Lagavulin 13 Year Old Islay Jazz Festival 2021 Mezcal Finish Limited Edition 70cl

The Islay Jazz Festival, an annual event in which the Lagavulin distillery takes part, has been welcoming visitors for many years. Each year, a limited Lagavulin natural cask strength bottling is released to mark this special occasion. A thirteen year old that is the first Lagavulin ever to be matured in refill American Oak and finished in ex-Mezcal American Standard Barrels, this 2021 Jazz Festival exclusive has been exquisitely re-arranged to hit remarkable new high notes. Only 2021 bottles are available. On the nose unusual smoky-meaty aromas of the barbecue lead familiar linseed oil and fragrant smoke. The texture is really smooth and rich, the taste sweet and savoury to start then quickly warming, as waves of smoke sweep over the palate carrying hints of spicy wood and smoke-dried Jalapeno pepper. This new-found heat lingers with the smoke in a pleasing, long finish.

Lagavulin can be found to the south of the beautiful island is Islay in the village of the same name. It was founded in 1816 by John Johnston who built two distilleries at the same site. After Johnston’s passing in 1836 the two distilleries were merged forming Lagavulin which was then acquired by Alexander Graham a wine and spirits merchant.

The distillery is now owned by industry giant’s Diageo it is well know for its heavily-peated single malt whisky. Lagavulin whisky is popular worldwide and a favourite of many whisky fans for its smoky coastal influences. The distilled spirit is predominately matured in ex-bourbon casks which helps in highlighting these smoky flavours. There are roughly 5000 casks maturing on-site, the new production is taken to be aged on the mainland. Lagavulin was on of six whiskies to be showcased in Diageo’s ‘Classic Malts of Scotland’ selection which helped to boost the popularity of the brand.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Like a Jazz Club that has been burned down. The bonfire that has ensued

Palate: Like a jazz club that is on fire currently

Finish: Memories of a Jazz club you visited 5 minutes ago that is nothing but ashes. Time for another sip

54.8% ABV

70cl