Lagavulin 12-year-old, The Ink of Legends, 2023 Special Release/ 56.4%/ 0.7l

The Diageo Special Releases 2023 collection consists of eight single malt whiskies and is called "Spirited Xchange".

It was created for the first time by Diageo's master blender, Dr Stuart Morrison, who described his creation as "an attempt to identify and celebrate the idea of ​​aromas and flavours that surround us every day and inspire the need to create. This collection is a cross-section of our impressive warehouse stock and the result of experimenting with more or less traditional barrels. As a result, we have created eight unique spirits that we had not previously imagined would exist". Lagavulin 12 years old, described as "The Ink of Legends", after basic maturation in traditional oak barrels, was finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila barrels.

Nose: peat smoke and sea breeze, grilled pineapple, lemon peel, olives in brine, salted peanuts, white pepper, forest floor and a mixture of dried herbs.

Palate: peat smoke, salted caramel, lemons, bitter orange jam, smoked plums, black pepper, sea salt, herbal spice and toasted oak.

Finish: quite long, with notes of peat smoke, toffee, sea salt and pepper, dried herbs, pine needles and oak.