Based on 106 votes, the average rating for Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release 2018 is 8.5/10.
Top reviews for Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release 2018:
— One of my absolute favorite things in the whole world. At 57.8% ABV this can be a bit spiky, but can still be enjoyed neat. Peaty, fruity, smoky, and light-colored. You can still get the sense of the new make spirit.
— Peaty, very smooth . Flavours are too good
— I love the Islay scotches; they're like swallowing a campfire. So, when I saw that not only does Lagavulin sell a 12-year-old scotch, but that it's somehow more expensive than the 16, I wanted to give it a try.
I assumed the 12 would be a wilder version of the 16, like the campfire got out of control a little bit, but I was completely wrong. It's every bit as balanced as the 16, but with the smokiness just slightly subdued. Since I love smokiness, I was surprised by my reaction.
I loved it. I'd say it's my favorite non-super-smoky scotch, and I don't think the flavor spiral does it justice. I think the vanilla and the sherry comes out a bit more than the smoke. Also, I definitely taste spicy, peppery-ness, and the phenols.
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Ratings & Reviews
Member Reviews and Ratings of Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release 2018
Evan,
One of my absolute favorite things in the whole world. At 57.8% ABV this can be a bit spiky, but can still be enjoyed neat. Peaty, fruity, smoky, and light-colored. You can still get the sense of the new make spirit.
guest,
Got it for around 80€. At that price it is worth the experience, but obviously not for everyday drinking.
Nose
Peat, salt, lemon/citrus, artificial sweet lemon flavors, salt, sea breeze
Taste
Dark! Dark chocolate, dark honey, salty caramel, distant citrus kicking in...
Finish
Medium to quite long, smokey, ashy a bit, all the flavours tasted linger and re appear
Todd,
Nice smoke aroma on this one. Taste is very nice, with the Lagavulin expected peat and smoke, with some subtle fruit/sweetness ... just a lot of full flavor that lingers and lingers. A splash of water brings down the strength a bit, but still is very bold.
Kevin,
Too smokey
Nolan,
I’m not always in the mood for it but when I am this is my go to for peaty goodness.
Sondra,
Winter. Fires. Cozy. Special.
Lars,
My personal all time Favoriten.
Logan,
To be fair, I am not a huge Islay fan. When they say smoke and peat, they mean it. I like a little smoke, but this was completely overwhelming for me. If you like a more balanced scotch, look elsewhere. If smoke is your thing, you'll love it. For someone that wants a good middle ground, I found the Connemara peated to be a good trial.
Chetan,
Peaty, very smooth . Flavours are too good
Jesse,
I love the Islay scotches; they're like swallowing a campfire. So, when I saw that not only does Lagavulin sell a 12-year-old scotch, but that it's somehow more expensive than the 16, I wanted to give it a try.
I assumed the 12 would be a wilder version of the 16, like the campfire got out of control a little bit, but I was completely wrong. It's every bit as balanced as the 16, but with the smokiness just slightly subdued. Since I love smokiness, I was surprised by my reaction.
I loved it. I'd say it's my favorite non-super-smoky scotch, and I don't think the flavor spiral does it justice. I think the vanilla and the sherry comes out a bit more than the smoke. Also, I definitely taste spicy, peppery-ness, and the phenols.
Darren,
Peated and hot. I prefer the 16.
Eduardo,
Peat and smoke are just not my favorite flavors in whisky. Good to try and to understand the flavor, but not to buy it again.
Ryan,
Heavy on the smoke and peat.
Clayton,
Pure smokeness love, a lot of character.
Will,
If there was ever a 10 this is it! Smoky, peaty and medicinal, with a superb balance of sweetness.
guest,
As good as the 16y old and cask strength. Can it get any better? Absolutely recommended. Do not miss out on this heavy weight among the Islay malts.