From Port Ellen on the rugged Isle of Islay, Lagavulin Grain & Embers 12 Year Cask Strength 2025 Special Release pushes the distillery’s iconic smoke into new territory. Crafted in Scotland using malted barley, water, and yeast, this single malt is aged in refill casks alongside Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso-seasoned European oak butts, allowing fire, grain, and oak to meet in bold harmony. Bottled at a powerful 56.5% ABV, it arrives unapologetically intense and full of character.
The nose opens with hearth smoke, toasted bread crust, and glowing embers, followed by waves of dried figs, raisins, and dark toffee. On the palate, rich sherry sweetness balances Lagavulin’s signature maritime peat, delivering spice, cocoa, and a lingering ashy warmth. Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to unlock its depth, this limited 2025 release is a striking, soulful dram built for seasoned Islay lovers and collectors alike.