Lagavulin New Make Spirit

A lot of friends are very much aware of the fact that I have a soft spot for new make. So I am always very happy when someone turns up after returning from Scotland with a bottle of new make. It was the case here as well, with the new make from Lagavulin from Islay. And while I taste this, I am listening to Requiem for a Dream, the very powerful soundtrack by Clint Mansell for the rather bizarre and disappointing movie of the same name. But what a piece of music, eh?

The crystal clear liquid has a very special nose. It is far from clean (which is a plus) and offers some sweet white chocolate (truly!) and earthy notes as well as a crispy wok of vegetables. The sea is already detectable in this spirit with a raw saltiness as if from dried fish. Some humus and even raw mushrooms. After a few minutes, something emerges that makes me think of clay or even plasticine. This is quite entertaining!

It is (naturally) hot on the palate, fiery on spices and creamy. Sweet and salt battle for the honors. It feels a bit grainy. A hint of salty liquorice and something that makes me think of lavender (no, this is not soapy). White cabbage kicks in. And let us not forget to mention the almost self-explanatory smoke.

Long, warm finish. You can feel it evaporate on the palate.

One of the most interesting new makes I have had the pleasure of tasting, tobe honest. While a requiem is normally a service for the dead, this Requiem for a Dram is in honor of the birth of this great whisky. Thanks, Jan!

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