This right here is the Lagavulin 12 Year old from Diageo’s 2021 Special Releases! A regular sight in the Special Releases, this expression has enjoyed a dozen years of maturation in refilled American oak casks before being bottled up at 56.5% ABV. The theme for the Special Releases this time was ‘Legends Untold’, and as such, this one features a lion on the label. But not just any lion, mind. It’s a lion with a flaming mane!

Nose: The smoke is quite restrained, maritime with distant bonfires and lime. Just a little hint of bacon Frazzles.

Palate: Black pepper, saline and wood smoke, a little wood tannin, and then some sweeter toffee notes.

Finish: Black pepper, smoke, and salt with that citrus note coming back in.

Alc 56.5%