Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release 2025
Can Lagavulin’s latest special release live up to its legendary reputation? This 12-year-old delivers comforting peat waves that might surprise even devoted fans.
- Ed Leigh is the founder of TopWhiskies.com and an expert in independent bottlers.
Lagavulin Grain & Embers is a 12 Year Old limited edition and one of eight whiskies in Diageo’s Special Releases 2025. Matured in refill casks and Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso-seasoned European oak butts, it was bottled at 56.5% ABV.
Pale gold or straw, tight beading around the edge of the glass
Billows of generous earthy smoke – the peat is here, and proud. Beneath rich peat smoke are notes of apple and pear. Citrus notes of lemon and waxy orange peel. Oak and creamy vanilla in the background.
Medium mouthfeel with a soft, silky texture. Warm, comforting peat – welcoming, not overpowering. Dried apple and vanilla pods. Light oak and wood spice.
Long. Smoke fades through orchard fruits to end in a salty minerality like beach pebbles with a touch of spice.
Delicious with wonderful waves of warm, comforting peat, this was my personal favourite of the eight whiskies in the 2025 outturn.
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Ed Leigh
Ed Leigh is a recognized authority on independent bottlers and artisan Scotch whisky. In 2019, he founded TopWhiskies.com, a specialist retailer dedicated to promoting these often family-run businesses and showcasing their small-batch releases. Based in London, Ed holds certifications in both wine and spirits from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
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