Lagavulin 12 Year Old "2016 Edition - 200th Anniversary Special Release" Natural Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Lagavulin is an absolutely magical place. It's incredible just how good Lagavulin is consistently in their 16 year expression. No whisky has made more people scotch obsessed than that one, but what you get in consistency on the 16, the 12 year cask strength doubles in intensity and depth. And quite the opposite from the Distillers Edition this one is not about the interplay of sherry or oak and the rich Lagavulin spirit. Instead, this is all about Lagavulin's most Lagavuliny self. Refill wood here, American Oak likely, white wine in color. An absolute monster of a nose yet somehow linear and unwavering. Dense power tar, peat, tea, earth, salt. The palate is like SpaceX Falcon 9 exiting the atmosphere only to return to earth directly on your palate. Exquisite smoke, dried roasted herbs, citrus pith, and a sense of purpose. I don't love that the price went up a bit on this, but I get it. It's worth every penny, even better than last years. This whisky remains legend of the whisky aisle from that legendary whisky isle.