Lagavulin – 12 Year Old Special Release (2022) (70cl, 57.3%)

This is the 2022 Special Release of Lagavulin, a 12-year-old Islay single malt in a 70cl bottle. It is bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.3%, and the release comes in a tube decorated with a phoenix illustration. Lagavulin issues a Special Release each year, and this edition pairs a younger age with the distillery's peated smoke. The nose is smoky, with warm ash, citrus oil and a hint of sea salt. On the palate there is peppery smoke, charcoal, vanilla and slightly sweet malt. The finish is long and intensely smoky, with a dry spiciness.