Lagavulin 26 Year Old Special Releases 2021 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Lagavulin 26 Year Old Special Releases 2021 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The crowning glory of “The King of Islay” is noble, generous and precious, restrained yet rich in subtle, smoldering intensity: truly an exceptional gem.

This delightful mature single vintage malt, the first 26-year-old Lagavulin Special Release, perfectly expresses the rich style of the first-fill Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso cask and is quite delicious, secure in the knowledge that its balance and smooth flavors have been shaped and respected by the decades.

OUTWARD APPEARANCE
A beech tree with intense colors in autumn.

BODY
Medium.

NOSE
On the soft nose, a finely woven vinous and woody aroma of great complexity takes time to reveal its individual secrets. Light, fresh, winey top notes mingle with linseed oil from an artist’s studio and then fade into a warm suggestion of polished sun-bleached mahogany, backed by dried edible seaweed, with sweeter hints of baked fig and butterscotch. Further on, the aromas become more pungent, oily and fragrant smoked; like going fishing, with background aromas of tarred rope and boat engine. If a little water is added, their intensity is reduced, while a clean linen note survives better.

PALATE
In the light, ultra-smooth, oily texture shines briefly a sweetness, soon tinged with salt and pepper, the whole becoming increasingly savory and smoky. Here is all the precious sweet-smoky style of Lagavulin in a bright, round shape. An unnecessary drop of water seems to enhance the harmony of flavors.

FINAL
Long, gently cautionary, and slightly smoky, as with steaming beech leaves, leaving a chanterelle aftertaste. A drop of water introduces a little pepper, then the smokiness reasserts itself in the drying aftertaste.