Double matured in PX seasoned casks and now coming without any age or vintage statements, while last year's still had one, 2006. Gulp! At least it lasted from the glorious vintage 1979 to vintage 2006. Colour: golden apricot. Nose: nice, fresh, not quite PX-y, rather on lapsang souchong and pu-her, old hunting jacket, Barbour grease, lanolin, with a little game, Maggi, lovage, soy sauce… Some camphor and cough syrup too. Sadly I haven't got any older vintages at hand, but I have the impression that this is fresher and less on coffee and chocolate than its ancestors. Mouth: the sherry feels a little more on the palate but it's still a refreshing and lively Lagavulin, pretty smoky, with a growing toffeeness and a little pipe tobacco. Would tend to get then heavier and a little leathery, but with good marmalade and jams (plums). Finish: medium, a little medicinal, with a feeling of sweet cough syrup. No meatiness that I can detect on the palate. The aftertaste is a notch too jammy and sweet for me, this sweetness being new. Comments: nutshell, they cancelled the vintage and age statements and seemingly raised the price to +/-125€, while bottling a fairly better and possibly younger juice. Loved the lovage in it. Crikey, I just don't know whether we should start to complain or not.
BOW (88)
Lagavulin The Distillers Edition 2022: A Captivating Symphony of Raisin-Sweetness and Dark Smokiness
Every year, whisky aficionados eagerly await the latest installment of Lagavulin's much-celebrated The Distillers Edition. For 2022, the distillery has once again delighted its devoted fans with a remarkable expression that exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship synonymous with Lagavulin. Bottled in 2022, this highly anticipated release has been masterfully matured on Double Matured in PX Seasoned Oak Casks, resulting in a sensory symphony that promises to captivate the palate.
A Harmonious Marriage of Flavors:
The Lagavulin The Distillers Edition 2022 greets the senses with an alluring combination of extra rich raisin-sweetness and a dark smokiness that gradually intensifies as the peat unfolds. This harmonious marriage of flavors is a testament to the meticulous cask selection and maturation process employed by the skilled artisans at Lagavulin.
Double Matured in PX Seasoned Oak Casks:
The distillation journey of this exquisite expression began with the careful selection of the finest spirit, as is customary for Lagavulin's exceptional whiskies. Following this, the whisky underwent a unique double maturation process, which is a hallmark of The Distillers Edition range. For the 2022 edition, Lagavulin chose PX Seasoned Oak Casks for the second maturation, a choice that imbues the spirit with an abundance of luscious raisin sweetness.
The Impact of the PX Seasoned Oak Casks:
The influence of the PX Seasoned Oak Casks is profound, bestowing upon the whisky a depth of flavor and complexity that is nothing short of exceptional. The casks, seasoned with Pedro Ximénez sherry, impart a rich sweetness to the whisky, infusing it with notes of succulent raisins, dark fruits, and a sumptuous viscosity that coats the palate.
Dark Smokiness and Intensifying Peat:
As the journey through the palate unfolds, the whisky's signature dark smokiness comes to the fore, complementing the sweetness with a captivating depth. The peat, characteristic of Lagavulin whiskies, develops gradually, adding layers of complexity to the overall flavor profile. The interplay between the smokiness and the intensifying peat creates a mesmerizing experience, one that lingers on the taste buds long after the final sip.
An Unforgettable Experience:
For whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the Lagavulin The Distillers Edition 2022 promises an unforgettable experience. From the first nosing to the lingering finish, the whisky unfolds like a symphony, with each note carefully orchestrated to showcase the distillery's mastery.
In Conclusion:
The Lagavulin The Distillers Edition 2022 is a true testament to the legacy and artistry of Lagavulin, a distillery that has long been revered for its exceptional whiskies. With its double maturation in PX Seasoned Oak Casks, it delivers an extraordinary amalgamation of raisin-sweetness and dark smokiness, making it a cherished addition to any whisky collection. Whether savored in quiet contemplation or shared among friends, this remarkable expression stands as a testament to Lagavulin's commitment to excellence, capturing the heart and soul of Islay's renowned whisky heritage.
