New Arrival: Lagavulin 21 Year Old 2012 Diageo Release

So, its either the end of the world as we know it, or the season of good will. I'd settle for the latter and my efforts this year warrant a wee pre-Xmas treat. Maybe I've gone a little overboard but when Diageo announced their 2012 releases there were 2 bottles I wanted more than most; the Brora and the Lagavulin. I've finally completed the double...

I enjoyed my trip to Lagavulin earlier this year and sadly missed out on the 2012 Jazz release by a matter of days. I've put that wrong to right by picking up this release which is a worthy follow-up to the legendary 21 year old from a couple of years ago. The packaging for the price is a little substandard but it's what we have come to associate with these Diageo releases. The prices may rise but its the whisky you are paying for and not the bonus material.

Info
Distillery: Lagavulin
Age: 21 years
Distilled: 1991
Bottled: 2012
Limited Edition of: 2772
Strength: 52%
Cask: First Fill ex-Sherry European Oak
Additional: 'This is only the second Lagavulin of this age ever bottled by the original distillers. Older expressions such as this are very rare, due equally to the limited distillation possible here and the high demand for regular bottlings. When a sister 21 year old distilled in 1985 and also aged in first fill ex-sherry European Oak casks was released, all 6642 individually numbered bottles were sold in days. This time there are just 2772...'

'Splendid and complex, this mature malt delivers the expected Lagavulin intensity with elegance and style. The deeper amber colour introduces a rich nose with raisin fruit and welcoming smoke. Soft red fruits appear, then the aromas grow sweet with buttery caramel. Full-bodied, smooth and richly enjoyable to drink, with notes of molasses, treacle toffee and toffee apple. The finish is complex and deep, with charred oak and fresh wood smoke, then sweet baked apples.'