Sorry it’s been a while since my last post. I was on vacation traveling with my friend Melissa. We took about 10 days to visit Berlin, Germany and Prague, Czech Republic. We had an amazing time!

It was while in Germany that I saw and picked up this Lagavulin 8 year-old produced for their 200th Anniversary. It is a limited edition product and according to the packaging this product will only be available for one year. It not only celebrates the big birthday for the distillery, but it also pays tribute to Alfred Barnard. Barnard an author (The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom) who back in the 1880’s tasted an 8 year-old Lagavulin and described it as “exceptionally fine”.

If you are a fan of the 16 year-old Lagavulin like I am, the first thing you will notice when you look at the bottle and pour yourself a dram is the lightness in color. This 8 year-old is very pale and light in comparison to the nice rich amber color of the 16 year-old. Everyone who likes the 16 year-old knows how in your face that peat is. The 8 year-old is simply a lighter version of that. You can still taste the peat but it’s no so overwhelming.

The minute you taste this whisky you can tell it’s a younger/lighter version of it’s older sibling. Make no mistake, that doesn’t mean this is not a good product. I absolutely enjoyed this whisky. For all those who don’t like the 16 year-old because it’s too pungent, this is a version I think those people will enjoy.

Tasting Notes
Nose: citrus, smoke and salt
Palate: smoke, pepper, spices with subtle notes of sweetness
Finish: clean and soft with ending notes of smoke

What more can I say, age is but a number. No matter what a distillery does, there will always be critics. I know not everyone is going to love this bottle and not everyone is going to love the price of this bottle. I on the other hand was happy to buy and my only regret is, not buying two bottles.

Yes, this is half the age of the 16 year-old but by no means do I think that Lagavulin compromised quality and taste in putting out this younger version. You aren’t being robbed of that peaty taste; you still get that but in a much lighter and smoother way. You can call it, Lagavulin Light!

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.