Elements of Islay Lg5

Style: Youthful, Sweet and Peaty

Rating: ☆+ [Recommended]

Nose:

Cold coastal breeze sweeps in as freshly steamed lemon sole fish and chargrilled cabbage being served. Soft brushes of diesel oil on citrus confectionaries. Bonfire, baguette, lingering tar and more lemon sugar cubes one level below. Then in comes a massive menthol jolt, cod oil, minerals and subtle yeasty notes at the end.

Palate:

Tidal waves roar while a satisfying level of lemon sweetness kicks in, all round and oily. Hot coal, brine, iodine bouncing off meringue and macarons. Spirit attack is more focused on bird's eye chilli. A little bit of dry spice, star anise and some earthy nutmeg as well. Another layer of sweetness in the form of malt syrup and toffee precipitates to the bottom and wraps up the expression beautifully. Seaweed and moist rock notes left in the wilderness.

Finish:

The malty and citrus sweetness merge together and form a lovely finish. Some remaining heat in the coal fire, grilled seafood drizzled with lemon syrup.

Thoughts:

A Lagavulin at its teens. It feels the spirit has just barely shook off its new make notes while somehow retained most of the lovely, malty sweetness. The peaty and hardcore side of the spirit is dialed to maximum and shines beautifully. I haven't checked the cask specifications but I am quite convinced it does not get better than this at this age. Young but very solid. High one star.

[54.8% | Independent Bottling | 2015 Bottled | Refill Hogshead | *+]

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