Whisky Review: Lagavulin 8 years single malt Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review Lagavulin 8 years Category Single Malt Scotch Region Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay Age Statement 8 years Closure Cork Stopper ABV 48% Limited Edition 20,000 bottles released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the distillery. Price Varie widely but in New Hampshire I paid $60. Reasonable but I have seen some very high prices elsewhere in excess of $100. Wood Management Aged exclusively in refill bourbon casks. No ex-sherry casks involved. Nose (undiluted) Without water, the aromas that will lift out of your glass are delightful. Minty, hickory wood, seaside bonfire, hint of banana and lemons too. Add water and these aromas are muddled. Palate (diluted) You really have to add some water given the 48% ABV in my opinion. With a little water you will get big time salt, loads of hard, coarse salt, custard and of course smoke and peat. There are green minty notes with wet wood smoke. Finish (diluted) Dry zing of black pepper corns, ginger, dry ginger, camphor, menthol and phenolic notes abound. General Impressions This is a bold expression from the Lagavulin distillery that serves up lively peat and smoke, lemon zest and banana, plus some wood char. It would be comparable to Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig Quarter Cask. Do not regard Lagavulin 8 years as a younger version of the 16 year old. They are very different whiskies. Definitely peat and smoke fans of Islay malts will enjoy, but if Islay malts are not your cup of tea, then probably best to avoid this expression and opt for something that is gentler like an easy going blend (Islay Mist, White Horse, etc.). Personally, I prefer a more refined taste of the 16 year old Lagavulin, but that is a different malt all together given the aging in sherry casks and much older malts. Thanks for tuning in! Best, Jason