As you know, The Whisky Exchange is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the family’s career in the drinks industry. One of the limited editions available for this occasion is a 31 year old Lagavulin 1991 ‘Casks of Distinction’.
Considering the ultra-premium nature of this release, it was kept under the radar. The Casks of Distnction are usually private bottlings, so maybe they are trying to keep this from the normal retailer circuit.
Anyway, let’s find out how it compares to the other 1991 cask we had last year.
Lagavulin 31 yo 1991 (49,2%, OB ‘Casks of Distinction’ for The Whisky Exchange 2022, first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead #P5D4, 264 btl.)
Nose: very forthcoming, with sweet fruits like cherries, raspberries and raisins. A nice sour touch. Then aromatic leather, suble hints of copper, cigars and dried kelp. Old smoke running through, as well as minty freshness and hints of chocolate. Very elegant, but with a smoky depth that reminds us of much older bottlings.
Mouth: different now. There’s still coal dust and smoked tea, but the brighter top notes are bigger. This lifts it, but also seems to make it thinner than expected. Some younger wood comes forward, with a gingery touch. Walnuts. Then also figs, cassis and cherries, as well as orange peels. A nice hint of wood polish and old balms as well. Hints of liquorice, tobacco leaves and chocolate towards the end.
Finish: medium to long, with dry ashes, chocolate, mint leaves and citrus.
Quite excellent again, this Lagavulin. The PX gives it a sweetness and fruitiness that balances the classic savoury smoke. A fitting tribute bottle. Exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange.