Lagavulin 8YO 700ml

I was first introduced to the 8-year old at the distillery on Islay. Up to then my usual tipple was the 16 year old. Alas, I learnt that the colour in the 16 year old was from caramel and not the peat! I still like it but I now prefer the 8 year old & have grown use to its paler colour.

Must admit that I have a passion for peaty malts from Scotland. The Lagavulin 16 YO was always my favourite (now above my budget), followed by Ledaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Talisker 10. This younger Lagavulin is different, but wins above the three above for me. The nose and first taste is mezcal, the Mexican worm I love slips warmly down! Then density of smoke and peat. Pale in colour, complex in taste.
Almost affordable too!

Possibly less balanced than the 16 but the higher ABV provides intensified flavour. One of my personal favourites.

I discovered Islay single malts back in 1990 after a friend gave me a bottle of Laphroaig thinking it was "off". This ignited my passion for the peaty malts and led me to a tour of the islands distilleries in 2000. Lagavulin has been a favourite ever since that time. I was disappointed with this edition and after 2 small drams will not go back to it. It is sharp and unrounded with no depth at all. If I could send it back in exchange for a 16 year old I would in a flash.