Lagavulin 2006 Distillers Edition (Bottled 2021)

For decades, Lagavulin 16 has been my preferred Islay single malt scotch. While many other scotches are excellent, this one truly satisfied me with its smoky, salty, peaty, and sweet/sour grain profile, which was perfectly balanced without being overwhelming. This Distillers Edition elevates it even further. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2021, batch lgv.4/510, at 43% ABV, it cost $110, just $15 more than the Lag16 locally. It was double-matured in ex-bodega Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The aroma is of sweet raisins and malt with a hint of smoke. On the palate, there are notes of sherry, raisins, oak tannins, malted grain, and salt, with a slight ethanol kick. Its color is a bit rosier than the 16, though not dramatically different. The legs coating the glass are average. The finish features smoke, oak, and light peat, sweet with a lingering spicy finish softened by sweet fruit. I appreciate port and sherry casked whiskies. I find they add a roundness and often a more interesting flavor profile to the grain and vanilla oak, with their fruit-forward character. This whisky is a prime example, well worth the modest price increase over the regular 16-year-old. It's a new favorite on my top shelf.

After finding both the Lagavulin 16 and 8 unsatisfying (due to an aftertaste I didn't care for), I decided to try the Distiller's Edition. The PX sherry influence makes this truly exceptional. The smoke is present but mellowed by the PX sweetness. The nose is so captivating, one could savor it for an extended period. Sweet and smoky on the palate with a tingling spice emerging at the end. The aftertaste is quite long and very pleasing.

The scent is very noticeably of the sea, yet also quite smooth. The texture is full and leads to a profile that is smoky and saline, but also fruity and sweet, with enveloping caramel, Deglet Nour dates, etc. A hint of ash appears in the background with orange marmalade and Rockets candy... Truly complex and captivating!

Very balanced, nothing stands out excessively. The aroma has notes of barrel and mild smokiness, with subtle fruitiness. The taste is similar, round, with a fruity barrel character, lightly smoky, dried fruit, and complex. The finish has just a slight lingering note that slightly bothers me, otherwise it's great.

Smoky caramel on the nose. Cotton candy and marshmallows on the palate, which is sweet. The alcohol is quite forward, and it seems no older than 12 years.

Aroma: figs, grapes, brine Taste: marzipan, jam Finish: smoke, lemon zest Less smoky than anticipated but quite delicious.