The Islay representative in the ' Classic Malts' series is a deep, dry & exceptionally peaty bruiser. Probably the most pungent of all Islay malts, Lagavulin is not for the faint-hearted but inspires fanatical devotion in its many followers. Nose. Lapsang Souchong & fruity sherry. Palate. The dryness is at first offset by the sweetness of the sherry character. As the palate develops, oily, grassy &, in particular, salt emerges in a long, sustained, aggressive attack. Finish. A huge, powerful, bear-hug of peat. The driest of Islay malts, & an established classic.