Back in the 1880s, Alfred Barnard, author of The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom, enjoyed an eight-year-old Lagavulin he described as "exceptionally fine". As part of their 200th anniversary celebrations, the distillery therefore decided to recreate said eight-year-old! It's bottled at an exciting 48% ABV and was matured in refill European and American oak casks.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
Salted popcorn, honey-roasted nuts, tarry ropes and light hints of freshly-chopped cedar. A touch of burnt sugar sweetness lingers.
Smokey peat appears first on the palate, followed by coriander seed, barley sugar, cumin powder, smoked kipper and marzipan.
Layers of apple crumble, toasted almond and ash. Another kick of cooking spices right at the end.
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This is exactly how Lagavulin 16 should be. No apparent added colour, bottled at 48% ABV. I'm so tired of the Lagavulin and Talisker of the world having top shelf branding with fake tan orange colouring added. Keep it real and raw like the 8yo. This is a magnificent drop and given the above and its cheaper price it's my new daily dram. I've heard Lagavulin are keeping the 8yo as part of their core range once these 200th anniversary bottles are gone. I hope so, otherwise I'd better start stockpiling.
Finally a bottling from Lagavulin other than the 16 year! This is epic for only 8 years old like an improved longrow super briny and peaty with some herbal notes as well.Glad I got a bottle of this. The Sugarbear
Nose: Salty, briny, seaweeds, subtle ash and campfire smokiness. Taste: Needs no water, but scotch mist comes if added. Dilutes and over tames if you do. Salt, brine's, seaweeds, hints of Licorice, ripe raisins, bitter, burnt brown sugar. Finish, warm, bit peppery, chili, smokey, dry, not long. This 8 year old could be looked at as older. Possibly twice its age statement due to the complexity. Would buy again.
Simply excellent
Never thought that would ever be my assessment of a Lagavulin, but yip, it's refreshing. It's still a peat lover's dream, and it has all the other Lagavulin attributes, but also a crisp freshness about it. Really enjoyable.
