Nose:
A mild nose overall, with light prickle. Classic Lagavulin. The nose is highly phenolic, with clean, fresh top notes of medical supplies; carbolic, dentists’ mouthwash and medicine cupboards, all on an ashy base, reminiscent of a recently extinguished peat fire. A savoury note and a mineral, maritime note; sea air, tarry ropes, seaweed, sand. With water, the last comes to dominate, quietly.
Palate:
At natural strength, smooth in texture and unexpectedly sweet, intense and very smoky from the off. with light acidity, a sprinkle of sea salt and a very smoky finish, long and warming. A little salt, no pepper. Benchmark distillery character throughout, exactly as is expected from a Lagavulin 12. At reduced strength, the taste remains the same.
Finish:
Long, warming, sweet and delightfully smoky. Lightly drying, leaving the breath smoky. With water, sweeter and smoother, though the smokiness reasserts itself at the close.
