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Powerful and balanced, very drinkable

Nothing but love for the first sip. If one likes smoky whisky and Lagavulin 16yo, then 12yo is an absolute must. Something like one of the syllable whisky's pages. Yes, compared to others, it is a damn expensive salvation (especially in the Czech Republic), but I do not regret the only crown I have put into it.

21+ 22 21+ 21+ 86+ From the opening it’s not bad, smooth, tasty, but in general a little closed, boring whisky, you have to let it breathe! I breathed for a week and became worse, by 82 points, sadly, let's wait, maybe everything will return ... We waited until the summer of 2023 and a miracle) - everything became very tasty! Classic situation with 12 year old Lagavulin - BE PATIENT!) Axiom - there is no tasteless Lagavulin 12, you just don't have enough time for it!)

Coastal peat, candied citrus, yellow fruits, quite good

Ginger flower, cheese, feathers, oysters, disinfectant, sugar apple, salty lemonade, slightly sweet sparkling water, the alcohol content is well concealed, and it is relaxing and pleasant.

What an improvement compared to the (slightly disappointing, but still good) 14th release. This one is so much more vibrant and fruity, without losing its peaty power. This is about as good as it gets in heavily peated whisky. 89/90. Also comparing this one to the 11th release my first impression is confirmed: This release is exceptionally fruity. In the Distillers Editions the older editions cannot be beat by the new ones, but with this one I've got the impression that it's the other way around (although I've never tasted the first 6).

Tasted and scored during a blind tasting competition in May/June 2017. (PO17)

[March, 2016]  Together with friends I emptied a bottle that I bought for 94 Euro in November, 2015.In my old rating system (ten scales that translate into WB points: 50 - 66 - 75 - 80 - 82,5 - 85 - 87,5 - 90 - 92,5 - 95) I scored this 90.  My notes state a clean and flawless "naked" Lagavulin.

Straw color. Oily structure.

N: Super vibrancy, yet soft and welcoming, clean, peat monster. All sorts here, theres real scope which will be discovered and written about many times over I’m sure. Ill just leave one key note: lambs lettuce [nothing to do with meat this time]. T: Yes, yes, nods, more nods - perfect! Hands waving, fingers wiggling,.... It seems i’m speechless. Such an abundance of flavour - chocolate-sweet, herbal, salty, peat. F: More, more white & milk chocolate, herbal, more chocolate peat,... C: Flawless, perfect, every sip hits the mark. Scores an A [92] __________________________________________________________________ Thought i’d compare my two favourites from tonight’s Malt ’n’ Copper Christmas tasting, ‘Yule be Glad’ -  Lagavulin 12yo [15th release] WBvs Linkwood 25yo Ob WB. Laga to start: N: Boom! Super clean, peaty-polished boots T: Superb, smiles around the table F: Superbly neat and permeating C: Perfect Linkwood N: Soft, minty, passion fruits, herbal, a touch meaty. The nose is sensational with much consensus T: Fruity, oily old wood and importantly, the palate is far better than an hour ago. Delicious medicinal/herbal-sweet - this is Linkwood all over. Time has allowed this to sing F: Vanillas, wood, depth of age C: Come on G&M, 46% please. Im prepared to pay the extra premium for that extra 3% - this 25yo is worth it! Scores in context then: the Lagavulin drops from 92 to 91 whilst the Linkwood rises from 87 to 88 - and that’s all to do with that extra [13 years+] information extracted from the wood. Two different worlds here. __________________________________________________________________ Jan 2016 [Diageo 2015 release tasting] N: It just so happens I've tried this more than any other whisky in the last few months. It's everywhere, or so it seems - maybe because it's affordable? Today it's hitting me with, oily-buttery horse meat, mango & papaya (dried chunks & fresh slivers), ‘five spice’, paprika, tamarind and coastal notes, with an abv that leads to a umami oomph! Food pairing would be unnecessary here as it pairs up with itself rather fantastically. T: Wowee, everytime I try this I meet an exquisite, graceful giant - beefy and big, yet always polite, respectful even. F: A long finish of smoke with body, iodine, seaweed,... with the grain always in view. Lovely combinations of things throughout. C: Beats the Port Ellen WB alongside with ease Scores an A[-] [91]

What to expect, a good ex-bourbon smoker in CS, intense, vanilla without end and relatively complex.

86-90 – Wow, really good one, need a bottle

A really good whisky, but not outstanding. I had hoped for a little more, I admit.

Classic South Islay style peated whisky. Honest, strong, straight forward. Not complex but not too simple either. That's my thing! Notes from a blind tasting. And recognized! One of my favorite whiskys, luckily I still have some of ... Today one point less than the first Notes.

Great peated single cask whisky!

A very fine whisky, party in the mouth. Quite expensive for a 12 year old so I would not buy it myself but I got a 6cl dram from a friend and am glad to have tasted this whisky.

Thick peat and smoke. We recognize the Lagavulin profile but without the slightly sweet side of the 16 year old. This time it's steep, rocky, almost hostile. Coal, a stifling mist, it's like putting your head in the chimney of a steam locomotive. Acidulous hint, lemony, scrub, dry shrubs, wood fétu. Fresh iodized wind. Country Gadoue. After a while, very nice balance, with a little icing sugar, citrus fruits, and a little mineral peat. White chocolate. Very oily palate, vanilla, spices but light, just right, paprika, saffron, ginger. Powerful and charcoal finish, slightly buzzy, not extremely long however. https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2021/01/lagavulin-12-yo-diageo-special-releases.html

Minute differences notwithstanding, Lagavulin 12 is remarkably consistent in its austerity year after year. I just wish that sometimes its taste could be a little more rounded, with some streaks of fruitiness, but I guess lagavulin thinks otherwise, or perhaps they don't want to waste choice barrels in the vatt. While it is very good (89 points), I have stopped buying it because for me, it lacks excitement -- I know exactly how it will taste like.

PO2017 - Day 14

Aroma: Delicate and a little sweeter than expected. First, you get the feeling that you are in an old, freshly cleaned dairy, over which lies a profound scent of just yet perceptible peat smoke. The fragrance gains depth, and quite appetizing aromas arise, reminiscent of burned fireworks and ashes over cereal flakes; but also an acidic piquancy, which blends with the sweetness of butter caramel and hints at applesauce, peppermint and juicy fruits. At the end, toffee and freshly baked baguette, leather and spices appear in the scent. With water, the fragrance softens, at first merely cleansing, then develops a subtle interplay of mint, white vinegar and fresh wood smoke. The whole appearance is youthful and alive. A malt for all who want the full smoking pleasure! Taste: Abrupt and intense. Sweet and sparkling, oily, with lime zest and the sweetness of malt sugar, which soon wraps in peat smoke. Then, in the middle of the palate, the impression of dry and aromatic wood develops, roughened by salty notes and a smoky pungency. Water improves the taste: it is lighter, but still sweet and spicy, oily and fruity, a little salty, the smoke is autumnal - like a piece of substantial fruit bread, which you eat in the vicinity of a wood-fired oven. Finish: Long-lasting, warming and enveloping. Waxy, resinous with herbal notes and the smoky aroma of various dried fruits. Sweet on the tongue with wood smoke in the breath. With water, the delicate sweetness is supported, later unfold pine resin and autumn smoke.

In a side-by-side comparison: 73371 159352 262142 275795

Exceptionally fine, better than Laphroaig 10 CS in my opinion

22.5+22+21.5+22

http://kaypingers-whiskyblog.de/frontend/fullarticle.php?id=205 Color: Chardonnay Nose: Ultra salty and alcoholic tickling. Here you can find less peat in comparison. But he goes more in the herbaceous direction. Eucalyptus, mint, citric acid, vanilla, leather, wet cardboard and hints of green apple Taste: Very alcohol-based aromas and a slightly musty undertone with slightly sweet aromas of peat, honey, smoke and citrus fruits. The dry-peaty notes are complemented by some less beautiful herbaceous notes. Finish: Long - salty-fresh and peaty-smoky but also slightly flattened woody. Partly even a bit bland the end and not necessarily what you hoped for the finish. 87 points N: 89P / G: 87P / F: 85P

n: the 12yo laga always smells a bit younger than it is. at least in my humble opinion. it´s tarry, ashy , smoky, salty. that is what we know from this expression. this year we have additional mandarins, a bit more herbs and a bit more oak, I believe. liquorice and french aniseed pastilles. and a little vanilla as well. very good as usual. a clean distillate. t: oily attack, ultra punchy and it covers the whole tongue. by no means flattering stuff. a straight copy of the nose. nothing more to add. f: can it be , that this is shorter than previous batches? still salty, liquorice. comments: I´m a bit tired of reading that this cannot compare to the 16yo. of course it can´t and of course it does not want to. otherwise nobody would need it!  this is a true belter of a whisky. not an everyday dram but for moments when you need a glass of profound spirit and nothing else! and it´s consistent, have never tasted a bad one. 90/100

A very enjoyable and pure peat bomb, especially the sauna-like freshness is remarkable.

A great representative of bourbon Lagas. In a direct comparison to the 2021, I'm inclined to award a point more here. But these are certainly only nuances and it may also the other way round on another day. Full review in a session of six Lagavulin: https://keinehalbendrinks.de/2022/05/10/lagavulin-der-moderne/

Blind tasted, during the trial Olympics 2017

used to sell for just $80, now (2017) prices have skyrocketed to $120-140, don't get me wrong, it is still a very good whisky, just not worth the price anymore

Smoke complex fresh Islay whisky. This verion is dry on the nose and the palate. But still very delicious. Concerning price/performance ratio: 8/10

Diageo's annual cask-strength version of 12-year-old Lagavun.

Stones me but I don't get warm with it: too alcoholic, not very balanced and in my opinion too overpriced and hyped! Only the belief that he the 16y standard and the Dist.Ed. subsidized make it bearable ... What you have to give him: he numbs toothache and other things, e.g. tattooing an Edradour still ^^ No offense, but it won't be my favorite! Slàinte Mhath

Very straight ex-bourbon style. Takes no prisoners, powerful, malty sweetness, austere, smoky. Complexity is not one of its fortes, but not needed here, its strenghts lie elsewhere. Highly recommended.

The peaty aroma appears relatively late, followed by a creamy explosion on the palate, with almost no unpleasant herbal notes or bitterness.

This whisky resembles the uniqueness of Lagavulin so exquisitely. There's no fuss or grandeur, it's not too complex nor does it pretend to be. The 2014 & 2015 release are especially uncompromising to their nature. These two were also my and my friend Franz favorites from the 12-yo CS line. I miss you so much my friend :'( Lagavulin will forever be a reminder of our legendary blind whisky tastings in the evenings/nights.

This is just really well put together, and nearly exactly what I want in a whisky. I’ve heard a lot about batch variation, but unless it strays very, very far away from this it’s a definite win. If this was all Lagavulin made, they would be just as if not more infamous.

The smell is very fresh and intense and makes me immediately think of wind on the North Sea beach - very nice. Then comes the frontal attack on the mouth, the degree of astringency scrapes on the border of tolerability. The finish then shows some mercy again. A very powerful whisky that explores and sometimes crosses borders. I'm impressed, if a bit humiliated. A true giant.

A lovely dram, complex all the way through.

Fantastic whisky with capital letters. Exactly what a true Islay whisky should be. Nothing modern for sherryed flavors, a simple island-beach smoke full of notes of grilled fish crackled with lemon juice on the beach, hemp rope, sea breeze, a subtle hint of balsamic vinegar and honey... Simply fantasy, it's a shame that such whiskys are no longer made!

tasted 2015 together with 2014 edition. Both great whiskies. The 2015 with a bbq meaty more dusty sherry character whereas the 2014 with a more fruity lemon strawbery side  and of course both with a strong peaty body and a lot of ashes towards the end. I think I prefer the 2014.

On the nose this is unmistakably a Lagavulin 12yo, but this year's release seems to have added an extra layer of complexity. Still the crystal-clean peat style, but now with layer upon layer of additional fruits. Both sharper citrus fruits and sweeter/tropical fruits come through, alongside notes of hessian, new leather, roast coffee beans, and salty sea air. A drop of water brought the fruity notes to the fore. Really incredible and a whole level above the previous editions I've tried. As with previous versions, the peat becomes more present on the palate, but it is a crystal-clean smoke that I find distinctive to Lagavulin. The fruity notes do make their presence felt here too though, bringing a lovely sweetness to balance the smoke. Very long, lingering smoky finish. Excellent stuff from Lagavulin, with this year's edition being (rather unbelievably) an improvement on what has gone before.

Citrus, oyster, barbecue pineapple and smoked almonds on the nose. Oily citrus and pineapple syrup on the palate with smoking charcoal, vanilla and black pepper. Aniseed, herbal smoke, ash and lemon cake on the finish. Delivers an intense peat blast but balanced with unctuous fruit syrup, so never one-note and constantly evolving.

An outstanding dram as expected from a Lagavulin special release. (Rating interval 88-92)

Sooty and thick. Great edition.

We find all the markers at Laga but I find the whole less mastered than usual. This is not the first release of 12 years OB that I taste and I was rarely out of this range. Case to follow ... The whole remains good all the same.

This is the kind of wonderful dram where words write themselves. Flabbergasting in quality and is definitely very fairly priced for what it offers.

This is good whisky that comes out guns blazing, and it is a good demonstration of what young Islay whisky from a bourbon barrel does best - a kick in the teeth that makes you feel very much alive, But, there is a but. To me this is just too generic to score big points. Many of the undisclosed young Islay whiskies available today will give you much the same pleasure without paying the premium for a named brand. I miss the complexity Lagavulin is able to deliver at age and even though I know that is not the point of the 12-year old I am still left unsatisfied. This is a matter of taste - this is good cask strength Islay whisky by any standard and as such recommended.

Nose: fresh smoke, slightly buttery, light bacon, a nut toffee Taste: Sweet trophy fruits: apricot, melon, young avocado Ocean: 88 | 100 - Finish good long long fruit. I think it's worth a try

Beginning of sample. 1.5 cl pure. Not very packed.

From a sample. Strong, sweet with medium smoke and floral notes in the background on the palate in the finish. Very refreshing, and packs a punch! Perfect for a summer evening dram!

Tasted it blind during PO2017 (june 2017) and loved it.

Really one of the best releases of 2015, I think my memory is also better than 2014, I bought a bottle.

EVERY SINGLE YEAR AT A TOP LEVEL WHAT A WHISKY !!

Strong, dirty, untamed, that's how an Islay malt should be. Really great malt.

I've read about the 12CS many times before and those raving reviews are hereby confirmed. This is excellent whisky. What you get is a naked Lagavulin that is powerful, harmonious and pure that makes you forget any exotic cask treatment to improve a whisky. Diageo may do more things wrong than good, calling this a special release is rightful in my eyes. Damn you Lagavulin, you brilliant bastards.

Tasted this blind. "In your face dram", feels young and uncomplicated. I had this bottle myself, rated it 92 the first time, now 80 the second time. What blind tasting can do!

The fragrance is a celebration of complex smoke, citrus, rhinocaps, mint - in short, a promising Islay. THE first nip makes it clear that this is not a simple smoke machine - it is a wonderful spectacle from the tip of your tongue to the back of your mouth and rising back up your nose. Wood, smoke, fire - but also citrus, cream, vanilla, custard, honey, chocolate, faint iodine and pepper. That pepper sings through into the dry finish that leaves a bouquet of herbs, meter hose, stoneware, great, excellent, and so on. 90. Yes, of course.

Eyes: Golden Scent Nose: Vanilla ice cream, cream, medium smoke, lemongrass, shredded perilla and other herbs, sea salt and umami, some red pear water, apple juice, smell soft and stretch the taste Palate: extremely salty , Slightly sweet, no acid, no bitterness. First, perilla, rosemary, chopped pepper, then some salted butter and cheese powder, and then salt and seafood, apple tart, nectar, ginger, grilled saury, thirteen spice powder. Finish: long and salty, oak, smoked, char-grilled seafood, rosemary, skimmed milk wine Body: medium weight, no tannins, rich fat, firm body Nose: 90/100 Palate: 90/100 Finish: 90/100 Body: 90/100 Overall: 90/100. I have drunk 2019SR before. I was disappointed. Not only does it stimulate restlessness, but the level and coordination are far worse than this.

creamy, fresh, maritime. Not a complexity monster but intense and round, Lagavulin concentrate. Length: 6/10 Note 1-

I loved it. A big whisky, fiery and complex. Dark and bright. Alcohol is perfectly integrated, it does not matter for a second. For lovers of powerful peat and marine, if you have not tried this version 12 years CS, run! The pleasure - price ratio is superb! Beside and despite its qualities, the 16-year-old does not hold the shock. If it had to be given a subjective note, it would be a 91.

A big lagavulin like every year. These raw drum versions are a safe bet. It's clean, neat, rich, powerful, complex. An excellent whisky for a decent price. What more ?

For me a bit overrated now.  I liked both the10th en 11th editions better and with this one you need to be carefull with the amount of water and it takes more time and the right amount of water  it seems to develop this wonderfull peppery finish

purchased online at the price of 80 euros excluding shipping costs: nose: the coastal side of the distillery emerges immediately, more marked in this full-strength bottling than the basic version 16 yo, smell much more pronounced and intense, smoke, seaweed, peat, sea water, iodine and medicinal herbs taste: 58 degrees incredibly and wonderfully disappear, pale gold color, first sip explosion of peat, tar, algae, sea salt, the strength of a wave and the sea foam on the Scottish cliffs, then the second sip gives way to a taste creamy, with hints of citrus, cedar, sometimes liquorice, cereals, wax,alcohol is aniway hidden by peat and the malt creaminess Final: long,persistent, lasting, the taste remained on the palate for almost 30 minutes or more. A giant, to have at all costs in your collection

Lagavulin 12 2015, Everyone has only been talking about your little brother lately, the 2017. I tasted it, I liked it ... but hey ... I wanted to try again by falling on you, but it was not the same story. Thank you for this first divine sip and all the others. I savored you from the first to the last drop. I played with your impetuous titration by adding more or less water and I could discover your many faces. I hope to meet you again one day my wonder.

Lagavulin in its purest form. Fresh and bright. Breathtaking complexity for a 12-year-old single malt that has only matured in used bourbon barrels. Probably the best Islay that any connoisseur could afford.

This is stunning stuff! The fruit is awesome and still the power of an Islay... Need I say anything more...? Just buy and enjoy!

Magnificent, glorious, powerful. Serve Valentin from Whiskyfun compared the 12 years old cask to Porsches, fast, powerful and regular, I see more of a warship: the flagship of the Lagavulin fleet!

Smoky bacon & kippers on a bed of fruity olive oil

N: vanilla, gril party in the neighbourhood, lemon zest T: lemons, peat, white pepper, campfire smoke, caramel

One of best islay whisky I ever tasted. Alcohol very well integrated. Despite 57 ABV very drinkable.

My favorite Lagavulin.

Nose: An olfactory prelude of remarkable depth and maritime austerity. The first impression evokes the scent of damp peat, laced with a cool, iodine-laden coastal breeze, as if listening to the surf on a Scottish cliff. Underneath lie subtle nuances of lemon zest, subtle vanilla pulp, and oiled leather, accompanied by a fleeting memory of charred driftwood remnants—a perfume of past storms. Palate: The attack on the palate is relentless and aristocratic – a salty wave of peaty smokiness bursts over the taste buds, flanked by a pointed citrus note that shines through the dram with youthful unbridledness. A dialogic contrast between sweet malt and mineral austerity unfolds, interwoven with subtle bitter notes – reminiscent of white wine, roasted nuts, and Assam tea. The high alcohol content (approx. 56–60% ABV) is present, but never impetuous – more like a sharply honed instrument than brute force. Finish: Long, dry, with an ashy persistence reminiscent of the afterglow of an extinguished fire. Subtle hints of white pepper and lemon oil linger, like the afterimage of a symphonic coda on the inner ear.

Really good, I feasted, to discover if it is possible!

Ah laga I love you laga Suitable for use with a Cairn Cup, with a clear vanilla syrup flavor

Very strong and Smokey but good, but quite pricey