We tried the Mortlach 15 Years ‘Six Kingdoms’ some time ago and now we continue our path in the ‘limited’ Game of Thrones whisky series and try the Lagavulin 9 Year Old (House Lannister). It is matured in 100% first-fill ex-bourbon casks.
Lagavulin 9 yo ‘House Lannister’ (46%, OB ‘Game of Thrones’ 2019)
Nose: sweet ashes, wet tobacco leaves, moss and a light farmy hint (horse stable). Hints of barbecued banana in the background, as well as vanilla, nutmeg and fresh oak shavings. Cookies and leather. The smoke is quite soft for a Lagavulin, and the sweetness bigger.
Mouth: a surprisingly soft arrival, oily at first but late in showing flavour. After some time it is gaining punch but mostly in the form of oak spice. Pepper, nutmeg and clove. Some cold espresso notes, liquorice, sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt. Walnuts towards the end.
Finish: long, on sweet smoke, pepper and oak spice. A hint of burnt rubber too.
While this is not bad whisky, it doesn’t exactly impress accross the board either. Especially on the palate it feels simple and slightly woody. A cheap version of the 12 Years or 16 Years. Still available from TWE and TyndrumWhisky for instance.