Lagavulin distillery

Introduction to Lagavulin

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Lagavulin is an iconic Islay distillery, standing as one of Scotland’s most revered whisky producers. Nestled on the rugged southern coast of Islay, Lagavulin combines exceptional craftsmanship with the island’s unique terroir to create whiskies that have gained global acclaim. The distillery’s unmistakable smoky character has made it a cornerstone of Islay’s whisky heritage.

The distinctive white-washed buildings with their red doors have become an emblematic sight on the shores of Lagavulin Bay, where the Atlantic winds and sea spray contribute to the whisky’s maritime character.

Why we have a soft spot for Lagavulin

At Vault of Spirits, we value Lagavulin for its uncompromising approach to creating profound sensory experiences. Lagavulin distinguishes itself through its patient maturation process and masterful balance of intense peat smoke with complex fruity and maritime notes.

Their commitment to preserving traditional production methods while maintaining exceptional quality control makes each bottle a true representation of Islay’s whisky-making art.

The History Behind Lagavulin

Origin and development

Lagavulin was officially established in 1816 by John Johnston, though illicit distillation has been documented on the site since at least 1742. Located in the small village of Lagavulin on Islay’s southeastern coast, the distillery has maintained its dedication to crafting robust, peated single malt whisky throughout its long history.

The distillery passed through various hands before becoming part of the Distillers Company Ltd in 1927, which eventually evolved into Diageo. Despite changes in ownership, Lagavulin has steadfastly maintained its traditional character and production methods.

The people behind

Lagavulin has been shaped by generations of skilled craftspeople, including legendary warehouseman Iain McArthur who has worked at the distillery for over 50 years. The current distillery manager and their team of dedicated staff continue to uphold the exacting standards that have defined Lagavulin for centuries.

Their collective knowledge, passed down through generations, ensures that every drop of Lagavulin whisky embodies the distillery’s heritage and the island’s distinctive character.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Lagavulin begins with malted barley, which is heavily peated to approximately 35-40 ppm (parts per million) of phenols. The distillery’s water source, the Solum lochs, provides soft water that complements the intense peat character.

The distillation occurs in four distinctive pear-shaped copper pot stills with relatively short necks. Lagavulin’s famously slow distillation – with the spirit run taking around 5 hours – allows for extended copper contact, which contributes to the whisky’s complexity and depth.

Maturation and aging

Lagavulin’s new make spirit is primarily matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks, though sherry casks are also used for specific expressions. The whisky typically ages in warehouses exposed to Islay’s maritime climate, where sea air permeates the casks and influences the maturation process.

The standard maturation period for their flagship 16-year-old expression allows the intense peat character to mellow and integrate with the wood influence, creating a beautifully balanced whisky with impressive depth and complexity.

Selected Products from Lagavulin

Lagavulin 16 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

The 16 Year Old is the definitive expression of Lagavulin and an excellent entry point to understand the distillery’s character. Notes of intense peat smoke are balanced with maritime saltiness, sweet dried fruit, and hints of vanilla, creating a complex yet approachable dram beloved by enthusiasts worldwide.

The velvety mouthfeel and long, warming finish make this a benchmark Islay malt that has converted countless whisky drinkers to the joys of peated expressions.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Cask Strength) – An experience for connoisseurs

This annual Special Release offers a more intense expression of Lagavulin, bottled at cask strength without chill filtration. Expect a more vigorous peat profile, zesty citrus notes, and a powerful yet refined character with pronounced mineral qualities and an oily texture.

This is a bottle for those who wish to experience Lagavulin in its most authentic form – powerful, complex, and utterly captivating.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Lagavulin offers various visitor experiences that provide insight into their time-honored production methods. Tours typically include a walk through the production areas, warehouse visits, and tastings that showcase the range of expressions.

The “Warehouse Demonstration” with experienced staff is particularly recommended, offering the rare opportunity to taste whisky drawn directly from the cask in one of Lagavulin’s historic dunnage warehouses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lagavulin?

Lagavulin is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, known for producing richly peated whiskies with complex flavor profiles. Their approach combines traditional production methods with careful maturation to create whiskies that exemplify the intense, smoky character that Islay malts are famous for.

Where is Lagavulin located?

The distillery is situated in the small village of Lagavulin on the southeastern coast of Islay, one of Scotland’s Inner Hebridean islands. The distillery’s location on Lagavulin Bay, with its exposure to the Atlantic elements, contributes significantly to the whisky’s distinctive character.

What characterizes Lagavulin?

Lagavulin is known for its intense peat smoke balanced with surprising sweetness, medicinal notes, seaweed, iodine, and complex fruity undertones. The slow distillation process, traditional floor maltings (historically), and patient maturation all contribute to creating a whisky with remarkable depth and character.

The distillery’s signature 16-year-old expression has become the benchmark for a well-balanced, complex Islay malt.

Where can I buy whisky from Lagavulin?

You can find selected bottles from Lagavulin at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions – from the core range to limited editions and special releases – ensuring you have access to the finest representations of this legendary Islay distillery.