Lismore The Legend 21 Year

Score: 19/23 Nose: Remarkable complexity! A very distinctive aroma with a lot of spirit character, reminiscent of Glenfarclas. While there's a clear presence of heads and tails, the 21 years of maturation in sherry casks provide significant balance. It carries a sulfuric and subtly smoky profile, abundant with vegetal and herbal notes. The sweet strawberry and cherry notes from the sherry feel almost secondary, yet they are present. Occasionally, the sulfur offers a hint of chocolate. I'm quite fond of it, despite the level of sulfur. Without the sulfur, it would still present a significant challenge. The character is simultaneously light yet robust, complex, and aged. Palate: A pleasant initial wave of sherried strawberry is accompanied by sulfuric smoke, a sharp herbal spice, and a prominent vegetal character emerging from the herbal notes. At times, notes of leathery cinnamon and tart cherry appear, highlighting a nice Oloroso influence. It possesses a pleasing richness and body; I would have underestimated its 43% ABV (more like 46%)! Tobacco is noticeable. There's also a touch of dusty woodiness with a hint of vanilla. While it lacks an overwhelming, powerful flavor, it conveys maturity with subtle nuances and refined edges that suggest age. This profile evokes similarities to both Dalwhinnie 15 and Highland Park 12, perhaps with a touch of Aberlour 12. The funkiness also brings Glenfarclas to mind on the palate. Between Highland Park 12 and Dalwhinnie 15, I find this leans more towards the Dalwhinnie due to its less sulfuric and more assertive nature. Beyond the sulfur, the flavors are all very good. It's exceptionally complex and intriguing, though undeniably demanding. The interplay and evolution of flavors are captivating, far from being muddled. The excessive sulfur is the primary obstacle preventing it from achieving outstanding status. While it sometimes transforms into chocolate (making it more palatable), it never fully recedes. Finish: Herbal notes persist, along with some richness and sulfur, and just a hint of strawberry fruitiness. It's a flavorful and intricate finish, but the sulfur remains a drawback. - Overall - The sulfur content is the deciding factor. This is an excellent scotch with an excessive sulfurous taste. I still genuinely enjoy it, but it can be demanding at times. When compared directly with other scotches, it's clear that many (particularly lower-tier ones) exhibit more sulfur. Apart from the high sulfur level, it possesses an intensely challenging yet complex character that reminds me somewhat of Springbank, even exhibiting a slight waxiness akin to Springbank 10. I prefer this over Highland Park 12 or Dalwhinnie 15, though it's closer to the Dalwhinnie. Given the Dalwhinnie's age statement of 16, I wouldn't place this below that. A rating of 17 or higher seems more probable. Its sheer fascination is something I've never associated with Dalwhinnie 15. While not identical, the quality here strikes me as comparable to Bladnoch 17 California Red Wine Cask Finish. I'm currently considering a score of 16 to 18. Considering the price, other options might be more appealing, but this offers a unique and captivating experience. Perhaps I'm underestimating its significance, given a positive side-by-side comparison with Lagavulin 16. Ultimately, the complexity is exceptional, and most of the flavors are quite good. There are minor rough edges, but it's difficult to surpass. Some notes lack the depth of a rich cask, yet it largely presents as mellowed, suggesting extended aging in relatively depleted casks, which works effectively here. The funkiness strongly evokes Glenfarclas. Compared to Glenfarclas 105, the flavors here are more refined (less aggressive, less alcohol burn, greater complexity) with a smoother finish. I would unquestionably choose this over Glenfarclas 105 by a significant margin. It doesn't possess the rich maturity of Glenfarclas 25, but its character falls somewhere between the two. A direct comparison would be necessary, but I imagine it shares considerable similarities with Glenfarclas 17 (or a similar age). However, the complexity is truly impressive, and its slight youthful vigor enhances its many dimensions. I'm having difficulty settling on a rating. It seems to defy preference transitivity, making Bladnoch 17 California Red Wine and Dalwhinnie 15 seem superior to their usual standing, while Glenfarclas 25 appears less favorable. Nevertheless, I'm confident it warrants at least a 17. A 21 seems unlikely, though perhaps possible. I'm considering a range of 17 to 20. Springbank 12 sets a high bar, but this doesn't fall completely short. At this point, 17 feels too low. I was torn between an 18 and a 19, but I must admit I'm drawn back to this one repeatedly due to its enjoyable taste. It's still not Springbank 12, but I'm leaning towards a 19 to 20 range currently. A 21 is also starting to seem more realistic. Moving into a different category, this favorably compares to the funk found in Wild Turkey 116.8. For now, I'm settling on a 19. Incredible, it only cost $70?! I recalled paying around $90 and considering it a bargain. At $90, numerous options could easily outperform this, but at $70, that becomes much harder. I would readily purchase another bottle at $70. In fact, I may add it to my acquisitions list. As a minor observation (which does not impact my score), I'm really appreciating the presentation of the tube and bottle. The tube has a leather-like exterior, and the bottle features a sleek cylindrical design with engravings. The cork is substantial and genuine, topped with a nicely stained piece of wood.

Tasted without knowing the bottle. Golden hue with thick, slow-moving legs. Smells of sawdust, tinned peaches, lime, saltiness, cranberry juice, a touch of vanilla and a sharp wood spice, possibly oak from Chardonnay. Some alcohol presence is also detected. Nose: The alcohol on the nose doesn't carry over to the palate or chest. Medium body with abundant peach cobbler, walnuts, a hint of brine, and a whisper of vanilla. Towards the back, notes of lightly toasted malt and hay emerge beneath the stone fruit. Finish: Mango, lime, and peaches continue into a moderately long finish, with a slightly more tart than sweet character. Impression: The aroma might be the highlight of this drink. However, the finish lingers like a fine cognac. It's almost convincing as a cognac, aside from the malty hay note mid-palate. White grapes and stone fruit suggest this would appeal to fans of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or perhaps Sauvignon Blanc. Personally, I can't say I'm enamored with it; I miss earthy chocolate and tobacco notes, and a wisp of smoke would provide a nice balance. That said, this possesses a jammy quality similar to some whiskies. Reveal: Lismore 21 The Legend This presents as a tropical and citrus fruit explosion on my palate, with a warmth akin to room temperature water. I had no inkling this originated from Glenfarclas. I must admit, they are close to the pinnacle of my favorite Scottish distilleries. The distinctions between their 105, 25-year, this expression, and their cask-strength 28-year are quite striking. I find it challenging to identify a unifying thread across their portfolio in the same way I can with a few major bourbon and scotch producers. My gratitude goes to a friend for aiding my discovery of some of their capabilities. I will happily support them as a family-owned business offering remarkable variety and excellent value!

This is excellent. Notes of leather, bread, dried fruit, plums, and vanilla. Simply delightful. If you've considered this and are hesitant due to the low cost, be assured you're getting an incredible bargain. Truly amazing value. Outstanding.

The enigmatic character of Lismore leaves me feeling annoyed and disheartened, yet you won't find a 21-year-old for less, unless you age it yourself. I concur with the suspicion of Glenfarclas, but I believe it’s better than that.

Nose: Offers notes of apple, orange, butterscotch, and tropical fruit. Palate: Features pineapple, malted milk, golden raisins, and fruits preserved in sherry before transitioning to a strong oak presence. Finish: Exhibits a pleasingly long duration with a hint of cloves.

Tobacco is detectable on the nose. A range of flavors are present, including caramel and subtle notes.