Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release 2019

This Lagavulin Special Release should be a prototype example for other Islay Single Malts to follow.

Lagavulin is one of the most famous Islay Single Malts and the top one produced by Diageo. The Lagavulin Distillery was founded by John Johnston and Archibald Campbell in 1816, but records show that illegal distilling had been taking place on the same site as far back as 1742. It sits on a natural harbor on the south shore of Islay about half-way between Laphroaig and Ardbeg. It’s core offering — the sixteen-year-old — won an unprecedented four consecutive Double Gold medals followed by three Single Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and has been featured in movies, television shows, and literature — it’s become a part of the world’s culture.

The Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Release is a much anticipated annual event. The 2019 release is a tasty treat. This natural Single Malt treasure was aged for a dozen years in refill American oak casks. Ultimately, we think it is darn near the perfect prototypical Islay dram… an example of that sets the standard profile. It’s got it all — the classic Islay smoke, the delicate autumn fruits, a hint of brine, and the warming smoothness.