Lagavulin 12 Year Old Ink of Legends Special Release 2023 A gorgeous 12 year old from famed Islay distillery, Lagavulin. The spirit was finished in ex-Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, this gives it a herbal flavour that merges beautifully with the gentle smoke. Spicy and warming influences waft out of the glass, accompanied by campfire smoke, stone fruit, white chocolate and grilled fruit in the background. Smoky notes, spice nuances, various types of fruit and spiced oak are some of the aromas you can discover. The finish is both salty and sweet. Official Tasting Notes Colour: Bright pale sunlight. Good beading and legs Nose: The immediate aromas are slightly more medicinal than smoky, showing hints of carbolic soap and soothing rub that soon mingle with aromatic wood smoke from a driftwood bonfire on the beach. As the intense, herbal smoke takes over, a savoury note drifts through it, suggesting barbecued pork. A drop of water reduces the intensity yet adds more maritime and darkly fruity notes, making the smokiness yet more aromatic. Body: Medium. Palate: At natural strength, the robust texture is creamysmooth and mouth-filling, while with its ever-richer swirling flavours the taste is sweet at first and citrus-like, adds a good sprinkling of salt, then reveals notes of juicy plum in an increasingly smoky and lip-tingling finale. With a dash of water, it’s a little sweeter and smokier still Finish: Long, with a salty tang and finishing very smoky, with just a hint of that light meatiness in a smoky aftertaste that is both lingering and mouth-cooling. It is drying, with a lovely warm-heartedness.