Lagavulin (2017 Islay Jazz Festival)

I don't consistently find the releases from this distillery as exceptional as many fans do and I always approach a new sample with moderated expectations. So when I say this is the finest one I've experienced, be assured there's no exaggeration. It's the 2017 iteration of a bottling that the distillery releases annually to celebrate the Islay Jazz Festival and is sold exclusively at its location. The 2017 version consisted of 6,000 bottles with a price tag of 99 pounds and they haven't significantly increased in value on the secondary market. There's no age statement, but we are informed it was aged in a mix of refill American oak hogsheads and refill European oak butts. The color, which I usually disregard for review purposes, is remarkable for its paleness – it's as light as a Pinot Grigio. Even more striking is the aroma – a wave of delightful sweet smoke emerges from the glass, mingled with hints of lemons and pears. It has a thick and creamy texture in the mouth, with a touch of orange. The peat asserts itself forcefully at the end, leaving a prolonged peppery finish with notes of raisins and licorice. It's remarkably smooth at cask strength, but is more enjoyable when diluted to 50% ABV. The peppery peat becomes more prominent on the palate at this strength. The fusion of what is likely young spirit and American oak is probably the reason this recipe is successful. Although the sherry butts contribute their share of flavor, it's the subtle, creamy bourbon cask influence that distinguishes this from other offerings from this distillery. Much like the musicians in a superb jazz ensemble, this combination of spirit and casks creates a beautiful harmony.

Robust. Sweet. Evolving. Passionate. An unforgettable experience. No, I'm not referring to Jazz, one of music's most adaptable genres. I'm discussing the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2017, a serious contender for my favorite whisky discovered this year. Bottled at 57.6% ABV, this true powerhouse of flavor and aroma presents a single malt that, despite its strength, is remarkably well-rounded and a genuine treasure. On the nose, I detected antiseptic, pond water, currants, ashes, and wood planks from a dock, with a maritime feel. Chamomile, vanilla, lemon, and a subdued campfire. It smells precisely like the produce section of a supermarket. Orange juice, meringue. The palate begins with chocolate and vanilla, then unleashes a fiery blast of chili, accompanied by smoke. Hay. The aftertaste is simply overwhelming. Sulfurous and salty. Chocolate and chili. It's an ashtray combined with a vanilla-scented candle. Burnt hay. My score for this exceptional whisky, which honors one of the many musical styles born from the blues, is a perfect 100 out of 100, and I will certainly not forget it. It's a whisky from another world. Cheers!

The nose is heavily alcoholic with undertones of butterscotch. A definite hot pepper sensation on the tongue starts immediately and intensifies. Some smoke and ash are present for added effect. The finish lasts for an extended period.

A light aroma, with banana again. The palate is creamy and fruity, perfectly complementing the peat. More banana notes emerge, further enhancing the creaminess.

Copper still aroma, phenolic, clean sea-like character, chewy peat and sweet grain, smoky finish

Very complex with a sweet peat note. While not my personal preference, it's quite pleasant.