Lagavulin 24 Years Old 1991 Feis Ile 2015 59.9% 1991

Professionele reviews

Serge Valentin (93)

Yes we’re late. But you may have noticed that there are only 365 days in a year. Ahem. This baby was ‘triple matured’ in US Oak, Pedro Ximenez, and oak puncheons. Was that, I mean, done successively, or a vatting? Sure I could find out, but let’s not lose any more time… Colour: pale gold. Nose: awawaow… It makes the youngsters nose… well, young in comparison. They have found a Broraness, I’d say. First wax, then all things from a deep forest, including moss, mushrooms, fern, pine needles, leprechauns (what?)… And long-forgotten natural turpentine, shoe polish, grandma’s walnut wine, grapefruit liqueur… There is a sherriness, but I find it appropriately minimal, with just a few raisins. All the rest just mingled with this superb spirit. With water: oh a medicinal side. Lagavulin’s hardly the most medicinal of them all on southern Islay, but this one does reek of ‘a gentle hospital’. Mouth (neat): look, and I swear I’m not making this up, this baby reminds me of an old no-age Lagavulin spring cap. The one with doctors’ advices on the label. Well I’m sure this one cures anything. Love the citrons, the menthol, the salty smoke, the cocoa, the notes of Campari (I know, no brand names), the shoe polish… With water: sparkling lemon wine! A bit surprising, but lovely. Islay’s spritz. Finish: rather long, clean, citrusy, smoky, salty, balanced… Only very, very, very tiny flaw, traces of pencil shavings in the aftertaste (sucking a pencil). Comments: wouldn’t there be room for a great 25 yo Lagavulin within each year’s Special Releases?

BOW (93)

A Rare Delight: The Lagavulin 24 Years Old 1991 Feis Ile 2015 Edition

For whisky enthusiasts, the Feis Ile malt festival held annually on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, is a much-anticipated event that celebrates the island's illustrious whisky heritage. Each year, distilleries present exclusive expressions crafted to honor this remarkable occasion. Among these treasured releases, the Lagavulin 24 Years Old 1991 Feis Ile 2015 Edition stands as an extraordinary whisky, an exquisite combination of time, craftsmanship, and exceptional cask maturation.

A Rare Gem from 1991:

Distilled in the fabled year of 1991, this Lagavulin expression embarked on a remarkable journey, quietly maturing for twenty-four years, developing complexities and nuances that can only be achieved with time. Bottled in 2015, it was released exclusively for the Feis Ile 2015 malt festival, making it a highly sought-after collectible among whisky aficionados.

A Symphony of Maturation:

This 24-year-old Lagavulin has been carefully nurtured through its aging process, drawing flavors and aromas from a unique combination of American Oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, and oak puncheons. The influence of each cask type contributes to the whisky's character, resulting in a harmonious symphony of flavors that captivate the senses.

The Impact of American Oak:

The use of American Oak casks imparts a gentle sweetness, lending notes of vanilla, toffee, and honey to the whisky. The interaction with the wood during its long slumber adds depth and richness, allowing the spirit to evolve and mature gracefully.

Embracing the Pedro Ximénez Sherry Influence:

Maturation in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks infuses the whisky with sumptuous dried fruit and nutty flavors, offering a delightful contrast to the smoky and maritime character Lagavulin is renowned for. The interaction with the sweet sherry wood imparts a velvety texture and a layer of complexity, elevating the whisky to extraordinary heights.

The Enigmatic Oak Puncheons:

Oak puncheons are larger casks compared to traditional barrels, which allows for slower and gentler maturation. The whisky resting in these oak puncheons gains a rounded and refined character, while the wood imparts subtle spiciness and earthy undertones to the final blend.

A Symphony of Flavors:

Upon tasting the Lagavulin 24 Years Old 1991 Feis Ile 2015 Edition, whisky enthusiasts are greeted with an orchestration of flavors. Layers of rich smokiness intertwine with the sweetness of vanilla and toffee, while hints of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and warm spices dance on the palate. The whisky's high ABV of 59.9% lends an intense and bold character, showcasing the full spectrum of its remarkable flavors.

An Exquisite Collector's Piece:

This exceptional Lagavulin expression is not only a whisky to savor but also a collector's piece to cherish. Its limited availability and unique bottling for the Feis Ile 2015 malt festival have elevated it to a rare and highly sought-after gem, coveted by whisky connoisseurs and collectors alike.

In conclusion, the Lagavulin 24 Years Old 1991 Feis Ile 2015 Edition is a true celebration of time, craftsmanship, and the art of maturation. With its rich and complex flavors, shaped by the influence of American Oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, and oak puncheons, this rare expression stands as a testament to Lagavulin's commitment to excellence and its enduring place in the hearts of whisky enthusiasts around the world.