A DRAM IN THE COBBLER’S WORKSHOP – SCORE: 8/10
The legendary Lagavulin stands as one of the rare distilleries that does not frequently alter its bottle formats or label designs, unlike its counterparts such as Macallan, Laphroaig, or Bowmore. The iconic cream-colored label remains unchanged for the 16-year-old expression—except, of course, for the Distiller’s Edition series.
Indeed, this series has undergone numerous transformations, shifting from a black label to green, and now featuring a green label with a red ribbon. This annual 16-year-old release is also uniquely double-matured in Pedro Ximénez casks, in contrast to the other annual release, the 12-year-old, which is aged exclusively in bourbon casks.
The 2001 edition, bottled in 2017, is particularly successful. Notes of leather and wine intertwine elegantly, with vanilla and black pepper subtly lingering in the background. The finish is marked by a light, discreet woodiness that enhances its overall appeal.
A fine vintage for this series, which remains one of the most compelling in terms of quality-to-price ratio.
