Lagavulin 12 Years (2024) Fireside Tales - Diageo Special Releases (2024)

Nose

Nose in and... Boom! A cloud of oil with a vanilla explosion meets cold smoke. Not that aggressive, medicinal Ardbeg smoke, but rather the subtle campfire flavour with a warming undertone. There is also a mineral flavour - almost as if someone had walked through a pine forest with a tropical fruit salad. Pineapple? Check. Peach? Check. A hint of banana? That's right. And somewhere in the background, a sea breeze blows past, reminiscent of salty spray. Sounds exciting? Yes! Are expectations rising? Oh yes!

Palate

Then the first sip - and oops, the fairy tale takes a sudden turn. Instead of sweet fruit, there is a good dose of ginger and bitter spiciness. This is joined by white pepper and, of course, the typical Lagavulin smoke - but this time cooler than usual. Fruit? Hardly at all. Instead, a curious mix of grilled vegetables, especially peppers, with a pinch of seaweed.

Finish

This is where the whisky comes into its own. Suddenly the pineapple reappears, as if it had got lost for a moment. Fruity, long-lasting and warming. There is also a light tar note and a hint of black pepper. Voluminous, intense - exactly what you want from a good Islay whisky.