It’s one of the most anticipated times in the whisky calendar — the unveiling of Diageo’s Special Releases collection. Each year, drinks goliath Diageo releases a collection of older, rarer, distinctive, and unusual expressions. And when they do, whisky lovers and collectors across the globes scramble to get their hands on a bottle. Only an exceptional few make it into the Special Releases collection. And there’s none more exceptional than the Lagavulin 26 Year Old The Lion’s Jewel. Nobody but Lagavulin, the pinnacle of Islay malts, could produce such a rare gem. Fully matured in first-fill Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks, this is the first 26 year old to be released from the cult distillery, and one of only a handful of sherry casks. The Lion’s Jewel absolutely grips the senses with a smouldering intensity. Bottled at natural cask strength of 44.2%, get set for baked fig, butterscotch and a sweep of fragrant smoke on the nose, an ultra-smooth and savoury palate with lashings of Lagavulin’s trademark sweet smokiness and a long, warming, slowly glowing finish.