Scotch

Whisky Review: Lagavulin Distillers Edition 2023

We review Lagavulin Distillers Edition 2023, a 16 year old Scotch finished in Pedro Ximenez casks.

OVERALL RATING

10
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Lagavulin Distillers Edition 2023

Tasting Notes

About:

16-year-old Pedro Ximenez cask, 43% abv, SRP $125
Appearance:
Amber
Nose:
Immediately fills the space with that iconic and robust Lagavulin Islay nose. Peat smoke with a softening hint of lilac and soft grasses before it comes right back to the warm smoke.
Palate:
Charred apple wood, like smelling a smoker as it starts getting going. Just delicate fruit smoke combined with red apples, sea salt, ocean air, char, and oak. There are complex earth tones but brightened by sweet cherries and dark molasses. The finish is just an encore of the nose. The smoke comes back in full force but it’s nuanced on the tongue. You can find the subtle flavors from the palate but through a nice peat smoke. It’s clean and balanced while remaining robust and full bodied.
Finish:
Comments:
It felt like I was drinking a perfect summer’s day. Start off with a BBQ with burnt ends and ribs, smoked with apple or cherry wood, then end the evening with a medium bodied cigar. I’m not generally a fan of smoky whisky – I find the peat to be overpowering and uncontrolled. Here the Ximenez cask really accentuates the elegance of the Lagavulin. The cask compliments and elevates the complexities of the Lagavulin while allowing its own iconic profile to remain on full display. Excellent.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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