Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Finished in ex-Caribbean Rum
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: Yes
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 130.00
Official website: www.malts.com
Vote: 90/100
Less than a month after tasting the previous version, I am strangely ‘on the ball’ trying the 2024 edition of this (semi) annual series a few weeks after its release.
Initial undisclosed maturation was followed by eight months spent in ex-Caribbean rum casks, if I’m not mistaken a debut for Lagavulin, but so far this series has never let me down, so I pour confidently into the glass.
Tasting notes
The nose begins with a maritime peat, the very classic beach bonfire (a figure quite abused in tastings!) with smoke from burning wood, iodine, pickled olives, oysters and lots of grilled fruit (pineapple, peaches, banana, mango). There is a sweet and pastry component, of vanilla, Catalan cream and sugar paste, and a citrusy and acidic one, of lemon and lime, well integrated. Along the length, the coastal part grows in intensity. Overall, fresh and crisp, a Lagavulin with an effectively Caribbean and joyful vein.
In the mouth, it begins with a rather delicate spicy compartment (ginger, white pepper), showing a pronounced oiliness, very full-bodied. Initially a little closed, with the flavours slowly opening up on the palate accompanied by a coastal, slightly medicinal smoke: ripe fruit (banana, pear, pineapple, peach), meringue, toasted brown sugar. Yellow citrus fruits return, with lemon and lime, together with brine and a certain dryness at the end. Perfect alcohol strength.
Quite long and dry finish of grilled fruit, spices, citrus, maritime peat, salt and caramelised sugar.
The contribution of the rum is light but not ethereal, knowing how to caress the impressions in perfect integration with the spirit of the distillery. Once again an excellent dram for a series that confirms itself as a certainty, especially when compared to other limited editions that are not as consistent in quality.