07/12/2025 Lagavulin

Lagavulin 8yo (48%, OB Limited Edition 200th Anniversary, Refill American Oak Casks, 20,000b): nose: gently-toasted barley, dry hay stacks, haybales stored in a barn, and a delicate waft of manure -- insofar as such a scent can be delicate. There are some crystals in there too, perhaps quartz, augmenting a layer of smoked yellow stuff -- straw now comes into focus. It is not complex in the slightest, but it plays its couple of notes adequately. The second nose has oily tobacco followed by an overheated room in which one smokes a lot. Mouth: punchy, it turns blue and petrolic, reminiscent of petrol drops in a puddle of rain water: pretty, but not good to drink. This, here, is less harmful, and it actually feel diluted, which is quite rich, at that strength. We have got straw set alight, cereals toasted beyond caramel (and teasing char), and petrol. The second sip is fresher; it even has apple slices. They are soon cloaked in cigarette smoke, as if someone ruined one's dessert by smoking at the dinner table. Finish: it is sweet cereals, for a second, then a frank lick of an ashtray. It has charred paper, burnt cereals, straw ashes and cigarette ashes -- thankfully not the butts. tOMoH's grandparents (on both sides) had push-down ashtrays, and this finish is strongly reminiscent of that. For nostalgia value, that makes this whisky worthwhile. Otherwise, it is for smokers only, really. Or for those who are cold, because this is warming. The second gulp is sweeter, with custard and lukewarm fruit yoghurt. And smoke. This is young, simple, yet efficient -- for those who like this profile. Me? Just the one dram, thanks. 6/10 (Thanks for the sample, OB)