Taster

Nose: Restrained for a Lagavulin. Surprisingly sweet. Perfumy. Bog myrtle. Peat bogs before cutting.

Palate: Begins with herbal, grassy sweetness and develops a firm, malty, background.

Finish: Finally, the peatiness and smokiness sneak up, with embarrassed grins on their faces.

Comment: An opportunity to taste another version of Lagavulin. Subtle and complex, but I missed the instant punch of peat.

Score: 8.3

Taster

Nose: Immediate hit of antiseptic, then seaweed, smoked fish. With water, like hot stones on the beach, some bog myrtle. Sweetly fruity as well.

Palate: Tense start, fragrant smoke all the way. Heather, marine characters. Subtle and balanced.

Finish: Smoky.

Comment: Fishier than many Lagavulins, but has the distillery's complexity and range.

Score: 8.5