Lagavulin 12 years old (2020 Special Release) /56,4%/ – Special Releases is a limited edition range of whiskies released each fall by Diageo. The series was introduced in 2002 and highlights the best and the rarest malt and grain whiskies from the company portfolio bottled at natural strength. The 2020 release included eight single malts – from the oldest of the bunch 30 years old Dalwhinnie and Pittyvaich to the youngest, Talisker 8 years old. Four out of eight: Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore, Lagavulin and Talisker used to be part of the legendary Classic Malts series launched in the late 1980s. Lagavulin 12 years old has been “permanent member” of the series; the 2020 edition was created (as always) from refill American oak casks.
Nose: smoky and fruity, seaweed, lemons, tinned pineapple, gooseberries, apples, smoked ham, white pepper, lemon grass, oak and delicate mineral note.
Palate: smoky and ashy, green olives, pepper, vanilla, salted caramel, apples, pears, Meyer lemons, nougat, licorice, oak and whiffs of sea breeze.
Finish: long, with notes of peat smoke and ashes, white pepper, lemon peel, licorice, cinnamon, sea salt and oak.
