LAGG Inaugural 2022 Release Batch 1 (Ex-Bourbon Cask)

Lagg is among Scotland's most recent distilleries. It's the peated counterpart to a personal favorite, The Arran Malt. Situated on Arran Island, they launched an inaugural trio of releases. I've shared my thoughts on the third installment previously; this time, it's the first one. This inaugural Lagg bottling, aged for 36 months, was matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and bottled at 50% ABV. Let's find out if it signals the potential for this distillery to become legendary. On the nose, it presents a significant peat presence. Initially, the aroma suggests new soccer cleats, beach sandals, chili, and damp towels. There's a spicy vanilla note, alongside swampy water and a hint of motor oil. After a few tastes, the aroma shifted to lemoncello, grappa, and rum raisin ice cream. Quite intriguing. On the palate, it's fantastic – the highlight of this pour. Elegant vanilla and coconut notes emerge, reminiscent of Ferrero's "Rafaello" coconut candies (if you haven't tried them, they're life-changing!). Chili and a meaty character are present, creating an incredibly potent spice explosion. Wonderful. The finish remains very strong. Chili, ashes, leather, and abundant spices linger. It's lengthy. Overall, I'm thrilled with this. I genuinely believe that starting at this level, Lagg will be producing some of Scotland's premier peated single malts in a decade. Given my fondness for Arran, it's no surprise that I'm now also a fan of Lagg. My rating is 90 out of 100.

Nose: Earthy, peaty, medicinal, herbal (sage and tarragon), fruity, sweet, caramel. Reminiscent of mezcal. Wood smoke. Palate: Wood smoke, butterscotch, malt loaf, vanilla, caramel. Slightly mineral. Finish: Medium long. Wet peat, wood smoke, herbal (more sage). A bit more butterscotch on the aftertaste. Initial impression: It tasted young. Numerous herbal/green mezcal notes with a good deal of damp, sweet peat. It brings to mind Werther's Originals, sweet pipe smoke, and malt loaf. In my opinion, it needs more aging, but it's a decent young dram overall. 100% ex-bourbon casks. Matured for three years. Concerto barley. Peated to 50PPM. 1 of 10,000 bottles worldwide. Ranked fifth out of six drams, receiving 7% of the vote for favorite of the evening. 53% of attendees enjoyed the whisky.

Woody notes, oolong tea, mild sweetness Nutty undertones.

Aroma of fresh cut grass.