The peat is earthy and aromatic, piney, almost herbal. Supporting it all, though, is that same, nutty, rich sweetness I got from the 16 year old.
Palate: Feels thick and muscular, but without any rough edges. Starts with dark chocolate, and then the peat builds and builds and builds. That rich sweet fudginess still comes through even past the mountain of peat. Burnt sugar and leather as well. Just a touch of sherry here, maybe some sticky dates.
Finish: Big. Volcanic ash. More dark chocolate. The earthiness of the peat lasts and lasts.
Conclusion: This is a good one. The peat level reminds me of Kilchoman Machir Bay in the way that it’s almost like munching on a brick of peat, but there’s definitely that extra level of richness and iodine. The extra little bit of age it has on the Machir Bay also helps to round it out.
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.
Malt Runners 