Lagavulin 21 Year (2019 Islay Jazz Festival)

Now that I am in a Lagavulin phase, allow me to discuss one I had been seeking for some time, and I discovered it at a specialized bar in Scotland, The Lagavulin Islay Jazz 2019, a 21-year-old bottling. Presented at 50.9% ABV, this gem was a limited edition of 2004 bottles; it matured in Refill & Recharred American Oak Hogsheads. It is important for you to know that these Islay Jazz bottlings are consistently outstanding, and if you have the opportunity to find one, you should purchase it regardless of the cost. On the nose, it begins wonderfully; Bacon, BBQ sauce, and a distinct lemon note. Citrusy, peaty. A very complex drink; Blood oranges; Peaty orange zest. A delightful aroma, possibly the finest orange aroma ever encountered. On the palate, it is a full and intricate drink. Orange acidity, abundant chocolate and cream; Oranges and chocolate. It possesses a sweet peatiness. The aftertaste represents the peak of a remarkable experience. Aromatic peat smoke reminiscent of “Palo santo.” Sweet peat. Bonfire. Overall, after 989 whisky reviews, I can identify certain distilleries as the masters of whisky. One such distillery is Lagavulin, which holds a distinguished place in the pantheon of spirits. Others like Glendronach, Talisker, and Ardbeg preside over the whisky realm, but Lagavulin is undeniably among the elite. This is an extraordinary, flavorful drink that is simply magnificent. My rating for it is 96 out of 100.

Extremely tropical. Nose: Banana, pineapple, vanilla, white chocolate, papaya, honey, glazed ham with barbecue sauce, passion fruit, cinnamon, tobacco, dark chocolate, chili. Palate: Peach, vanilla, mango, papaya, smoke, brown sugar, walnut, coconut, orange zest. Finish: Peach, cherry, almond, toasted marshmallow, grapefruit, vanilla, citrus, elderflower.

Firstly, I admit my bias as I am very fond of Lagavulin. The nose has a touch of mint and lemon peel, with licorice. It has smoke and peat, but it's much milder than most other Lagavulin bottlings. It's definitely worth trying if you come across it. But that's true for all Lagavulin expressions!

The aroma is spicy and sweet. The palate features spice, brown sugar, and vanilla.