The Whisky Exchange’s 50th Anniversary Collection was announced with a press release, but this London retailer quietly released another hugely impressive whisky. Or at least, it should be impressive from the looks of it. A Lagavulin 1991 31 Years from Diageo’s ultra-premium Casks of Distinction range.
It matured for 31 years in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez hogshead and strangely enough isn’t for sale on The Whisky Exchange’s regular platform. There’s a product page, but interested parties need to get in touch with Eddy Renner, The Whisky Exchange’s private client manager. Before you do, remember that it’ll set you back £4,200. If that’s the kind of spare money you’ve got lying around for whisky like the Lagavulin 1991 31 Years ‘Cask of Distinction’ , more power to you.
Lagavulin 1991 31 Years ‘Cask of Distinction’ (49.2%, OB for The Whisky Exchange, C#P5D4)
Nose: Mushrooms, dark chocolate, and old leather-bound books with mild, earthy peat smouldering in the background. Beef jerky and gentle, smoked fruits such as plums, cherries and dates, but also kelp, seashells and wet rocks. Remarkably polished and elegant.
Taste: Just lean back and wait for everything to unfold. The mouthfeel is actually thinner than I’d expected, but everything else is spot on. More mushrooms. Whispers of leather, tobacco and eucalyptus. A hint of triple sec, linoleum, earthy peat and furniture polish. Faintly meaty too. And some mild spices and herbs.
Finish: Medium to long with touches of chocolate and orange zest. Very earthy too. Oh, and some juicy dark fruits.
Sample provided by The Whisky Exchange