I was very happy for Lag 12 to improve over the last two offerings. This one did not disappoint… have to ask, I know you guys live in Australia but what does “OZ” mean?
Now I'm happy I got one of these. I haven't cracked it open yet but they are still available in my area for $140. May have to get another one as it is SO good.
Compared to its predecessors, its somewhat clean and delicate but an excellent whisky. One of the best Islays I tasted in recent times. Thank you, boys. Love your work always.
It’s definitely back, was able to get one bottle and it’s impressive. Didn’t buy 19 and 20 so I don’t really know if it’s improved but it’s in the same level as 18. I’m just worried about the 2022 release with Virgin Oak, hope that doesn’t disappoint
Like you I stopped buying the 12 until I heard good things about this 2021. I hear the 2022 release is a combination of virgin oak casks and some of their smokiest casks and bottled at an even higher 57.3% so looking forward to compare the two. For me the 2011 is still the best.
I'm not against exploring, but I'm a bit skeptical as to why? Lack of quality casks or just wanting to mix it up? I'd have rather seen two different releases, but we'll see.
@@squinugie2091 well, the thing is lagavulin has been doing 12's forever as that standard mix. So this is an oddity. Those other brands have more variety. Normally lag did their one offs with jazz or fies ile.
@@topshelfdustin3060 I agree. When I first started buying the 12 in 2002/3 it was more of a limited annual core release if there is such a thing. When they expanded the annual Special Releases I think they decided to mix it up more.
Haven't tried it since I dont even remember when, honestly...but if it's back (despite crappy recent labels for all S.R.) good to hear ! You wont believe it but the only OB I have of the 12 yo is an old brave one, the 2008, too good (should have bought 2) & an indie I recently opened which is lovely, the Elements of Islay Lg5 (E.D.) a 2015 release at 54,8 %...Nice review.
Only you are just now opening a 2015 bottling Greg! I love your collection. I think I speak for everyone when I say we're a little jealous of the epic whiskies you get to have at shows and the bottles you have stock piled over decades of being in the industry!
@@topshelfdustin3060 Not 2015 but 2008, Dustin...Thanks, but I currently do not have so many high end ones, a lot of the best ones are currently getting close to the end, and will not be replaced....in a few years time I'll have more common whiskies only, but it is relative for sure, sometimes I do not realize the chance I have as I cant display all my collection in one wall, but I take that when I'll be moving (I hope soon) I'll be in trouble.....Cheers !
@@topshelfdustin3060 it was a 2008 release, mind you...I don't have much of those old bottles left, I'm basically trying to make last some of the rarest & wait for the good occasion to share them with people who can appreciate them....but I can't complain, it is true I tried a lot of now unicorn stuff....As the bottles are all over the place, sometimes I don't realize all I have, but I guess I'll do it when I'll move to another place, with all that was purchased those last 10 years I bet it's gonna be a tough house move ! (& delicate one for bottles & samples !
I can fathom honing in your sense of taste to be more perceptive (I can certainly taste inflected flavors in Whisky, Coffee and Cigars) but your memory of other expressions is really admirable. I think I could easily describe lets say the Highland Park 18, 30 and the Laphroaig 18, but thinking about a previous years from many distilleries is pretty amazing. Do you sample previous expressions to refresh your memory prior to making a tasting video? I’m new to your channel, but would be curious (if you havent already done so) make a video of less expensive scotch and bourbons that really hold their own to much more expensive bottles and in turn how about a video of expensive bottles that you feel your viewers would have zero regrets about opening their wallet that wide. Cheers!
I always have a couple bottles of Lagavulin 12 open from different years. Before this review or perhaps the night before we compared the 2013 version to this if I’m not mistaken… it’s a Whisky I am extremely familiar with. We like to do top five list reviews. We did our favorite Islay’s under $100 then those type of reviews are always fun I’m sure we’ll do more.
Thanks for watching and commenting. We always appreciate the feedback. We try and each time we get together do a bourbon, a comparison, and then the rest are reviews. And we'll sprinkle in the random list when we have an idea. But we have done a lot of higher dollar, lower dollar reviews. Not enough though, this is still a work in progress.
where is the new Lagavulin 26 ? It's only $2400 and probably drinks like a $400 bottle. I guess they have officially turned into Macallan pricing now ?
O thank God. I picked one up but haven't opened it because I wasn't sure if I wasted money on it. Now I know I can flip it good. 😂 Jk, now I can enjoy it without fear.
All good, but the old box was just so classic and iconic. Plus it matched the 16 and 8. This is just not lagavulin. Put this on clynelish and I'm cool. But my baby lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 is back!
Been waiting for this to drop here in OZ now that it's back! Very happy to have couple starter bottles on it's way! Cheers!
I was very happy for Lag 12 to improve over the last two offerings. This one did not disappoint… have to ask, I know you guys live in Australia but what does “OZ” mean?
@@topshelfwhisky It is just a shortened nickname which has evolved from "Aussie" given the way it is pronounced.
@@topshelfwhisky Same, great to have the Lag 12 back .Yup OZ just a nickname for Australia.
can't wait to see your thoughts ken
Seems like this one is something that I would like. Nice review gentleman. Happy Easter
Have you tried previous versions?
@@topshelfwhisky unfortunately not. Only had the 16.
@@WhiskyLoversSociety wow, need to try buddy.
Now I'm happy I got one of these. I haven't cracked it open yet but they are still available in my area for $140. May have to get another one as it is SO good.
Lag 12 is back! and thats a good price
Compared to its predecessors, its somewhat clean and delicate but an excellent whisky. One of the best Islays I tasted in recent times. Thank you, boys. Love your work always.
Last night compared this to the 2013 bottling. 2021 was a better whisky last night.
I have had this bottle for a few months now and it’s been delicious. Definitely worth getting another bottle in my opinion. Cheers
Your love of this along with a few others convinced me I needed to give lagavulin 12 another chance. Very rewarding results.
I normally bought a case of six every year. Maybe I will start up again
It’s definitely back, was able to get one bottle and it’s impressive. Didn’t buy 19 and 20 so I don’t really know if it’s improved but it’s in the same level as 18. I’m just worried about the 2022 release with Virgin Oak, hope that doesn’t disappoint
The virgin oak is a real concern
Like you I stopped buying the 12 until I heard good things about this 2021. I hear the 2022 release is a combination of virgin oak casks and some of their smokiest casks and bottled at an even higher 57.3% so looking forward to compare the two. For me the 2011 is still the best.
Read the same regarding the 2022. It seems these will vary more from year-to-year which is fine. I’m in and hope 2019/2020 were just down years.
I'm not against exploring, but I'm a bit skeptical as to why? Lack of quality casks or just wanting to mix it up? I'd have rather seen two different releases, but we'll see.
@@topshelfdustin3060 I have always thought it was the latter hence unpeated Caol Ila, peated Cragganmore, rum cask Talisker etc
@@squinugie2091 well, the thing is lagavulin has been doing 12's forever as that standard mix. So this is an oddity. Those other brands have more variety. Normally lag did their one offs with jazz or fies ile.
@@topshelfdustin3060 I agree. When I first started buying the 12 in 2002/3 it was more of a limited annual core release if there is such a thing. When they expanded the annual Special Releases I think they decided to mix it up more.
Nice review guys. Thanks for keeping up with newer releases. Ugly label but I’m glad the juice is good. Cheers!
Glad this expression is back.
Great review boys.
Cheers 🥃
Thanks!
I’ve been looking for this EVERYWHERE. Nobody has this bottle.
Also, id love to see you guys review the new 26.
I’m not against spending that kind of money for Lagavulin but at 44% for an abv snob (me) that’s a hard one to justify.
@@topshelfwhisky makes sense.
Haven't tried it since I dont even remember when, honestly...but if it's back (despite crappy recent labels for all S.R.) good to hear ! You wont believe it but the only OB I have of the 12 yo is an old brave one, the 2008, too good (should have bought 2) & an indie I recently opened which is lovely, the Elements of Islay Lg5 (E.D.) a 2015 release at 54,8 %...Nice review.
Only you are just now opening a 2015 bottling Greg! I love your collection. I think I speak for everyone when I say we're a little jealous of the epic whiskies you get to have at shows and the bottles you have stock piled over decades of being in the industry!
@@topshelfdustin3060 Not 2015 but 2008, Dustin...Thanks, but I currently do not have so many high end ones, a lot of the best ones are currently getting close to the end, and will not be replaced....in a few years time I'll have more common whiskies only, but it is relative for sure, sometimes I do not realize the chance I have as I cant display all my collection in one wall, but I take that when I'll be moving (I hope soon) I'll be in trouble.....Cheers !
@@topshelfdustin3060 it was a 2008 release, mind you...I don't have much of those old bottles left, I'm basically trying to make last some of the rarest & wait for the good occasion to share them with people who can appreciate them....but I can't complain, it is true I tried a lot of now unicorn stuff....As the bottles are all over the place, sometimes I don't realize all I have, but I guess I'll do it when I'll move to another place, with all that was purchased those last 10 years I bet it's gonna be a tough house move ! (& delicate one for bottles & samples !
I can fathom honing in your sense of taste to be more perceptive (I can certainly taste inflected flavors in Whisky, Coffee and Cigars) but your memory of other expressions is really admirable. I think I could easily describe lets say the Highland Park 18, 30 and the Laphroaig 18, but thinking about a previous years from many distilleries is pretty amazing. Do you sample previous expressions to refresh your memory prior to making a tasting video? I’m new to your channel, but would be curious (if you havent already done so) make a video of less expensive scotch and bourbons that really hold their own to much more expensive bottles and in turn how about a video of expensive bottles that you feel your viewers would have zero regrets about opening their wallet that wide. Cheers!
I always have a couple bottles of Lagavulin 12 open from different years. Before this review or perhaps the night before we compared the 2013 version to this if I’m not mistaken… it’s a Whisky I am extremely familiar with.
We like to do top five list reviews. We did our favorite Islay’s under $100 then those type of reviews are always fun I’m sure we’ll do more.
Thanks for watching and commenting. We always appreciate the feedback.
We try and each time we get together do a bourbon, a comparison, and then the rest are reviews. And we'll sprinkle in the random list when we have an idea. But we have done a lot of higher dollar, lower dollar reviews. Not enough though, this is still a work in progress.
It’s excellent. I have about 1/4 a bottle of thr 2917 left…gonna have to put them head to head. Cheers!
Cheers man!
Is it better than octomore 14.1
different whisky but I would prefer this Lagavulin.
2014 and the 2021 are still my favs
2014 was always my favorite
we might have to vs....but I already might have killed my first bottle. I'm not gonna lie....I LOVE that bottle lol. Maybe I should have gone 90.
Love the Lg12 2021 neat, but I like it a lot less with any, and I mean any, water.
These new releases can unravel more than the pre 2018 bottling.
This is the best between the ‘20, ‘21 and ‘22 bottlings. But they’re all good.
where is the new Lagavulin 26 ? It's only $2400 and probably drinks like a $400 bottle. I guess they have officially turned into Macallan pricing now ?
Man, I just can’t pull the trigger on that one. Never paid that for a Lagavulin
O thank God. I picked one up but haven't opened it because I wasn't sure if I wasted money on it. Now I know I can flip it good. 😂 Jk, now I can enjoy it without fear.
🤣 absolutely right you can
I like the lion. 🤷♂
All good, but the old box was just so classic and iconic. Plus it matched the 16 and 8. This is just not lagavulin. Put this on clynelish and I'm cool. But my baby lagavulin?
well, it's for sure better than the Ardbeg's special releases. What is their target market, Marvel comic readers?
20? Wow, that’s my current Laphroaig 25 count 😂
now THAT is a collection!
💪