Step into the smoke and fire of Islay with the Lagavulin 12 Year Old – Special Release 2025, a bold and elemental expression from one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries. Part of Diageo’s collectible Special Releases series, this annual edition showcases Lagavulin’s signature peat profile in its purest form—cask strength and unfiltered.
Nicknamed "Grain & Embers", this year’s bottling is a dynamic fusion of fire-baked smoke, toasted cereal richness, and high fruit notes. Matured in carefully selected refill American oak casks, this release presents an intense, vivid take on Islay peat, balancing smoke with nuance and energy. For fans of bold, smoky Scotch, this 12-year-old is a must-have collector’s bottle—and a flavor bomb for the palate.
🔑 Key Features:
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✅ Cask Strength – Bottled at 56.5% ABV (Natural Strength)
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✅ 12-Year Age Statement – Matured in refill American oak casks
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✅ Diageo Special Release 2025 – Limited edition collectible
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✅ Peated Islay Malt – Bold smoke, maritime character, toasted oak
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✅ Unchillfiltered – Bottled with all its natural oils and richness
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✅ Distinctive Packaging – Custom “Grain & Embers” design tube
🌶️ Tasting Notes:
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Nose: Billows of kiln smoke, smoldering peat embers, toasted grain, hints of apple skin and lemon oil
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Palate: Intensely peaty with sea spray salinity, roasted nuts, spiced cereal, and charred oak
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Finish: Long and smoky, with persistent campfire ash, cracked pepper, and a citrus flicker
🍸 How to Enjoy:
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Neat: Best enjoyed neat for full cask-strength impact
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With a Drop of Water: Opens to reveal citrus zest and vanilla smoke
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Glassware: Use a Glencairn or copita-style glass to enhance nosing
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Perfect Pairing: Try with smoked meats, aged cheddar, or dark chocolate
❓ FAQs:
Q: Is this the same every year?
A: No. Each Diageo Special Release varies by year. The 2025 edition features a unique “Grain & Embers” profile and different cask maturation.
Q: Is this peated?
A: Absolutely. Lagavulin is renowned for its heavily peated character, and this release showcases it boldly.
Q: Can I collect this?
A: Yes. Diageo’s annual Special Releases are limited-edition, and many past 12-Year bottlings have become collectible.
Q: Is it chill filtered or colored?
A: No. This release is natural cask strength, non-chill filtered, and likely natural color (as with prior years).
Q: What does “Special Release” mean?
A: It’s part of a curated annual collection of unique expressions from Diageo’s portfolio of iconic Scotch distilleries—intended to showcase rare profiles, cask types, or techniques.