Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky
- Distillery
- Lagavulin
- Region
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- ABV
- 40%
- Price
- £500
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Medicinal, Oily, Leathery
- Description
- Released as part of Diageo's annual Special Releases, this third-release bottling is Lagavulin at its most vibrant—younger and more spirited than its 16-year-old sibling, yet fully expressive of the distillery's peat-driven character. At 57.8% ABV, the intensity is unyielding, with iodine, brine, and smoke layered over a core of malt sweetness. The high strength amplifies the textural grip and maritime intensity of Islay's most uncompromising peated style.
Similar bottles to Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky
Same price range with overlapping tasting notes:
- Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky vs Ardbeg 21 Year Old — Ardbeg, £599, 5.0★ · Smokey, Medicinal, Kippery, Leathery
- Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) — Springbank, £599.95, 5.0★ · Smokey, Old Wood, Leathery, Toasted
- Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky vs Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) — Girvan, £356.35, 5.0★ · Old Wood, Tobacco, Leathery, Oily
Different style alternatives to Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky vs Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition — Glenmorangie, £399, 5.0★ · Sherried, Vanilla, Toasted, Old Wood
- Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal — Johnnie Walker, £399, 5.0★ · Sherried, Vanilla, Dried Fruit, Old Wood
- Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky vs Tomintoul 25 Year Old — Tomintoul, £364.95, 5.0★ · Old Wood, Honey, Vanilla, Nutty

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ABV
40%
Age
NAS
Style
Price
£500
✦ Neatly Summary
Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2003 / 3rd Release Islay Whisky is a from Lagavulin (United Kingdom), bottled at 40% ABV. Expect intensely smoky, peaty and oaky character — smokey, medicinal, oily, leathery. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
Released as part of Diageo's annual Special Releases, this third-release bottling is Lagavulin at its most vibrant—younger and more spirited than its 16-year-old sibling, yet fully expressive of the distillery's peat-driven character. At 57.8% ABV, the intensity is unyielding, with iodine, brine, and smoke layered over a core of malt sweetness. The high strength amplifies the textural grip and maritime intensity of Islay's most uncompromising peated style.
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