Lagavulin Bay on the south-east coast of Islay, is said by many to house the definitive Islay Malt.
Officially, Lagavulin has been at this location since 1816 and is a whisky that holds a special place in the hearts of connoisseurs. A painstakingly long and detailed distillation technique, abandoned by others, is perhaps at the centre of this mysterious and delicious Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Known for its smoky, peated notes, Lagavulin is perhaps the ultimate expression of Islay.
Read MoreWe have selected two individual adaptations, which we believe are extraordinary examples: A 28 year old Lagavulin from the second Prima & Ultima release, and Lagavulin 26 year old from the 2021 Special Releases.
Lagavulin, 26 Year Old, Islay, Special Releases 2021 £1,650
Coined 'The Lion’s Jewel', distilled in 1994 from PX/Oloroso seasoned first fill casks at 44.2% ABV, this 26 year old is mellow with complex woody aromas. Light, fresh and vinous top notes mingle with linseed oil then fade into a warm suggestion of sun-bleached polished mahogany, backed by dry edible seaweed, with sweeter hints of baked fig and butterscotch. On the palate it is light, ultra-smooth and oily, with sweetness soon tinged with salt and pepper, growing more savoury and smokier. Here is all the precious sweet-smoky style of Lagavulin, in a glowing, well-rounded form.
Lagavulin, 28 Year Old, Islay, Prima & Ultima, 2021 Release £2,150
This Lagavulin is the first of its kind, from a small experimental batch matured entirely on Islay in freshly charred American oak hogsheads. Just 1,081 bottles were produced at 47.7% ABV. Mellow aromas of linseed oil and fragrant smoke introduce a smooth texture. The lightly sweet and smoky taste starts softly, with a pinch of salt on the mid-palate, then becomes oaky with vanilla spice and gently drying. It quietly builds in intensity and finishes long, leaving a sweet gingery warmth and light smoke in the aftertaste.
"Lagavulin should be part of any budding drinker and collectors wish list. Simply put, the distillery cannot produce any more whisky than it does. Its releases are limited, and often oversubscribed, but most importantly its whiskies are heavy-weight, full bodied and delicious." Tod L. Bradbury