Lagg Single Malt Kilmory Edition 46% ABV 700ml

Arran's sister distillery Lagg has given us a core release. Last year's limited runs were fun, but Kilmory should be a little more true to what the distillery's profile should be like, going forward. The name refers to the small parish where the distillery lives. Matured in 100% first fill Ex-Bourbon, Kilmory is peated to 50 ppm (not far off Ardbeg levels!). We're kind of expecting sweet spirit with a really robust smokiness.

Nose: Sweet and peat flavours dominate. Citrus sweetness, oranges, grapefruit, charred lemons, lemon drops, this is enhanced by adding water which brings an explosion of lemon. Hints of tropical fruits, pineapples, and honeydew melon stand out. The sweet notes are undercut by a gentle ashy smoke, reminiscent of bonfire embers or old pubs as well as a damp, earthy and note. 

Palate: Bright and vibrant. The citrus and tropical fruits from the nose continue and provide a zesty spark. Other vanilla/sugary sweet flavours creep in such as cream soda and crème brulé. The grassy damp vegetal and herby notes of the LAGG distillery character arrive more pronounced on the palate. Again, the peat is earthy and ashy and the bonfire ash develops into cigar tobacco. Some more ‘earthy’ and musty flavours with old leather and wood. This is underpinned by a thick, creamy, and oily texture that coats the mouth. 

Finish: A gentle short to medium finish that brings out more of the earthy/ashy smoke and some peppercorn spice.

Summary: Sweet and Peat. Zesty Citrus, Tropical Fruits, Herby-Vegetal/Grassy, and an Ashy-Earthy smoke.