Lagavulin "The Ink Of Legends" 12 Years Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2023 Special Release
(Islay, Scotland) - [WA 94, #3 Top 20 '24]

Distillery Notes:

Thick whispers of rich smoke, etched with bright herbs and juicy plums, for an indelible finish.

Inspired by the spirit of intensity and pride that shines through a Lagavulin history more than 200 years long, our Malt Master explores the famed symbols of the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, rich in story and significance. The whisky, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, pulses with herbal flavors ancient and modern, engraving an indelible story.

Bottled at natural cask strength - 112.8 proof

Tasting Notes:

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 savory 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.

Palate: At natural strength, the robust texture is creamy smooth and mouth-filling, while with its ever-richer swirling flavors 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.

Awards/Reviews

94 Points, #3 Top 20 Of 2024 - Whisky Advocate

"Lagavulin 12 year old is no stranger to Diageo’s annual Special Releases series, appearing every year since 2002. The 2023 expression takes a traditional Special Releases attribute to Lagavulin—cask strength bottling—and adds a touch of secondary maturation in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks. In true Lagavulin fashion, it’s a peaty dram that offers much more than smoke. The nose is bright and briny, bursting with lime zest, seaweed, a hint of soapiness, and cooked agave. On the palate, plum and punchy citrus meld with baked apple, vanilla sweetness, and minerality, making for a balanced whisky that sails away on a lengthy, spicy finish."