Lagavulin 8 is indeed a peated whisky. The term “peated” refers to the process of drying the malted barley with the smoke from burning peat, which imparts a distinctive smoky and earthy flavor to the whisky. Lagavulin is known for its heavily peated style, and the Lagavulin 8 is no exception.
The peat used in the production of Lagavulin whisky comes from the bogs of Islay, a small island on the west coast of Scotland. The peat is cut from these bogs and dried before being used in the malting process. When the malted barley is dried, the peat smoke permeates the grains, infusing them with its unique smoky character.
The peatiness of Lagavulin 8 can be attributed to the high phenol content in the malted barley. Phenols are organic compounds that are released when peat is burned, and they contribute to the smoky and medicinal aromas and flavors found in peated whiskies. Lagavulin 8 is known for its rich and intense peat smoke, which is often described as smoldering, maritime, and briny.
When you nose a glass of Lagavulin 8, you will immediately be greeted by a powerful wave of smoky and peaty aromas. The scent of burning peat, charred wood, and ash is prominent, along with hints of iodine and seaweed. It evokes images of a bonfire on a windswept beach, with the salty sea air mingling with the smoke.
On the palate, Lagavulin 8 delivers a robust and complex flavor profile. The smoky and peaty notes take center stage, enveloping the taste buds with layers of campfire smoke, charred oak, and earthy peat. There is also a distinct sweetness present, with hints of caramel and vanilla from the ex-bourbon American oak casks in which the whisky is aged.
The finish of Lagavulin 8 is long and lingering, with the smoky flavors gradually fading away and leaving behind a pleasant warmth on the palate. The peat smoke dances on the tongue, leaving a lasting impression of its distinctive character.
In my personal experience, Lagavulin 8 is a whisky that truly showcases the art of peat. As a fan of peated whiskies, I find its intense smokiness captivating and evocative. Each sip takes me on a sensory journey to the rugged landscapes of Islay, where the peat bogs and the sea breeze intertwine to create a whisky like no other. Whether enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or in a cocktail, Lagavulin 8 is a peated whisky that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any whisky enthusiast.