Lagavulin 12 Year Grain & Embers 2025 Diageo Special Release Natural Cask Strength Scotch Whisky

Lagavulin “Grain & Embers” is a bold, smoky Islay expression with surprising depth and complexity. It fuses the classic peat-smoke signature of Lagavulin with rich dried-fruit sweetness and toasty embers, offering a powerful, nuanced dram at cask strength.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This bottle is part of Diageo’s 2025 Special Releases, a limited-edition collection exploring new horizons in Scotch whisky. “Grain & Embers” carries a 12-year age statement and was matured in a mix of refill casks plus Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry–seasoned European oak butts.
Lagavulin, on Islay, is renowned for producing intensely peated, maritime malts. In “Grain & Embers,” the spirit is non-chill filtered, bottled at natural cask strength (56.5 % ABV), and released without added coloring. The careful marrying of smoky tradition and sherry cask influence gives it a distinctive, experimental edge.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Immediately phenolic and bold — think smoldering peat, charcoal, wood ash, sea spray, and rock pools. Hints of medicinal smoke, oyster shell, and cracked black pepper come through, with the aroma drying out over time.
Palate: Silky in texture but vigorous in character. Dried fruits (raisins, figs, dates) intermingle with richer elements of smoke, salted caramel, malted barley, and a spicy undercurrent. The peat is assertive but calibrated, allowing the sweeter sherried tones to play. Water softens the edges and reveals deeper layers of oak spice and more concentrated smoke.
Finish: Long, drying, and smoky. The lingering tail features sea salt, charred wood, continued peat echoes, and a whisper of chili-pepper warmth when diluted slightly.

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