🥃 Whisky Auctioneer

Aimed at a quick hit (and doing so well) without offering much behind it. A very good quick sip. 71-80 – Fine, like to drink by time

This is one of those gorgeous Lagavulins that you don't want to take apart, you just want to enjoy it. Difficulty of note breakdown: 7/10 21 23 22 22

This Lagavulin is excellent, perfect for winter evenings, with plenty of fruit, smoke, and warming spices. It pleasantly caresses the palate, is easy to drink, smooth, and creamy. The alcohol is perfectly hidden, with a mineral finish on the tongue.

With water

sry, I expected indeed more. At a first glance... and after trying, I would say that it is maybe on a quality level with a Laphroaig 10 CS. Overall quite ok, but not outstanding... and I would have expected more of the Amarone influence which I couldn't find in the first 2cl

Robust, typical Lagavulin smoke takes center stage initially: dry peat smoke, ash, and subtle maritime notes of seaweed and salt. Beneath this, sweeter notes from the bourbon aging develop, such as vanilla, toffee, and oak. The Amarone finish introduces dark, fruity accents: ripe cherries, red berries, and raisins. With time, dark chocolate, leather, and a slightly vinous acidity emerge, adding further depth to the smoke. On the palate, oily, intense Islay smoke meets a pronounced, yet well-integrated, fruit sweetness. The peat is earthy and dry, accompanied by black pepper and a salty spice. The bourbon cask aging contributes vanilla, caramel, and a gentle wood sweetness. The Amarone cask adds dark fruits, red berries, and a slightly tart, tannic note reminiscent of red wine and grape skins. The combination of smoke, fruit, and spice is complex without overpowering the Lagavulin character. Long and warming. Persistent smoke, spicy oak, and dark fruit remain present. Towards the end, dry red wine notes emerge, along with a touch of cocoa and a slightly bitter grape skin note, adding structure and length to the finish. A powerful, complex Lagavulin where the Amarone finish lends the classic Islay profile additional fruit depth and an elegant, slightly tart wine note without compromising its smoky core.

Nase: Süß, mineralisch, Kirsche, etwas Orange, Rauch, Gewürze, Rosine, Eiche, maritim | Geschmack: Süß, würzig, mineralisch, Rauch, Eiche, Karamell, Kirsche, etwas Orange, Gewürze | Abgang: Mittellang; süße Noten, Rauch, Gewürze, dunkle Kirsche, etwas mineralische Noten und Eiche bleiben. | Fazit: Die Nase beginnt süß mit einer mineralischen Note. Kirsche und etwas Orange folgen. Rauch und Gewürze kommen dann. Etwas Rosine und Eiche sind ebenfalls da. Eine leicht maritime Note schwingt mit. Der Geschmack beginnt kraftvoll. Süße, würzige und mineralische Noten kommen zusammen mit Rauch und Eiche. Anschließend habe ich Karamell, Kirsche und etwas Orange. Gewürze sind außerdem wahrnehmbar. Ein schöner rauchiger Whisky. Schöne intensive Noten. Der Alkohol gibt Kraft und ist gut eingebunden. Fehlnoten habe ich keine. | 87 Punkte

Not even 85 points? Hmm, that's harsh criticism I think. In the category "tastes good/doesn't taste good" I find it very convincing, pleasant sweet smoke and creamy, especially with water (reminds me of the drinking experience of the Cairdeas 2023). Of course, not too complex, but what he does he is good.