Thick whispers of rich smoke, etched with bright herbs and juicy plums, for an indelible finish.

Finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks.

Thick wisps of aromatic herbal smoke honour the ancient art of tattooing, clouds that slowly disperse in whispers of stories. The sweet scent of ripe plums lingers, as smoky black ink etches an outline of illustrious past generations ascending to legendary heights. Each work of art is a map of historic victories, imprinted on a living canvas.

Inspired by the spirit of intensity and pride that shines through a Lagavulin history more than 200 years long, our Malt Master explores the famed symbols of the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, rich in story and significance. The whisky, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, pulses with herbal flavours ancient and modern, engraving an indelible story.

Amid fierce glints of gold, fresh notes of sea air, citrus and ripened berries mingle with intense herbal smoke in an enchanted swirl of heady aromas, while the creamy-smooth and robust texture plays perfect canvas to a rich palette of swirling flavours. Sweet with juicy plums and a hint of saltiness, then ever more herbal and smokier, the flavours deep-etch their impression for a lip-tingling whisky of legends.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The immediate aromas are slightly more medicinal than smoky, showing hints of carbolic soap and soothing rub that soon mingle with aromatic wood smoke from a driftwood bonfire on the beach. As the intense, herbal smoke takes over, a savoury note drifts through it, suggesting barbecued pork. A drop of water reduces the intensity yet adds more maritime and darkly fruity notes, making the smokiness yet more aromatic.

Palate

At natural strength, the robust texture is creamy smooth and mouth-filling, while with its ever-richer swirling flavours the taste is sweet at first and citrus-like, adds a good sprinkling of salt, then reveals notes of juicy plum in an increasingly smoky and lip-tingling finale. With a dash of water, it’s a little sweeter and smokier still.

Finish

Long, with a salty tang and finishing very smoky, with just a hint of that light meatiness in a smoky aftertaste that is both lingering and mouth-cooling. It is drying, with a lovely warm-heartedness

PRODUCT SUMMARY

Volume	70cl
ABV	56.4%
Type	Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Region	Islay
Age	12 Years Old
Barrel type	Don Julio Añejo tequila casks

Diageo Special Release 2023