Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Diageo North America, a goliath in the spirits world, has released their 2023 Distillers Edition here in the United States. This is an annual release from their portfolio of brands, and this release focuses on their Scotch portfolio. They take a brand’s standard offering (like Lagavulin 16-year) and double-mature that whisky in different casks to illicit a new take on the old standard.
This year’s collection crosses four main distilling regions: Speyside, Islay, Highlands, and Lowlands. Only Campbeltown is missing. The distilleries include: Lagavulin (Islay), Talisker (Islay: Isle of Skye), Cragganmore (Speyside), Oban (Western Highland), Dalwhinnie (Highland), and Glenkinchie (Lowland).
Each expression has a revered legacy in the Scotch world with an expansive history to match. Diageo produces one batch of these whiskies per year. This year Diageo has curated the release with an extra step by designing unique labels for each bottle encompassing stylistic elements of each distillery and the core expression used.
“We’re proud to introduce the latest Distillers Edition line-up, a collection created to celebrate some of Diageo’s finest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and their distilleries,” says Hannah Todd, Director of Single Malt Whiskies Portfolio at Diageo. “The collection has a long history dedicated to its aging process and craftsmanship, making it the perfect gift to commemorate special moments with. Whether celebrating a holiday, gifting a loved one, or toasting to a special occasion, the Distillers Edition collection has a liquid for every type of person in your life.”
This review will focus on the Lagavulin 16-year-old core expression finished in Pedro Ximenez cask.
Lagavulin 16 was featured in the Diageo Distillers Edition in 2021 and 2020. The Whiskey Wash covered the 2021 editions in an article written by Ian Arnold, which can be found here. The Lagavulin in 2021 was a 16-year-old expression and after its initial aging in American Oak, it was also finished in ex-Pedro Ximenez cask.
There are few Scotch’s which have experienced quite the cultural moment in the last ten years more than Lagavulin. It was prominently featured in the sitcom Parks and Recreation via Ron Swanson (played by Nick Offerman). Lagavulin has since exploded in the cultural eye, becoming increasingly synonymous with Mr. Swanson and Mr. Offerman. Mr. Offerman in fact has his own release with Lagavulin, an aged expression with an accompanying photo of Mr. Offerman.
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I am a little disappointed Diageo didn’t try a different finishing cask for this expression. I am not a distiller nor a master blender. At best I’m an armchair enthusiast, but I am a little disappointed this is essentially the same whisky from 2020 or 2021 just with a different package. With that we turn to the glass.
Tasting Notes: Lagavulin Distillers Edition 2023
Vital Stats: 16-year-old Pedro Ximenez cask, 43% abv, SRP $125
Appearance: Amber
Nose: Immediately fills the space with that iconic and robust Lagavulin Islay nose. Peat smoke with a softening hint of lilac and soft grasses before it comes right back to the warm smoke.
Palate: Charred apple wood, like smelling a smoker as it starts getting going. Just delicate fruit smoke combined with red apples, sea salt, ocean air, char, and oak. There are complex earth tones but brightened by sweet cherries and dark molasses. The finish is just an encore of the nose. The smoke comes back in full force but it’s nuanced on the tongue. You can find the subtle flavors from the palate but through a nice peat smoke. It’s clean and balanced while remaining robust and full bodied.
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