Lagavulin Distillers Edition (2023 Release)

First released in 1997, the spirit for Lagavulin’s Distillers Edition was put down in 1979. It's said that they then took their 16 year-old standard release and finished it in Pedro Jimenez (PX) sherry casks for as much as 2 more years, reaching 18 years total. Since that time, the maturation period has decreased, recently falling to 15 years (shown, 2006/2021). Then, in 2022, the Distillers Edition dropped its age statement, becoming a NAS (no-age-statement) expression (also shown). It's notable that Lagavulin doesn't use the word “sherry” on the box for this bottling. Doing so would necessitate compliance with Spanish regulations, and the same applies to the term “sherry cask” since 2015. To be brief, PX grapes for sherry must be cultivated within a specific triangle in southwest Spain. PX grapes grown elsewhere are not permitted for sherry. Furthermore, the wine must mature for at least an average of 2 years for solera style or a full 2 years for single-barrel vintage aging if it's oloroso. Additionally, to qualify as a “sherry cask,” it must be seasoned with “actual” sherry for a minimum of 1 year. In essence, based on any available information describing this release, Lagavulin might not be adhering to any of these requirements. Sip this current bottling straight, and it offers suggestions of its background. With a few ice cubes, the palate takes on a somewhat metallic quality, making one doubt the product's authenticity when compared to earlier versions. It's still a respectable whiskey, but in my view, it's just not “great” anymore.

Nose: Burning campfire, dark fruits, and tobacco leaf. Palate: Abundant dark fruits upfront, followed quickly by smoke and a touch of dark chocolate. Occasionally, it has a vegetal quality. Finish: Charred meat over a campfire, concluding with sweetness. Price: $130; a worthwhile indulgence for a special occasion. Bottle Design: Score: 8/10; Recommended purchase! Final thoughts: This is an excellent spirit for those who enjoy both sweetness and smoke. It's my first Lagavulin purchase, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Initially, the bottle offered fruity and smoky notes, evolving towards a meatier smoke profile towards the end. Given its higher price compared to the 8 and 16-year-old expressions, I likely won't repurchase it. However, I value the experience it provided and intend to explore other offerings from this distillery. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled burgers!

It tastes mostly as I had envisioned, perhaps even the best possible version of that expectation. It sacrifices a little of the briny, medicinal tar for more sticky red fruit and orange marmalade. It still retains enough of the characteristic Lag peat to feel authentic. The balance between its Lag character and the sweet sherry is good. I'm unsure if I'd prefer it over the original on a regular basis, but today it strikes me as superior. Perhaps it's just newer. Maybe recency bias. They are very close. This is very good. However, the original is such a classic. It's hard to find fault, but like the original, I'd prefer a slightly higher proof. Nevertheless, they manage to pack a lot of flavor into the 43 percent ABV. The author is a user.

Nose: Raisin and rich dark fruit. Some robust, smoky meatiness, a touch of saltiness, and moderate earthy peat. A hint of caramel. Palate: The PX sherry cask delivers intense, sticky dark fruit at the start. Perfectly balanced with peat and smoke notes. The peat and smoke are noticeable but incredibly smooth and gentle. A distinct salinity emerges, along with a solid malt character. Finish: The sherry is prominent here. Subtle phenols, a whisper of rubber, and a touch of wood. Thanks for sharing your final bottle, John!

Captivating nose, intensely smoky. A scent of wet earth can be perceived behind it. Palate is very surprising, very smooth, flowing like melted cookie dough with a hint of peat and wood. A good, very complex finish. The empty glass has hints of bacon.

Upon initial taste, there's a pleasant smokiness that evolves into a nice balance of fruity and nutty flavors that persist.