Lagavulin 18 yo Feis Ile 2016 49.5%

Lagavulin 18 yo Feis Ile 2016 49.5%

Ex bodega casks, meaning Diageo’s version of sherry seasoning. Also note it does not give a vintage year, meaning there could be older malt in it. Despite what you might expect, this Lagavulin has confined itself to ascetic territories of hot sand, blue flames and high heat combustion in place of boisterous peat and fire. It’s about a blade like smoke, sharp ash, boiling menthol, brine and lots of just-glowing coals on cracking slate. Also much reduced are the typical brawny earth and burnt herb aspects of Lagavulin though truth be told they are plainly evident. The tongue goes the same way. Citric pith, hydrocarbon fumes – lots of it, ash and new rubber do appear plus sea spray, salt air and a deep but subtle peaty heat. A chiseled and austere version of Lagavulin. 90 pts