Lagavulin 12 Year Old “Fireside Tales” – 2024 Special Release Natural Cask Strength (114.8 Proof Islay Single Malt)

Lagavulin 12 Year Old 2024 Special Release (114.8 proof) is classic Lagavulin turned up to full intensity—smoky, coastal, and unapologetically powerful, yet surprisingly refined. This edition introduces a slightly softer, sweeter edge beneath the peat, revealing citrus, vanilla, and coastal salinity layered over the distillery’s signature smoke. It’s a must-have annual release for Islay lovers, delivering both raw power and nuanced balance.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced at the legendary Lagavulin Distillery on the island of Islay, this release is part of Diageo’s highly anticipated Special Releases 2024 collection.

Key production highlights:

• 12 years aged Islay single malt
• Bottled at natural cask strength (~57.4% ABV / 114.8 proof)
• Matured in a mix of first-fill ex-bourbon and refill casks
• Non-chill filtered for maximum flavor and texture
• Limited, annual release with collectible packaging

Unlike some recent experimental finishes, the 2024 edition returns to a more classic Lagavulin profile, emphasizing:

👉 Purity of peat and distillate character
👉 Balanced influence from active American oak
👉 A subtle sweetness layered beneath the smoke

Critics & Community Notes

• WhiskyNotes: ~90 Points
  Highlighting ashy smoke, citrus freshness, and coastal notes
• Tasting notes frequently emphasize:
  • Clean, ashy peat and bonfire smoke
  • Citrus (lemon, lime) and coastal brine
  • A slightly sweeter, more rounded profile than expected

This edition is widely seen as:

👉 A return to form for the Lagavulin 12 series
👉 One of the more balanced recent releases

Tasting Profile

Nose
Ashy peat smoke, citrus peel, sea spray, vanilla, and subtle coconut.

Palate
Powerful and layered with bonfire smoke, lemon, honey, black pepper, iodine, and roasted coffee, with a hint of sweetness beneath the peat

Finish
Long and intense with ash, tobacco, brine, spice, and lingering smoke

Quick Overview

Recommended Service

Serving:
Start neat, then add a few drops of water.

Why:
Water unlocks citrus sweetness and softens the peat intensity, revealing additional layers.