Lagavulin 26 Year (2021 Special Release)

Okay, the games are over, let's review some seriously old Lagavulins I had the pleasure and luck to taste at the distillery. I will start this series of critiques with a very attractive, limited expression, the Lagavulin 26yo Lion's Jewel 2021 special release. This is one of two Diageo Special Releases; the other, the 12yo Cask Strength, wasn't super impressive, but I was eager to try this very expensive 26-year-old, which remains the oldest 'Laga' I've ever had. Bottled at 44.2% ABV, it matured in first-fill PX casks and Oloroso sherry seasoned butts. The legend of the Lion's Jewel is as follows: "hidden within his den on Islay bay, The King of Islay guarded a gem of precious worth. The resplendent stone glowed ruby red, glistening with lustre. Won through decades of fire and ferocity, it reflected an alluring warmth and smoldering intensity – the captivating nature of Lagavulin.” On the nose, quite appealing: Ashtray and tangerine. Coffee beans, cigarettes. Very attractive. Oranges. On the palate, it was very good but a bit muted. Vanilla water, pepper, ashes, Gooseberries, coconut. Oranges. Aftertaste was good, though not mind-blowing. Smoky and citrusy. Grapefruit, it actually has a fruity finish. Gooseberries, citrusy. Cigarette finish. Overall, for a dram that likely retailed originally for $2,400, you are not getting your money's worth. Don't get me wrong, I believe any whisky over $450 is excessive, but if I have the opportunity to try a glass or two for a fraction of the price, I will. Good whisky, not incredible, my score for it is 88 out of 100.

Experienced at a masterclass, this was amazing. Adding sherry to a robust peated spirit is very close to a Peated Mortlach. Nose: Raisins, Dates, Figs, Sultanas, Luxardo Cherries, Bananas, Pineapples, Blackberries, Honey, Barbecue Sauce, Hickory Smoke, Mirabelle Plums, Dark Chocolate, Pork Ribs, Leather Palate: Dark Chocolate, Raisins, Prunes, Blackberries, Peach Melba, Figs, Apricots, Violets, Butterscotch, Chili Pepper, Milk Chocolate, Tar, Iodine, Barbecue Beef Ribs Finish: Raisins, Milk Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Luxardo Cherries, Smoke, Beef Ribs, Leather, Tobacco

Nose: iodine brine with herbaceous notes and carminative spice. Palate: heavy smoke bacon, baked apples, carminative spice, caramel, leather with underlying pear sauce and vanilla.

Pronounced sherry finish; the aroma remains smoky, though the peat has vanished from the conclusion.

Tasted May 1, 2025. It's easy drinking, and the sweetness is quite pleasant.