Lagavulin 15 Year (2023 Islay Jazz Festival)

Lagavulin Islay Jazz releases are some of my favorites, though they've become rather expensive recently. That's the situation with last year's Oloroso Sherry Cask bottling; I managed to find it at an Islay bar so I could enjoy a glass without purchasing a whole bottle. This is bottled at 53.9% ABV and is a limited run of just 3000 bottles. The nose presents intense sherry, strawberry syrup, coffee, and dulce de leche. There are also notes of orange, tangerine, dulce de leche, and correction fluid. It smells like coffee with cream. The palate offers a papery note, Oloroso sherry, some aged oranges, red fruits, and oranges. Lime is also present. The finish brought to mind Crazy Dips; it's a mineral and peaty aftertaste. In summary, this was incredibly delicious and potent. It's complex yet remarkably straightforward to identify the flavors and aromas due to their clarity. I've rated this beauty 96 out of 100.

Tasting notes: Smooth with smoky characteristics and a high alcohol content. The aroma is wonderful.