Lagavulin Batch 2 (TBWC)

That Boutique-y Whisky Company bottled this 10 year old Lagavulin as Batch 2, a cask strength ex-Bourbon release known for its comic-strip label, an outturn of 239 bottles. Lagavulin has stood at its namesake bay since 1816, one of Islay's south-shore distilleries.

Lagavulin runs its pear-shaped stills slowly for a heavy, peated spirit. Matured in ex-Bourbon at full strength, ten years give a bright, direct smoke.

At its natural strength of 53.7%. The smoke rises from guaiacol and phenols, the ex-Bourbon giving vanilla. A rare independent Lagavulin from a characterful bottler.