28/10/2024 Lagg

Lagg 5yo 2019/2024 (60.5%, OB Distillery Exclusive, B#7, C#LG19/0997, 1st Fill ex-Bourbon Cask): nose: a punch of peat. We have hot ink, seal wax, melted over hot embers, fishing nets so dry they turn crusty and crispy, barbecued oysters, and, underneath all that, an earthy lick of forest floor, or petrichor. Deeper nosing gives more barbecued goodies, less discernible, but more earth-crawlers than seafood. The second nose offers a stack of books, kept in a black bin bag in the sun. Lastly, we have grilled skewers of diced white fish, yellow peppers, and chunks of fruits. Mouth: the palate blends ashy barbecue leftovers, lichen-y eau-de-vie, and an almost grain-like green sweetness à la Port Dundas. Young Caol Ila comes to mind, for some reason. The strength is noticeable, not detrimental. We then have quince, lichen, and dried saxifrage, as well as limestone, all ground to a dusty pulp, and mixed together. The second sip has a briny seawater feel to it, yet it is also sweet, in a roasted-calamansi way. Perhaps we find dried rosemary too. Roasted or grilled citrus is more pronounced as time goes on. Finish: not sure it is still quince, but orchard fruit, certainly, and limestone too. It is not far from quarry dust, borderline chalky. It is also warming! Lingering in the aftertaste is smoked-apricot compote. The second gulp gives a clear algae vibe, both fresh- and seawater algae, topped with a sprinkle of lemon juice. It remains fresh and fruity, while pushing barbecued fruits and seaweed. And could that be grilled pineapple rings wrapped in clingfilm? As unusual as it may read, it is! So young, and very good already. How promising! 7/10 (Thanks for the sample, MR)