Lagavulin 12 Years Old 7th Release 56.4% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (90)

Nose: it is the same whisky as the ‘2005’, more or less. Any differences may come from my imagination only, of which any descriptions we’d better avoid if you please. All right, say, a little mustard. With water: even more austere – even if it’s not an austere whisky. More mineral – which I like.

Mouth (neat): it seems that we’re back to a bigger fruitiness but it’s more grapefruit drops than ‘general’ fruit drops here. In that sense it’s closer to the Moon (yeah). Quite some almondy notes as well. With water: yes. Superb balance between something unusually medicinal (cough medicine), raw peat, candied lemons and soft spices. And a taste of oysters.

Finish: long again, getting saltier and more maritime.

Comments: I think it’s a clear improvement over all earlier batches, even if I know that the 2006 was already greater. Funny how similar these batches are when undiluted, whilst being quite different when watered down.

BOW (90)