Scotch

Whisky Review: 2021 Lagavulin The Distillers Edition

We review the 2021 Lagavulin Distiller's Edition, a Scotch single malt whisky that was finished in PX sherry casks.

OVERALL RATING

10
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Lagavulin Distiller's Edition 2021 (image via Diageo)

Tasting Notes

About:

43% ABV. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2021. Double matured in American oak and ex-Pedro Ximenex casks. MSRP of $129.95 per 750ml bottle.
Appearance:
This is a lovely clear amber. Legs take a very long time to develop.
Nose:
This smells like a sweet campfire or a barbecue. There are heavy notes of smoking vegetation with hints of toffee, caramel, and raisin backing it up.
Palate:
This is delicious and complex whisky that you can chew on. The flavor profile starts off with a sweet caramel quality that develops into a rich barbecue flavor with a touch of spice. There is a touch of the medicinal right before transitioning to the finish that certainly won’t be for everyone. The finish starts off with just a touch of cocoa and leaves you with dried fruit and a touch of tobacco. The flavor profile, start to finish, is backed up by a lovely amount of peaty smoke that is a bit more mellow than the traditional 16-year-old.
Finish:
Comments:
Once again, the Lagavulin The Distillers Edition knocks it out of the park for me. While peated whisky isn’t for everyone, this has always been a standout in the category for me. If you enjoy Lagavulin or some of the cask finished Islay whiskies, I highly recommend trying this year’s release, or any of them really.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Ian Arnold

Ian Arnold brings eight years of bartending expertise to the table, having honed his skills in renowned establishments across California, Australia, and Portland. His most recent position behind the bar was at the esteemed Multnomah Whisk(e)y Library. A dedicated member of the Oregon Bartenders' Guild's leadership team, Ian also served as a judge for numerous cocktail competitions. Currently working in the IT field, he continues to delight guests with his bartending prowess. In his leisure time, Ian enjoys playing board games and savoring the complexities of Japanese whisky.

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