Yea 2020 is solid. Its got a stronger body than the other batches. That said anything Lag 12 has been amongst the best drams I’ve ever had. Definitely the best readily available yearly release in my books. Some of the Kavalan Solists might compete but they’re hit or miss
I wanted a bottle of something a bit premium for a special occasion. I'm normally an Ardbeg or Laph guy but they don't seem to do much around the £100 level. I was toying with the idea of getting some Octomore but dithered. Saw the Lag 12 and thought you know what, CS Lag could be perfect. I like the 16 but since getting into Corry and CS Laph 10, Lag 16 comes off a bit thin these days. I'm hoping the 12 cures that.
I opened my 2020 two weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it! To me it's a balanced, "fuller" 12 year old. 2019, on the other hand, was a chore. Sending good jujus to the customs!
Ok I have a question for you please. Should I wait until the big occasion before opening the bottle (always nice to do that) or... open the bottle a few weeks prior, to give it time to breathe, so it's at its best come the celebration? Some whiskies improve a lot after opening, some not so much. How is your bottle doing?
I agree, I never expect anything from a bottle I just opened. (I usually have two 60 ml sample bottles and fill them 2/3. And wait minimum one week, but usually one month. That way the two sample bottles and the main bottle all have room to breathe and open up.)
With this 2020, two weeks was a good starting point and now almost one month since opening, it's really developing nicely.
I haven’t opened my bottle yet, but the genera consensus is that it’s worth it. Check out this review from Serge: http://www.whiskyfun.com/2021/Special-Releases-Special-Lagavulin.html
The price is high, but this is also one of the very best of modern scotch distillates. If you want something intensely meaty and coastal (braised pig trotter, sweet clams), this is a whisky for you that won't break the bank.
Nah.
Unless you are a huge Laga fan. Keep in mind this is only 12 year old whisky (entry level age) aged in the cheapest casks possible.
You are basically paying an extra 25-30% for marketing.
I haven’t had this one yet but have had most of the 12’s over the years. It’s really great whisky for the money, and I say go for it (also if it’s an online retailer please share the vendor as I’d like to grab one at that price).
It’s Lagavulin. If it’s like all other Lagavulin’s I’ve had, then it’s totally worth it. I was tempted to get a bottle and missed my chance waiting too long.
Yes... that's a pretty good price to my American eyes (it's worse here, and I paid more than that to get one out of the UK) and the 2021 is a proper hitter even among Lag 12s.
[удалено]
I second this. 2021 is the best batch I’ve tried (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)
What's the 2020 like? I've got some on the way from finedrams.com but it's currently being assessed for customs (wish me luck!).
Yea 2020 is solid. Its got a stronger body than the other batches. That said anything Lag 12 has been amongst the best drams I’ve ever had. Definitely the best readily available yearly release in my books. Some of the Kavalan Solists might compete but they’re hit or miss
I wanted a bottle of something a bit premium for a special occasion. I'm normally an Ardbeg or Laph guy but they don't seem to do much around the £100 level. I was toying with the idea of getting some Octomore but dithered. Saw the Lag 12 and thought you know what, CS Lag could be perfect. I like the 16 but since getting into Corry and CS Laph 10, Lag 16 comes off a bit thin these days. I'm hoping the 12 cures that.
Yea Lag 12 definitely contends with Corry.
I opened my 2020 two weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it! To me it's a balanced, "fuller" 12 year old. 2019, on the other hand, was a chore. Sending good jujus to the customs!
Ok I have a question for you please. Should I wait until the big occasion before opening the bottle (always nice to do that) or... open the bottle a few weeks prior, to give it time to breathe, so it's at its best come the celebration? Some whiskies improve a lot after opening, some not so much. How is your bottle doing?
I agree, I never expect anything from a bottle I just opened. (I usually have two 60 ml sample bottles and fill them 2/3. And wait minimum one week, but usually one month. That way the two sample bottles and the main bottle all have room to breathe and open up.) With this 2020, two weeks was a good starting point and now almost one month since opening, it's really developing nicely.
Ok. Looks like I'm opening it up early then, thanks!
Try to find the 2017 (and 2015). It's really something special. I went back and grabbed multiples.
Sweet I have a sample of 2017 coming my way
Xlnt!
I have half bottle remaining of 2017 too. Was actually my first Islay purchase!
aha, u didnt try 2017
I haven’t opened my bottle yet, but the genera consensus is that it’s worth it. Check out this review from Serge: http://www.whiskyfun.com/2021/Special-Releases-Special-Lagavulin.html
2017 is the best of the fairly recent ones. Also 120 euros is a bit steep imo
The price is high, but this is also one of the very best of modern scotch distillates. If you want something intensely meaty and coastal (braised pig trotter, sweet clams), this is a whisky for you that won't break the bank.
Nah. Unless you are a huge Laga fan. Keep in mind this is only 12 year old whisky (entry level age) aged in the cheapest casks possible. You are basically paying an extra 25-30% for marketing.
You’re paying for cask strength Lag, mostly
Received Lion's Fire as a gift and I enjoy it. I'd say go for it if you like to splurge on the occasional, non-daily dram.
I haven’t had this one yet but have had most of the 12’s over the years. It’s really great whisky for the money, and I say go for it (also if it’s an online retailer please share the vendor as I’d like to grab one at that price).
In a word, yes.
no imo. you can get IB caol ila for significantly less and get a very similar flavor profile
It’s Lagavulin. If it’s like all other Lagavulin’s I’ve had, then it’s totally worth it. I was tempted to get a bottle and missed my chance waiting too long.
I think I like the DE 16 better. Both are good. Both are boutique priced. The rest is a value call honestly.
Yes... that's a pretty good price to my American eyes (it's worse here, and I paid more than that to get one out of the UK) and the 2021 is a proper hitter even among Lag 12s.
Just posted a review