As usual this is the most accessible releases from Diageo’s Special Releases 2017. As often it is also one of the most reliable releases. Lagavulin 12 Year Old , the cask strength expression.

Lagavulin 12 yo (56,5%, OB 2017, 17th release)

Nose: sweet, deeply sooty, with lots of medicinal notes, coastal notes, shells on a beach, putty and earthy notes. As expected. Some gherkins, but there’s a gentler side too, something of butter pastry, almond cream and lemon oil. Sharp and powerful, but somehow very balanced. Mouth: same intensity. Big peat with pepper and lemon. Smoked fish, leathery...