Whisky Review/Tasting: Lagavulin Jazz Festival 2015

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Lagavulin Distillery, Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: A marriage between refill American oak casks and European bodega oak casks.
Age Statement: No age statement provided.
Alcohol by Volume: 54%.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the emphasis on cask types suggests a potentially rich coloration.
Bottle Design: Specific design details are not mentioned, but it is a distillery bottling for the 2015 Jazz Festival, indicating possible thematic elements related to the event.

Initial Smell: Typical peat smell, not overly strong or smoky, with a light sweetness and darker, earthier tones.
Taste Development: Begins strong with a noticeable peat presence, evolving into a ham-like flavor followed by increasing sweetness and dryness, reminiscent of dried fruits, particularly dates.
Unique Characteristics: A slight sea note is detectable, adding to the complexity and rounded nature of the whisky.

Event Association: This special bottling was released in support of the Jazz Festival held on Islay in 2015, showcasing the distillery's involvement in local cultural events.
Exclusivity: The whisky is not available for purchase elsewhere, making it a unique collector's item and a draw for visitors to the distillery.

Islay Connection: The whisky embodies the spirit of Islay, not just through its peated flavor profile but also through its direct association with a local cultural event, enhancing its significance to the region.

"It's a well-rounded whisky."
"Unfortunately, we don't know how old it is."
"So you actually have to go to the distillery. But that is actually worth a visit."

The Lagavulin Jazz Festival 2015 bottling is a unique single malt Scotch whisky, combining refill American oak and European bodega oak casks.
It features a typical peat profile with a balanced sweetness and a hint of sea, making it well-rounded.
Released in support of the Islay Jazz Festival in 2015, it highlights the distillery's cultural engagement.
Exclusive to the distillery, it's a sought-after item for collectors and enthusiasts.
Despite the lack of an age statement, its complexity and flavor profile suggest a quality and depth that make it worth seeking out.

Peat Lovers: Individuals who appreciate a peated whisky will enjoy the balanced but present peat notes.
Collectors: The exclusivity and event-specific nature of this bottling make it a must-have for whisky collectors.
Festival Enthusiasts: Those interested in the cultural aspects of whisky production and its ties to local events will find this bottling particularly appealing.
Travelers: Whisky enthusiasts who enjoy visiting distilleries and exploring the origins of unique bottlings will be drawn to the necessity of visiting Lagavulin to obtain this whisky.