Lagavulin launches 11-year-old Sweet Peat as first permanent expression in nine years
Lagavulin has unveiled an 11-year-old Sweet Peat single malt scotch whisky, marking the Islay distillery’s first permanent addition to its portfolio since 2017. The new expression, aged exclusively in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks, balances the brand’s characteristic peat smoke with notes of toffee apple, vanilla and gentle spice.
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Sweet Peat has earned a gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition.
“Sweet Peat reflects careful cask selection and deliberate pacing,” said Dr. Stuart Morrison, Diageo master blender. “On the palate, it opens with a gentle sweetness and salinity before bonfire smoke and oak spice come into focus. Notes of honeyed malt and toffee apple build through the mid-palate, finishing long with lingering peat smoke, dark chocolate, and soft vanilla.”
The whisky carries a suggested retail price of US$69.99 per 750ml bottle and is now available at select US retailers.
Lagavulin produces the whisky using heavily peated malt and local Islay water, with fermentation taking place in wooden washbacks. The spirit is then distilled through the distillery’s four distinctive pear-shaped copper pot stills.
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The extended aging process in first-fill bourbon casks allows sweetness from the oak to develop alongside Lagavulin’s characteristic smokiness.
“Pronounced smoke is a defining element of Islay Scotch, albeit one that can feel polarizing to some drinkers,” said Jesse Damashek, senior vice president of whiskey at Diageo. “Sweet Peat presents peat in a way that tastes more approachable, while still delivering the depth and complexity long associated with Lagavulin.”
The distillery recommends serving the whisky neat or on the rocks. However they have also created two signature cocktails for the launch: the Smoky Sweet Old Fashioned, featuring allspice dram and orange bitters, and the Sweet Peat Tea, a Penicillin-inspired drink with honey-ginger syrup and black tea.
Smoky Sweet Old Fashioned (A subtly spiced, orange-forward take on the classic)
- 1.25 oz Lagavulin 11 Year Old Sweet Peat Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- 0.25 oz Allspice Dram
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- Expressed Orange Peel
- Garnish: Orange Peel Spiral
- Glassware: Rocks Glass
Sweet Peat Tea (A Penicillin-inspired serve that layers honey-ginger syrup, fresh lemon, and black tea to create a light aromatic cocktail)
- 1.25 oz Lagavulin 11 Year Old Sweet Peat Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- 0.25 oz Honey-Ginger Syrup
- 0.25 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.25 oz Strong Black Tea (cold)
- 1 dash Walnut Bitters
- Garnish: Lemon Peel Spiral
- Glassware: Coupe Glass
Founded in 1816, Lagavulin has been producing whisky on Islay for more than two centuries. The distillery’s portfolio includes the flagship Lagavulin 16 Year Old, Lagavulin 8 Year Old, and Lagavulin Distillers Edition, alongside limited releases.
