Today's post is an 'after hours' article by Ian Owen.
Bukowski wrote that "whiskey makes the heart beat faster…" and such is the case when sampling this heavyweight single malt whisky (note: no "e") from Lagavulin. Bottled at a mighty – and natural - 58.2% ABV it really kicks a punch.
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| Photo - Ian Owen |
The Lagavulin Distillery officially dates from 1816 and is located on the southern coast of Islay in the town of the same name, nestled within walking distance of the equally superb Laphroaig and Ardbeg distilleries.
Records show illicit distillation on the site from as early as 1742 and it is no wonder that this corner of Scotland now consistently produces some of the best single malts known to man.
Body: pale and thins easily when tipped to the rim.
Nose: sea air, oak and caramel sweetness.
Palate: the instant warming hit from the alcohol makes its way up the nose and down the throat but quickly makes way for mild spice, classic Islay peatiness and a hint of sour.
Overall: an excellent dram to complement the cold winter months which offers something different from the better known Lagavulin 16 year old. Some drinkers may benefit from a splash of spring water to tame the alcohol content, but I find that this mellows the delicate flavours a little too much.
Ian Owen was born in Merthyr Tydfil and currently lives in Cardiff. He spends his leisure time training for marathons, cultivating his taste for fine ales, whiskies and wines, climbing mountains, watching sports, organising his next holidays and trying his very best to not fall off his bike. Ian is an avid and knowledgeable supporter of live music and attends a variety of concerts and festivals in Wales, the UK and around the globe.
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