Lagavulin, Prima & Ultima Fourth Release, 25 Year Old, 1997

This particular expression comes from the very last 1997 casks, three refill American Oak Hogsheads. This “winter whisky” was distilled on 25th February 1997, when Islay legend and third generation distillery manager Mike Nicolson was custodian of Lagavulin. This is a classic example of Lagavulin as it should be – mature, rich, and a beautifully rounded example of the power and majesty of this Islay malt. At natural strength, the texture is quite light and smoothly oily, while the taste starts sweet then becomes more saline, lightly vegetal and drying, with smoky pungency then billowing through. An easy balance between sweetness, saltiness and smoke is maintained throughout. Adding a little water brings up the sweetness at first, though the smoke still comes through.