Lagavulin marks 200 years with 25YO expression

Diageo-owned Islay distillery Lagavulin has launched a 25-year-old expression to recognise the 200-year contribution of its distillery managers, while its eight-year-old anniversary edition moves to travel retail.

Lagavulin has released a 25-year-old expression to mark its 200th anniversary

Described as an “ode to the many craftsmen” who have worked at the distillery over the years, Lagavulin 25 Year Old expression follows the earlier release of Lagavulin 8 Year Old, which marked the start of the 200^th anniversary celebrations when it was unveiled in March.

Given nosing and tasting notes for the “rich, intense and complex” liquid include dried figs, dates or prunes, oak-smoked meats, honey, eucalyptus and burnt orange peel.

Lagavulin 25 Year Old is limited to 8,000 bottles, and has been exclusively matured in ex-Sherry casks. Bottled at a natural cask strength, the expression carries an RRP of £799 for 70cl.

“For two centuries, Lagavulin has been crafted through the hands of hard working Islay residents; from peat cutters to warehousemen; the characters that make Lagavulin what it is today share a passion for producing an award winning Islay dram, and I am proud to say that I am part of this passionate group of people,” said Georgie Crawford, Lagavulin’s distillery manager.

Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo’s head of whisky outreach added: “To continue this special birthday we wanted to release a brand new bottling to Lagavulin enthusiasts worldwide.

“The 25 Year Old is a sublime expression of Lagavulin, I couldn’t think of a better way to pay homage to the distillery managers. This year our aim is to bring as many people to Islay and Islay to as many people from around the globe as possible to celebrate years of craft and passion.”

Celebrating in travel retail

Diageo Global Travel simultaneously announced that the previously released anniversary limited edition bottling of Lagavulin 8 Year Old is now available in travel retail.

The whisky was created in honour of 19^th century writer Alfred Barnard, who sampled an eight-year-old Lagavulin during a visit to Islay reportedly describing it as “exceptionally fine” and “held in high repute”.

Aged exclusively in refill American oak casks, Lagavulin 8 Year Old is said to be “magnificently full” with tasting notes of charred, minty, dark chocolate, and sweet, smoky and warming flavours.

“Single malts represent the fastest growing segment of the whisky category in travel retail, growing 12.5% in the last recorded year and now valued at US$800 million,” said Peter Fairbrother, Diageo GTME global marketing director.

“Diageo has the largest portfolio in this flourishing category and we are proud to own over 40% of the industry’s inventory. With this breadth to our portfolio, we are delighted to be able to bring rare and special whiskies – such as this limited edition Lagavulin 8 Year Old – to travellers across the globe.”

Lagavulin 8 Year Old will be available twice during the course of the year, at an RRSP of GBP 41.40/ USD 88.65/ EUR 72.00