Lagavulin 12 Year (2008 Special Release)

Aroma: Fresh sour and peaty lemonade, with faint floral, young leather notes, and I suspect some sherry influence due to its similarity to a specific known bottle. The freshness is reminiscent of a particular Caol Ila expression, though I find that one's fruit character more intricate. After adding water: Sweetness becomes prominent, with lemon hard candy, increased aromatics, and a more noticeable alcohol sting. A hint of cinnamon lingers in the background. I definitely over-sniffed this one because the aroma is so captivating. Palate: A dynamic whisky that evolves on the palate and is surprisingly smooth to drink neat. It has a fairly oily mouthfeel that tempers the alcohol, making it feel mellow for a cask strength spirit. It starts with subtle sweetness, prominent lemony citrus, a mild phenolic peat aroma, and just as you swallow (my favorite part), a powerful wave of floral and fruity flavored smoke. After adding water: It becomes more refined, with the highly aromatic notes standing out and a sweeter arrival. Finish: I'm not sure I've ever experienced such an evolving finish. The smoke is dominant initially, but surprisingly, as it fades, tangy lemon citrus returns, followed by a very dry, slightly leathery sensation. There's an herbal quality. Perhaps rosemary? Final Thoughts: "Compared to everything else I've tried, this is most like a specific Caol Ila expression, but it possesses significantly more depth and substance. It's among the best whiskies I've encountered. It's not a powerhouse like certain other bottles; it's far more elegant, subtle, and refined. Its considerable complexity and sophistication are highly rewarding."

It's significantly more intricate if you're patient and let the scotch evolve as you sip it neat or with a little water. Delightful with abundant licorice and a dried raisin note. From beginning to end, its presence endures, adapting to the environment it's consumed in. The best value among young scotches; the only other ones I would suggest are a supernova or an octomore, both costing more.

Dry smoke is the dominant element, in the best possible way, with vanilla/caramel and subtle sweet notes on the aroma. The palate is full and rich with smoke. It's very well-balanced and drinkable without water. With water, it becomes more medicinal and briny on both the aroma and palate. It has a dry fruitiness, but not very sweet fruit. I prefer it neat.

Finally obtained a bottle of the 2014 Lagavulin 12 year old. The aroma is a bit less potent than the standard 16 year old, yet it still carries all the medicinal peat smoke. The palate is much richer, drier, and has more intensity due to its 54.4% ABV. The finish is a pleasant, smooth, sweet maltiness with a dry woodiness.

I have the 2013 and 2014 releases. The 2013 is superior in my opinion; it presents a more medicinal character on the palate and is a shade deeper in hue. Additionally, the 2013 boasts a higher alcohol content than its 2014 counterpart. Both are fantastic spirits, but a touch of water is necessary for them to fully reveal their qualities.

Initial flavors are smoky and peaty, then quickly disappear. There's mild vanilla when diluted, along with a faint smell of hay. It's sweet, but I can't identify the source of the sweetness. An aftertaste of burnt bacon rash.