Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2015

We're constantly asked about the 'best' – the best car, house, steak, watch, or any other decision. I believe we fixate on this concept, sometimes leading us on a quest for unattainable unicorns or an endless pursuit. Is this the finest whisky I've ever had? It's certainly the one I've enjoyed the most and have had enough of to say so with confidence. Do I own a bottle? No. Will I ever? Unlikely! But it is the most delightful whisky I can recall. This is all based on memory. NOSE - An initial pour reveals what I'd describe as a sour milk note, an unpleasant characteristic if ever there was one, but not present here. This suggests something extraordinary is about to emerge in a Lagavulin – a sign of umami, peat, smoke, and magnificent sherry casks beginning to unfold. A friend described it as mushroom-like, perhaps even raw. As it develops, or once it has aired, there's a distinct, powerful, old-school grape sherry element that doesn't attempt to dominate the malt. The smoke is immense and assertive, and the Lagavulin malt is not masked at all. Every aspect of this aroma is exceptional. The 59.9% alcohol is undetectable, though it is certainly rich. TASTE - Where to begin? Naturally, allow something like this to rest for 20-50 minutes to open up. It has a rich, creamy texture that delivers waves of smoke, peat, and the most expertly crafted sherry notes imaginable. Subsequently, you'll detect notes of mint, tobacco, vanilla, deep dark coal, slightly bitter charred BBQ, and then chocolate and dried figs. OVERALL - I struggle to fully capture this whisky through aroma and taste descriptions alone. It might be the most substantial and bold Lagavulin ever produced. It could be the most refined whisky nearing 60% ABV that I've encountered. It also features some of the most incredible sherry casks ever selected, yet they clearly did not allow the sherry to overpower this expression. Instead, the sherry enhances the astounding smoke and sheer power of the Lagavulin malt. It achieves balance and refinement while delivering one of the most over-the-top experiences in whisky history. This bottle now commands a four-figure price and continues to increase. I question whether I could justify the current cost, but fortunately, I've enjoyed several pours and anticipate at least one more, though I will strive for two. I've never experienced anything this intense, refined, and old-world; it's a masterpiece that transports me to a truly special place with every opportunity I have to taste it. This is a nearly unobtainable bottle, and it's almost always offered first to known buyers on the secondary market. So, good luck to anyone trying to acquire it; you'll likely pay a premium. However, if you see this Lagavulin at a bar, buy it without hesitation, regardless of the price.

Amazing spirit. Excellent balance of smoke, fruit, salt, and sweetness. Nose: Raisins, Chocolate, Sultanas, Peat, Smoke, Pineapples, Potato Chips, Vanilla, Apricots, Honey, Coffee, Mangoes, Green Apple Jolly Ranchers Palate: Mangoes, Pineapples, Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Iodine, Pepper, Cherries, Red Apples, Honey Finish: Salted Caramel, Pepper, Toffee, Chocolate, Honey, Red Apples, Cloves, Mint