Lagavulin 8YO 700ml

This is a very well priced dram, that delivers a great tasting smoky flavour, full of peat, well balanced, lots of depth.

The great peaty notes you expect but with a more youthful forcefulness. Delicious.

I was first introduced to the 8-year old at the distillery on Islay. Up to then my usual tipple was the 16 year old. Alas, I learnt that the colour in the 16 year old was from caramel and not the peat! I still like it but I now prefer the 8 year old & have grown use to its paler colour.

Must admit that I have a passion for peaty malts from Scotland. The Lagavulin 16 YO was always my favourite (now above my budget), followed by Ledaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Talisker 10. This younger Lagavulin is different, but wins above the three above for me. The nose and first taste is mezcal, the Mexican worm I love slips warmly down! Then density of smoke and peat. Pale in colour, complex in taste.
Almost affordable too!

Possibly less balanced than the 16 but the higher ABV provides intensified flavour. One of my personal favourites.