Agree 100% - i've been sipping on this off and on for past three weeks and she only gets better. Camp fire, caramel, nice saltiness. I really like this. It reminds more of the 16 than the 8 but not as refined (and one shouldn't expect that). beautiful dram. cheers
I had the pleasure of trying it today! It's really fantastic. I hope they add it to the core range in the future or at the very least, release it as a limited edition again.
Got this, as a Lagavulin fan, I am saving this for Xmas. But I did try the Royal Lochnagar 12 House Baratheon, one of the best Highlands I've ever tasted.
@@Scotch4Dummies Awesome! Here in MA, the prices for these bottles are nuts. The Baratheon and Lannister go from 60-100 and the Tully one goes from 25-40(Singleton). Ive never seen a $40 swing on the same bottle in the same town before
I walked into a local shop today and there were a bunch of these for $25 each. I've never tried any Lagavulin so I wasn't sure what to expect from this offering, but for the price I simply could not pass it up.
Great review guys! I literally just got home from buying the first five available (including the Lagavulin) but now think I better get another one! Perfect timing! 😂
Hello guys, love your GOT whisky reviews! You said some of the whiskies were already in their core lines and just repackaged. Do you know which other versions are not just repackaged with the exception of the Lannister whisky?
Well, honestly the answer is no. We're doing our best assumption and speculation as Diago isn't being overly transparent with these bottles.....but, stay tuned for the last 2 we have to review (Talisker and Oban) as I believe they may be unique bottlings as well..... ~Mark
Mark I finally got some time for the saints game and may I say y’all were spot on ... it was fabulous especially when the peat kicked in during the finish.
Fantastic review, gents! Looking forward to picking this up this week. I managed to snag a Clynelish House Tyrell bottle which I am enjoying so far. Can't wait for the next live! Cheers brothers
The Game of Thrones House Lannister - Lagavulin 9 Year Old is selling for $70 here in smokey Northern California. I have two bottles of the Lagavulin Feis Isle and two bottles of the Lagavulin Jazz and a Distillery Only Edition (I had two, but gave 1 to Scott & Bart). The Feis Isle is awesome and the Distillery Only Edition to me seemed to me like a 9 year old. After all that... I'm a big fan of the 16, it's my favorite for pairing with salted dark chocolate.
You've got some great scores there and even better the adventure to obtain them! I'm very much like you on the 16...I have a a couple of bottles of it stashed! I have to admit after having the opportunity to sample that Bunna FI you gave to us I just hear Feis Ile and I'm sold!! I'm very interested to hear what you have to say about the Lag FI!! See you next week! ~Mark
Well, the only peated scotch I've ever bought more than one bottle of is the Lag 16, so I may need to pick this one up. I want to try the Clynelish bottle too. Thanks guys! 😄👍
Hey there Lana-Lu!!! This one is pretty darn good...not quite as "deep" as the 16, but most definitely more rich than the 8! It also has a lingering peppery finish! I'm excited about the Clynelish too!!! :-) Happy Thanksgiving! ~Mark
Looked liked you had a fun time filming this ,looking forward to trying this but not available till Feb for me ,glad it's better than the jw white walker lol
Whew, you and me both. If Lagavulin would have put out something like JW did I'd have to reconsider what I'm doing...LOL. I do hope a bottle of this finds its way to you though, it's good....and yes, we're always having fun drinking scotch together! :-) ~Mark
Love what you guys are doing and I defer to your reviews before I make a purchase. I am very much a Tamdhu and Glenfiddich guy but I wanted to try to expand my horizons by trying an islay. After seeing your reviews of Lagavulin 9 and also the Laphroaig Lore, I decided to grab a bottle of each. Due to the price point I opened the Lagavulin to try first. I can't seem to get past the chloroseptic/bandaid smell and taste and was a bit shocked by the experience. I'd like to get your advice on whether or not to even open the Laphroaig Lore. Will it give me a similar experience? If so, what would you recommend to me as a means to sell it and recoup some money? Any other recommendations you guys have are welcomed.
@@Scotch4Dummies Just like what you guys said, it definately taste very well. I'm a fan of Islay whisky and especially Lagavulin. Greetings from Sweden.
Didn't expect much from GoT edition, never seen even one full episod btw. But this Lagavulin is delicious. If there is anyone who like Lagavulin, it is a bottle you just have to buy for yourselves. Cannot say if I like it more than 16 or D.E. bcs I love them both. It surely depends on the day, but this is damn good!
Guys, just picked up a bottle of this. Geez, y'all may have undersold this. I like it just as much as the 16. I like the rough edges. Crazy good! It almost tastes like a smokey Speyside...
Looking forward to seeing these on the shelves... hopefully they show up at reasonable prices here at the LCBO... Lagavulin does sound like a decent option - I do enjoy the 8!
Had this side by side with the 8 last night and I must say this is a bit more rich and "full" on the palate...also a bit more pepper on the finish! ~Mark
Was a bit surprised myself. The 8 is much lighter in color too, but that can't be compared as the 9 very well has coloring. I don't believe the 8 does just because it's so darn light, but who knows? They are most definitely 2 Lagavulins, but quite different!! ~Mark
Scotch 4 Dummies the 16 is coloured, the 8 and 12 are not (they don’t add Colour to limited editions, normally)... I’ve only had the 200th anniversary 8-year, but it’s about the same Colour as Ardbeg 10 (naturally light)... so I’ll guess this 9-year is coloured, like their 16, or it’s possible they used more First Fill casks (don’t think you mentioned any Sherry?) which could explain it, but the difference in Colour looks pretty significant.
Oddly enough, I just called my not so local big box liquor store to see if they have gotten any of these in stock yet. The rep said that they received them today. I am most excited about the Oban and the Clynelish. If they are around long enough, I'll probably buy all of them. Your review of the Lagavulin is increasing my interest level, even though the peatiest whisky that i have enjoyed is Highland Park 12.
I do not believe the Oban (Night's Watch) is out yet!! Just the 7 houses....but I'm with you as those 2 have my interest.... as well as the Royal Lochnagar as I've never had anything from that distillery and it's an aged statement bottle...... can't wait to hear your perceptions!! ~Mark
This was the only one I was really interested in, maybe the Clynelish too since its bottled at a higher ABV. Decided to buy a bottle after watching this review. Don’t let me down! :P
I can finally pick one up but I'm reluctant. £65 for a 9 year whisky is steep. It's £25 more expensive than Ardbeg 10. It's more expensive than the 8 and 16 year old Lagavulin as well. Nah... it's too expensive, I've talked myself out of it. Cheers fellas.
I have NO DOUBT you will own this set and I honestly can't wait to see your reviews of them! How long before the darn season already... Hahahaha. ~Mark
Yep! Got a few of them from Universal Package Store... booze.wine But, they are starting to show up in stores now too....have a complete set picked up in a store in Champagne IL.
Picking this one up today. Have the 16 but want this for sure now. Sounds very well balanced which is important for me on islay scotch. Great review guys. Glen grant 18
@@Scotch4Dummies decided to crack it open tonight. Very nice dram. I get vanilla, brine, salt,blue cheese,heather on the nose. Molasses honey,oak,salt on the taste and finishes with a nice soft smoke,peanuts n campfire char. I agee super well balanced bottle. Glen Grant 18
Compare this to the 8 year old and you can see how much color has been added. In some of the bottles in the series you can pretty much taste the coloring. Not necessary a bad thing as you may think. Lagavulin 12 is prob my favorite out of the 8,9,12,and 16. It's also more expensive than the 16 due to it being cask strength.
You may never taste the coloring. (Chill filtered is another thing it takes away some flavors) but no the coloring you may never taste in a scotch. The GOT version disappointed me in comparison with even the 8y lagavulin.
Laphroaig and Lagavulin to me have a big taste difference. I'm a big fan of both distilleries and the QC has always reminded me of cake batter. The 10 year is also a great dram, but would prefer the 10. Moving to Lagavulin and this 9 is pretty amazing for the price. I'd stay it depends on my mood when I want that nice Islay flavoring. If I had to vote, I'd say Lag 9 at the moment. Cheers! -Drew
Cream cheese? Cream corn?? Well, I will still pick it up and give it a try. Quite a laugh as always gentleman. Good job. Glad to see that this wasn't just another White Walker experience.
Cheers, guys ! i would have liked to hear a comparison with the 8 years old , so I guess you haven't tasted it or do not think it's better than this one...? (I kinda hear of one of you did try the 8, but not more...)
I have been lucky enough to get 5 of the series, including this one, so far. Do you guys plan on doing the rest of the GOT series? I have a feeling the couple done at 40% might not be up to the standard set by the Lagavulin.
I just picked up houses Stark, Tully, Targaryen, Lanister, and Greyjoy at around $240.00 in Pittsburgh. Didn't want to drop that much, but had to get them while I could. Can't wait to get the last three. Also Johnnie Walker has a G.O.T. White Walker blend.
You should watch our review on the JW white walker before you buy. The bottle is cool but the scotch isn’t great. I think most of the distillery editions will be good to great. Hoping for great. -Shawn
Not a big scotch drinker but love game of thrones. I bought this bottle today and my first impression of this is that it tastes and smells like someone put out their cigar.... waiting for the ice to dilute and hopefully it will taste better
Hello guys! IMHO Diageo choose Lagavulin for Lannister 'cause of the Lion. A little question: Do you could compare this one with the Lagavulin 8 yo 48%?
Well there's the obvious oversight on our part, the Lion! LOL. Thanks for pointing it out, now we'll have to be better with figuring out the others! As for the comparison...stay tuned, we're getting a comparison video of the two out this week! ;-) ~Mark
To my knowledge, they are all out but the Oban (Night's Watch) which is supposed to hit the shelves before the end of November...at least here in the States. From what I've heard Europe isn't getting any until next year? ~Mark
Wow so I guess there's the BIG difference between scotch drinkers & me not a big scotch guy. So weird hearing you praise this one after how hard you bashed the white walker. No judging here, but I think another reviewer said it best when they said there's no wrong answers just different palettes. My Fiancé (also not a big Scotch drinker) made the same face I did when we tried House Grey joy NOT good. The Lagavulin tasted VERY similar just a bit smoother. After tasting those 2 the White walker was a pleasant surprise. Great vids. Been watching your G.O.T. tasting & enjoying. I'm THAT guy, who this was made for. A Game of Thrones super fan that had to have them. I'm looking forward to going live & to taste test the rest. CHEERS!
DJ, Thanks for your comment. You are right about no wrong palettes only different. I appreciate you having the guts to speak up and state your opinion. I would love to hear your tasting note on WW. MANY people do not like the peaty whisky so you are not unusual. If I hear what you do like, we can probably steer you to some fantastic bottles. Thanks for commenting. ~Andrew
@@Scotch4Dummies nice and tx for reply, I must admit I usually drink Capt. Morgans private stock or Capt. Morgans Private stock, LOL. So fret not about US Game of Throners tasting the White Walker & being scared away. (Again thats for House Greyjoy to do) I've now also tasted the Oban (nights watch) & Dalwhinnie (House Stark) Liked the Oban Loved the Dalwhinnie! Looking forward to watching more of your reviews...
@@Harvjw98 Oh nice find! It's a shame about the prices though.. As much as i'd love to grab a bottle, I definitely can't justify 230AUD for a bottle of the Lannister Lagavulin haha. Maybe i'll just get a regular bottle of Laga 8 year and pretend!
Sounds wonderful. Glad to see/hear this is not a sell out whisky where someone went to the back of the warehouse and said how can we unload these old crap whisky that nobody wants (cough cough White Walker). My guess is this will fly off the shelves. :)
9 sounds appealing but for $20 more I can have the 16 which is quintessential Lag. It’s just so hard for me to purchase the 8 or 9 when the 16 is just so so good.
Doesn’t compare to the 16 year, this one is to harsh on the palate and you can taste the young age it offers. You have to drink both side by side and you’ll definitely notice the difference.
I honestly say try this one! The 16 is a staple, it's not going anywhere...although that price might be temporary. I will say this, they are different, so if what you like in the 16 is that sherry influence you'll miss it in this 9 yo. ~Mark
Well Mark, I picked up a lonely bottle today, seems to be popular at the store I visit. Anyway thanks and have a great Thanksgiving, don't forget to have a dram or two. LeRoy
Sorry to leave you hanging, had to fine time to drink them both head to head. Anyway, I broke out both bottles tonight and opened them up. After, sitting down with both for an hour or better I have to say the 9 year old is a tad better in my opinion. But they are close and have some similar features. So I think I need another bottle. Hope you and the other guys had fun in NYC. Cheers LeRoy
I wonder why they didn't pick Mortlach to represent one of the GoT houses. The name just fits so well to the GoT universe. But I'm not a big GoT fan though. But that Laga sounds really nice.
The 8 is lighter, more airy and Flora in the nose with the palate being a bit hotter (it's 48ABV) and more Briney. The 9 is richer, sweeter & creamier on the nose with a bit more pepper on the finish. I just did a side by side comparison for you, so I literally had both in front of me at the same time! ~Mark
Just scored a bottle today and have say that your score of 3.5 is VERY generous! The 12 is as close to a 4 as Lag makes. Distillers and 16 are 3.25-3.5. This is a notch or two below all of them. Good, but wouldn't buy again. 2.75 here. Sláinte
Whew, I've had a few more glasses of this since our review and am sticking by my initial feelings.... I'm really diggin' it! I think it just has a really nice crispy woody note that I'm enjoying....almost a Ceder note on the palate, if that makes any sense, hahah! We're going to do a quick hitter 8 vs. 9 comparison...stay tuned! ~Mark
Indeed, one for each house and one for the Night's Watch! And then there's the JW White Walker, but we don't want to talk about that as it's still left a lingering bad taste in our mouth! ~Mark
Shouldn't laga been paired with House Targaryen? You know, dragons and fire and stuff? Lannisters are wine drinkers, they should have given them a sherried scotch.
OUCH, but understandable if you didn't like the 8. I will say this is NOT the 8, I actually find it to be better than the 8, but maybe not old enough for you? I'd like for you to at least try a dram somehow.... ~Mark
I find even the 12 year old to be to young for me :) I prefer the 16 year old. But then I prefer smoky whiskies to have some age. But i am looking forward for the Clynelish and the Talisker and hopefully find the Lagavulin in a bar.
I can dig it! I do like old and refined peaty scotches, but find some joy in the young sharp ones too! One thing to love about scotch...there's one for everyone! Cheers, ~Mark
A good question, but I think the single malts have a little more control? At least that's my guess. JW had to deal with the situation with what they had to blend or could acquire to blend where as the Single Malts had more individual casks in their store house to choose from? I'm grasping here clearly, but you are spot on with how this one turned out like GOLD and JW struck out hard.... ~Mark
Mark - I’m a big fan of Diageo products so i think it’s a real shame that they didn’t take the opportunity with their JW GoT product to introduce a bunch of GoT fans to whisky. If the JW GoT expression is their first experience of scotch, they may never want to try it again. Full disclosure: I haven’t actually tried the JW GoT expression yet, but I know plenty of people who have, and they all agree it’s pretty horrible stuff.
Agree 100% - i've been sipping on this off and on for past three weeks and she only gets better. Camp fire, caramel, nice saltiness. I really like this. It reminds more of the 16 than the 8 but not as refined (and one shouldn't expect that). beautiful dram. cheers
We couldn’t agree more. Glad you were able to get a bottle and enjoy it
-Shawn
I had the pleasure of trying it today! It's really fantastic. I hope they add it to the core range in the future or at the very least, release it as a limited edition again.
Big fan of lagavulin and look forward to trying this. Thanks for the great review fellas.
Interested to see your take on it! ~Mark
I hope they keep this blend around because it's outstanding.
Picked a bottle up today. Love the leather finish. Very well balanced. Great bottle of Scotch.
Just recently tried the Lagavulin 16 Vintage PX finish and its so good. Love it!
Really can't go wrong with my love, Lagavulin.... :-) ~Mark
Got this, as a Lagavulin fan, I am saving this for Xmas. But I did try the Royal Lochnagar 12 House Baratheon, one of the best Highlands I've ever tasted.
Ohhhh thanks for exciting us. That's on our list to get done in the next week or so. Need to get that review out there!
@@Scotch4Dummies Awesome! Here in MA, the prices for these bottles are nuts. The Baratheon and Lannister go from 60-100 and the Tully one goes from 25-40(Singleton). Ive never seen a $40 swing on the same bottle in the same town before
I walked into a local shop today and there were a bunch of these for $25 each. I've never tried any Lagavulin so I wasn't sure what to expect from this offering, but for the price I simply could not pass it up.
Great review guys! I literally just got home from buying the first five available (including the Lagavulin) but now think I better get another one! Perfect timing! 😂
I'll be nabbing another of these myself...especially after the other 3 take another swing at this bottle on the live show.... hahah, ~Mark
Hello guys, love your GOT whisky reviews! You said some of the whiskies were already in their core lines and just repackaged. Do you know which other versions are not just repackaged with the exception of the Lannister whisky?
Well, honestly the answer is no. We're doing our best assumption and speculation as Diago isn't being overly transparent with these bottles.....but, stay tuned for the last 2 we have to review (Talisker and Oban) as I believe they may be unique bottlings as well..... ~Mark
Gentlemen I was able to snatch up 2-bottles for $62.99!! Can't wait to try it thanks for the great review... Scotch on!!!!!
You're gonna love it... It's better than the 8 and holds it's own against the 16! ~Mark
Mark I finally got some time for the saints game and may I say y’all were spot on ... it was fabulous especially when the peat kicked in during the finish.
I literally just picked up half of these scotches. I'm so pumped.
😁👍
Picked this up today for $65, nice to hear you guys like it.
We need your perceptions now... :-) ~Mark
Fantastic review, gents! Looking forward to picking this up this week. I managed to snag a Clynelish House Tyrell bottle which I am enjoying so far. Can't wait for the next live! Cheers brothers
RITCHIE ZEEEEE! Hey buddy! We'll have our hands on the Tyrell by week's close. Looking forward to that one specifically. ~Mark
Good review fellas. I doubt that it will make it to my location but now that I know it's a thing I can can keep an eye peeled for it.
Some how....some way, you'll get to at least try this stuff. Have faith! ~Mark
just got it for $54 on sale!
The Game of Thrones House Lannister - Lagavulin 9 Year Old is selling for $70 here in smokey Northern California. I have two bottles of the Lagavulin Feis Isle and two bottles of the Lagavulin Jazz and a Distillery Only Edition (I had two, but gave 1 to Scott & Bart). The Feis Isle is awesome and the Distillery Only Edition to me seemed to me like a 9 year old. After all that... I'm a big fan of the 16, it's my favorite for pairing with salted dark chocolate.
You've got some great scores there and even better the adventure to obtain them! I'm very much like you on the 16...I have a a couple of bottles of it stashed! I have to admit after having the opportunity to sample that Bunna FI you gave to us I just hear Feis Ile and I'm sold!! I'm very interested to hear what you have to say about the Lag FI!! See you next week! ~Mark
Well, the only peated scotch I've ever bought more than one bottle of is the Lag 16, so I may need to pick this one up. I want to try the Clynelish bottle too. Thanks guys! 😄👍
Hey there Lana-Lu!!! This one is pretty darn good...not quite as "deep" as the 16, but most definitely more rich than the 8! It also has a lingering peppery finish! I'm excited about the Clynelish too!!! :-) Happy Thanksgiving! ~Mark
Scotch 4 Dummies Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving! 😋🦃
Good, got a bottle of this on order! Just ordered this one and the Clynelish to start with.
Looked liked you had a fun time filming this ,looking forward to trying this but not available till Feb for me ,glad it's better than the jw white walker lol
Whew, you and me both. If Lagavulin would have put out something like JW did I'd have to reconsider what I'm doing...LOL. I do hope a bottle of this finds its way to you though, it's good....and yes, we're always having fun drinking scotch together! :-) ~Mark
Love what you guys are doing and I defer to your reviews before I make a purchase. I am very much a Tamdhu and Glenfiddich guy but I wanted to try to expand my horizons by trying an islay. After seeing your reviews of Lagavulin 9 and also the Laphroaig Lore, I decided to grab a bottle of each. Due to the price point I opened the Lagavulin to try first. I can't seem to get past the chloroseptic/bandaid smell and taste and was a bit shocked by the experience. I'd like to get your advice on whether or not to even open the Laphroaig Lore. Will it give me a similar experience? If so, what would you recommend to me as a means to sell it and recoup some money? Any other recommendations you guys have are welcomed.
I got a bottle of this yesterday and I'm really looking forward of tasting it after seeing this review :)
Thoughts?
@@Scotch4Dummies Just like what you guys said, it definately taste very well. I'm a fan of Islay whisky and especially Lagavulin. Greetings from Sweden.
Never watch a GOT yet but I’ll be looking for two of this series, and this was one, (I’m sure you can guess the other). Nice one guys. Cheers 🥃
Hey George!! I honestly am really enjoying this one...we're putting a 8vs9 comparison out ASAP, stay tuned!! ~Mark
Didn't expect much from GoT edition, never seen even one full episod btw. But this Lagavulin is delicious. If there is anyone who like Lagavulin, it is a bottle you just have to buy for yourselves. Cannot say if I like it more than 16 or D.E. bcs I love them both. It surely depends on the day, but this is damn good!
That's the one bottle (from the whole series) I was thinking about to buy. After your review I guess I have to now :-)
Guys, just picked up a bottle of this. Geez, y'all may have undersold this. I like it just as much as the 16. I like the rough edges. Crazy good! It almost tastes like a smokey Speyside...
Just got my hands on one and it's magnificent! I will buy a few more! Better than the 8 for sure!
Always more room for Lagavulin! ~Mark
Looking forward to seeing these on the shelves... hopefully they show up at reasonable prices here at the LCBO... Lagavulin does sound like a decent option - I do enjoy the 8!
Had this side by side with the 8 last night and I must say this is a bit more rich and "full" on the palate...also a bit more pepper on the finish! ~Mark
Scotch 4 Dummies oh, that is interesting, with only a year of difference, and the younger being bottled at 48%
Was a bit surprised myself. The 8 is much lighter in color too, but that can't be compared as the 9 very well has coloring. I don't believe the 8 does just because it's so darn light, but who knows? They are most definitely 2 Lagavulins, but quite different!! ~Mark
Scotch 4 Dummies the 16 is coloured, the 8 and 12 are not (they don’t add Colour to limited editions, normally)... I’ve only had the 200th anniversary 8-year, but it’s about the same Colour as Ardbeg 10 (naturally light)... so I’ll guess this 9-year is coloured, like their 16, or it’s possible they used more First Fill casks (don’t think you mentioned any Sherry?) which could explain it, but the difference in Colour looks pretty significant.
Is it still worth picking up at $60 in 2021?
Oddly enough, I just called my not so local big box liquor store to see if they have gotten any of these in stock yet. The rep said that they received them today. I am most excited about the Oban and the Clynelish. If they are around long enough, I'll probably buy all of them. Your review of the Lagavulin is increasing my interest level, even though the peatiest whisky that i have enjoyed is Highland Park 12.
I do not believe the Oban (Night's Watch) is out yet!! Just the 7 houses....but I'm with you as those 2 have my interest.... as well as the Royal Lochnagar as I've never had anything from that distillery and it's an aged statement bottle...... can't wait to hear your perceptions!! ~Mark
This was the only one I was really interested in, maybe the Clynelish too since its bottled at a higher ABV. Decided to buy a bottle after watching this review. Don’t let me down! :P
Now you owe us your perceptions... 😉~Mark
My local store has it on sale for $29.99 How many bottles should I buy????
Get a couple. Well worth that price.
I can finally pick one up but I'm reluctant. £65 for a 9 year whisky is steep. It's £25 more expensive than Ardbeg 10. It's more expensive than the 8 and 16 year old Lagavulin as well. Nah... it's too expensive, I've talked myself out of it. Cheers fellas.
Ok... I’m in and I’ll try it... never seen a single episode of GOT... Bit I love my scotch!
Don't get scurred on us now JD! ;-) ~Mark
Need all of these.
I have NO DOUBT you will own this set and I honestly can't wait to see your reviews of them! How long before the darn season already... Hahahaha. ~Mark
You order this one online? I haven't seen these locally yet.
Yep! Got a few of them from Universal Package Store... booze.wine But, they are starting to show up in stores now too....have a complete set picked up in a store in Champagne IL.
I caught Drew's Beatles White Album reference at the intro. Looking forward to trying this bottle as soon as possible.
But you didn't catch the Ferris Bueller's Day Off ref? Oh... I feel neglected...LOL!! ;-) ~Mark
Picking this one up today. Have the 16 but want this for sure now. Sounds very well balanced which is important for me on islay scotch. Great review guys. Glen grant 18
This one is good in it's own right as it is different from the 16. I'm interested in your thoughts once you get a hold of it... ~Mark
@@Scotch4Dummies decided to crack it open tonight. Very nice dram. I get vanilla, brine, salt,blue cheese,heather on the nose. Molasses honey,oak,salt on the taste and finishes with a nice soft smoke,peanuts n campfire char. I agee super well balanced bottle. Glen Grant 18
Compare this to the 8 year old and you can see how much color has been added. In some of the bottles in the series you can pretty much taste the coloring. Not necessary a bad thing as you may think. Lagavulin 12 is prob my favorite out of the 8,9,12,and 16. It's also more expensive than the 16 due to it being cask strength.
You may never taste the coloring. (Chill filtered is another thing it takes away some flavors) but no the coloring you may never taste in a scotch. The GOT version disappointed me in comparison with even the 8y lagavulin.
QQ, i am big fan of Laphroaig. How does this compare to Quarter Cask and 10 year ?
Laphroaig and Lagavulin to me have a big taste difference. I'm a big fan of both distilleries and the QC has always reminded me of cake batter. The 10 year is also a great dram, but would prefer the 10. Moving to Lagavulin and this 9 is pretty amazing for the price. I'd stay it depends on my mood when I want that nice Islay flavoring. If I had to vote, I'd say Lag 9 at the moment. Cheers! -Drew
Cream cheese? Cream corn?? Well, I will still pick it up and give it a try. Quite a laugh as always gentleman. Good job. Glad to see that this wasn't just another White Walker experience.
Haha.. "Cream Corn" is a reference to one of Shawn's all time favorite movies... Black Dynamite!!! LOL, ~Mark ps. you're gonna like this Telex!!
Cheers, guys ! i would have liked to hear a comparison with the 8 years old , so I guess you haven't tasted it or do not think it's better than this one...? (I kinda hear of one of you did try the 8, but not more...)
working on the comparison video ASAP, stay tuned!! ~Mark
Fantastic, looking forward to it ! @@Scotch4Dummies Cheers !
Awesome review boys! I really want to try this one and the Clynelish GOT bottling.
I have been lucky enough to get 5 of the series, including this one, so far. Do you guys plan on doing the rest of the GOT series? I have a feeling the couple done at 40% might not be up to the standard set by the Lagavulin.
Yes, we're reviewing them all... In short order, study tuned! Fingers crossed on expectations! ~Mark
I found the Baratheon Royal Lochnagar to be very good, even at 40%.
Good review, but...Damn. Trouble is, if I buy one....
I'm going to say if you but one you but at least 2... Lol! ~Mark
I just picked up houses Stark, Tully, Targaryen, Lanister, and Greyjoy at around $240.00 in Pittsburgh. Didn't want to drop that much, but had to get them while I could. Can't wait to get the last three. Also Johnnie Walker has a G.O.T. White Walker blend.
You should watch our review on the JW white walker before you buy. The bottle is cool but the scotch isn’t great. I think most of the distillery editions will be good to great. Hoping for great.
-Shawn
Not a big scotch drinker but love game of thrones. I bought this bottle today and my first impression of this is that it tastes and smells like someone put out their cigar.... waiting for the ice to dilute and hopefully it will taste better
Hello guys! IMHO Diageo choose Lagavulin for Lannister 'cause of the Lion. A little question: Do you could compare this one with the Lagavulin 8 yo 48%?
Well there's the obvious oversight on our part, the Lion! LOL. Thanks for pointing it out, now we'll have to be better with figuring out the others! As for the comparison...stay tuned, we're getting a comparison video of the two out this week! ;-) ~Mark
@@Scotch4Dummies great news! Thanks. 🥃🥃
Any word on the release dates for these different whiskeys?
To my knowledge, they are all out but the Oban (Night's Watch) which is supposed to hit the shelves before the end of November...at least here in the States. From what I've heard Europe isn't getting any until next year? ~Mark
Do you guys ever give 1/4 finger/star? Like 3.25 or 2.75?
We decided when we started it whole numbers or half. We thought anything smaller would get confusing
Lucky lads! Not available here in the UK until February : (
Whole EU problem... a World Wide Contemporary distribution would have been more fairly.
Scotch is from Scotland, so why do these american imperialists get to taste it first? Just kidding!
Wow so I guess there's the BIG difference between scotch drinkers & me not a big scotch guy. So weird hearing you praise this one after how hard you bashed the white walker. No judging here, but I think another reviewer said it best when they said there's no wrong answers just different palettes. My Fiancé (also not a big Scotch drinker) made the same face I did when we tried House Grey joy NOT good. The Lagavulin tasted VERY similar just a bit smoother. After tasting those 2 the White walker was a pleasant surprise. Great vids. Been watching your G.O.T. tasting & enjoying. I'm THAT guy, who this was made for. A Game of Thrones super fan that had to have them. I'm looking forward to going live & to taste test the rest. CHEERS!
DJ, Thanks for your comment. You are right about no wrong palettes only different. I appreciate you having the guts to speak up and state your opinion. I would love to hear your tasting note on WW. MANY people do not like the peaty whisky so you are not unusual. If I hear what you do like, we can probably steer you to some fantastic bottles. Thanks for commenting. ~Andrew
@@Scotch4Dummies nice and tx for reply, I must admit I usually drink Capt. Morgans private stock or Capt. Morgans Private stock, LOL. So fret not about US Game of Throners tasting the White Walker & being scared away. (Again thats for House Greyjoy to do) I've now also tasted the Oban (nights watch) & Dalwhinnie (House Stark) Liked the Oban Loved the Dalwhinnie! Looking forward to watching more of your reviews...
I was worried this would be sub par whisky based on marketing. I am very pleased to hear it is not. Now they just have to get this to Denmark. Cheers🙂
You weren't alone, but I can happily say it is NOT subpar! Enjoy!!! ~Mark
It's a damn shame we don't get these in Australia, this bottle in particular sounds like it'd be right up my alley.
So far, this is the one I'm enjoying the most! Stay tuned, ~Mark
You should check out the old barrel house. They're the only australian retailer I've seen sell the game of thrones collection
@@Harvjw98 Oh nice find! It's a shame about the prices though.. As much as i'd love to grab a bottle, I definitely can't justify 230AUD for a bottle of the Lannister Lagavulin haha. Maybe i'll just get a regular bottle of Laga 8 year and pretend!
The Lannister’s always pays....I’m not a fan of Peaty scotch but this one I’m liking it....good reviews fellas keep it coming 👍
Thanks for your comment. Glad to hear you are enjoying this one. It is one of the best from the series I think.
- Shawn
To my taste this one was not peaty at all. Nothing like the laga 16
Sounds wonderful. Glad to see/hear this is not a sell out whisky where someone went to the back of the warehouse and said how can we unload these old crap whisky that nobody wants (cough cough White Walker). My guess is this will fly off the shelves. :)
I think you're correct.....this one having an age statement and is actually good...it doesn't hang around long!! ~Mark
9 sounds appealing but for $20 more I can have the 16 which is quintessential Lag. It’s just so hard for me to purchase the 8 or 9 when the 16 is just so so good.
There's something to be said for a well-done younger scotch
WINELIGHT MEDIA agreed
I really wish the LCBO would get their stuff together and list these...we literally JUST got the JWWW
You should be wishing they skipped the JWWW... :-( I can't say I've heard one person praise the LCBO ~smh. Cheers, ~Mark
@@Scotch4Dummies Yeah, it's a dud dram by most accounts but it's Game of Thrones!! An expensive souvenir I suppose.
Just placed it in the cabinet. ( rubbing my hands together )
I can picture the rub...then the sniff...LOL ~Mark
Doesn’t compare to the 16 year, this one is to harsh on the palate and you can taste the young age it offers. You have to drink both side by side and you’ll definitely notice the difference.
Check out minute 15 or so in this video. ua-cam.com/video/rxJd1i41_DE/v-deo.html
Guys, I'm torn because I can get the Lagavulin 16 for $70 so do I get this or the 16? Decisions, decisions.... LeRoy
I honestly say try this one! The 16 is a staple, it's not going anywhere...although that price might be temporary. I will say this, they are different, so if what you like in the 16 is that sherry influence you'll miss it in this 9 yo. ~Mark
Well Mark, I picked up a lonely bottle today, seems to be popular at the store I visit. Anyway thanks and have a great Thanksgiving, don't forget to have a dram or two. LeRoy
OK LeRoy....let me know what you think.... you can't leave me hanging, hahah!! ~Mark
Sorry to leave you hanging, had to fine time to drink them both head to head. Anyway, I broke out both bottles tonight and opened them up. After, sitting down with both for an hour or better I have to say the 9 year old is a tad better in my opinion. But they are close and have some similar features. So I think I need another bottle. Hope you and the other guys had fun in NYC. Cheers LeRoy
I should mention it was the 8 year old vs the 9... LeRoy
I'm good with the 12, but if I can find this one in the bargain bin I might jump...
Not quite fair to compare as this comes in at 46ABV, but I think you'll like it! I dare say more so than the 8??/ ~Mark
I usually get a citrusy peat with the younger Lagavulins and did not get that with the 9 year old
I got much more of a ceder wood on the palate...but agree no citrusy peat.... ~Mark
I wonder why they didn't pick Mortlach to represent one of the GoT houses. The name just fits so well to the GoT universe. But I'm not a big GoT fan though.
But that Laga sounds really nice.
So would you say this is richer than the 8?
The 8 is lighter, more airy and Flora in the nose with the palate being a bit hotter (it's 48ABV) and more Briney. The 9 is richer, sweeter & creamier on the nose with a bit more pepper on the finish. I just did a side by side comparison for you, so I literally had both in front of me at the same time! ~Mark
Just picked up a case @ $35/bottle...just couldn't pass up the offer ;) Long-time Islay fan...
Just scored a bottle today and have say that your score of 3.5 is VERY generous! The 12 is as close to a 4 as Lag makes. Distillers and 16 are 3.25-3.5. This is a notch or two below all of them. Good, but wouldn't buy again. 2.75 here. Sláinte
Whew, I've had a few more glasses of this since our review and am sticking by my initial feelings.... I'm really diggin' it! I think it just has a really nice crispy woody note that I'm enjoying....almost a Ceder note on the palate, if that makes any sense, hahah! We're going to do a quick hitter 8 vs. 9 comparison...stay tuned! ~Mark
I look forward to that. The 8 is one I have yet to try. I just keeping reaching for the 12. Hoping I can replenish my stock!
Seems there are these in ALL of the houses for GOT.
Indeed, one for each house and one for the Night's Watch! And then there's the JW White Walker, but we don't want to talk about that as it's still left a lingering bad taste in our mouth! ~Mark
I'm in South Georgia. I will never be able to get this :-(
Never say never....
I keep telling George to get the spare!
I'm surprised that none of you mentioned a banana note. I get the same fake banana note that I get from hefeweizens. Tasty dram
Why does the Lion get a smoky scotch and not the Dragons?!?!
Have to ask Diago's marketing department! I can see your argument! ~Mark
There's a Lion on the regular Lagavulin, that's all. 🤷🏻♂
Shouldn't laga been paired with House Targaryen? You know, dragons and fire and stuff? Lannisters are wine drinkers, they should have given them a sherried scotch.
I wish someone would do a side by side with the 8yo.
Well done guys. Hope I can find it here in Hawaii. Hahaha, math is hard.🤙
Thank the lord for calculators....hahaha! Hope you find this one! ~Mark
Get Roy a sample over chaps.
Working on it! ~Mark
Why isn't anyone mentioning the pink elephant? Fake coloring on Lag 9... this is embarrassing 🤦♂️
Will stay away from this one as I felt the eight year old felt like infanticide.
OUCH, but understandable if you didn't like the 8. I will say this is NOT the 8, I actually find it to be better than the 8, but maybe not old enough for you? I'd like for you to at least try a dram somehow.... ~Mark
I find even the 12 year old to be to young for me :) I prefer the 16 year old. But then I prefer smoky whiskies to have some age. But i am looking forward for the Clynelish and the Talisker and hopefully find the Lagavulin in a bar.
I can dig it! I do like old and refined peaty scotches, but find some joy in the young sharp ones too! One thing to love about scotch...there's one for everyone! Cheers, ~Mark
That is true. There are whiskies for everyone. Cheers
AMEN!! ~Mark
How come Diageo can get the Johnnie Walker GoT so terribly wrong, yet hit a home run with this whisky?
A good question, but I think the single malts have a little more control? At least that's my guess. JW had to deal with the situation with what they had to blend or could acquire to blend where as the Single Malts had more individual casks in their store house to choose from? I'm grasping here clearly, but you are spot on with how this one turned out like GOLD and JW struck out hard.... ~Mark
Mark - I’m a big fan of Diageo products so i think it’s a real shame that they didn’t take the opportunity with their JW GoT product to introduce a bunch of GoT fans to whisky. If the JW GoT expression is their first experience of scotch, they may never want to try it again. Full disclosure: I haven’t actually tried the JW GoT expression yet, but I know plenty of people who have, and they all agree it’s pretty horrible stuff.