Lagavulin 14 Year Old Islay Jazz Festival 2024 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl
Intensely flavoured, Lagavulin receives one of the slowest distillations of any Islay malt. Each year a special limited edition bottling is released to mark the Islay Jazz Festival, an annual event in which the Lagavulin Distillery takes part.
This year's Jazz Festival exclusive is a fourteen-year-old whisky matured in first fill ex-bourbon American oak, before being finished in South African Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks, unleashing bright and fragrant flavours.
This well-written piece plays confidently within the Lagavulin portfolio, as its intense and smoky character exudes a sweet yet powerful melody of linseed oil and tea. It is the colour of polished brass, and has a creamy-smooth texture. The sweetness is balanced by saltiness, and a fast-rising peppery spice. This Lagavulin has a rhythm of its own, with a wonderful, rich soul.
Medium to full.
Long, with more smoke and plenty of spiciness, finishing dry with lingering smoke. Slightly cooling, the aftertaste suggests pepper from Szechuan. A dash of water raises the sweetness and makes the heat in the aftertaste more prominent.
Mellow, with light prickle, and dry overall. There are no evident winey notes, just great Lagavulin character, with hints of carbolic soap and fragrant smoke recalling the aroma of Lapsang Souchong tea backed by light maritime notes of sweet edible seaweed. A drop of water releases the scent of linseed oil on cricket bats, also often associated with Lagavulin.
A creamy-smooth texture and a sweet initial taste with immediate appeal, the sweetness well balanced by saltiness then joined by fast-rising smoke and considerable peppery spiciness. This is a Lagavulin in intense, confident shape, with a wonderful depth of taste.
Jazz 2024 Signature Cocktail
Based on the infamous South African Sundowner and New York Sour
20ml Lagavulin Jazz 2024
20ml Lagavulin 8-Year-Old
20ml Lemon Juice
10ml 2:1 Sugar Syrup
15 ml Red wine float – Ideally South African Cabernet Sauvignon (pour over main cocktail to create layered effect)
Shake, strain, pour over cubed ice in an etched rocks glass
No garnish
Total Units - 2.5
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