Lagavulin 1988 Natural Strength (Samaroli)

Samaroli, the revered Italian bottler, released this 1988 Lagavulin at natural strength, an outturn of 324 bottles. Independent Lagavulin is scarce, and a Samaroli bottling is doubly prized. Lagavulin, founded in 1816, is the middle voice of southern Islay's peated trio.

The peated spirit is distilled slowly, the still shape adding weight. Matured in ex-Bourbon at full strength, the wood gives vanilla beneath the smoke.

At its natural strength of 56%. Guaiacol and phenols drive the smoke, the ex-Bourbon giving vanilla. The recorded note is a toasted edge. A rare Samaroli independent Lagavulin.