LAGAVULIN 10 TOUCHES DOWN IN DUTY FREE
A mile from Laphroaig in one direction and Ardbeg in another, Lagavulin Distillery can be found on the southeastern edge of Islay, firmly in Scotland’s peat zone. The smallest of Scotland’s designated whiskey-making regions is known for churning out the smokiest scotches in the world. Now, Lagavulin completionists have another to hunt down: Lagavulin 10-year. This will be a permanent addition to the Islay distillery’s core range. Fans of iconic hard hitting Scotch whiskies have an extra reason to jet off on an adventure this summer with the 10 YO.
The single malt has been matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon, refill and newly-charred rejuvenated casks before being botted at 43% ABV. The whisky is said to be initially ‘sweet and salty’ on the palate with an ‘intense spicy and smoky finish’. The label now has some keywords to describe the taste: smooth, intense, smoky and warming. Its profile would be closer to the 16 Years than to the 8 Years.
Dr C. Wilson, master of malts at Lagavulin owner Diageo, said: ‘The different
wood types used create a whisky with a fiery yet light, smoky yet smooth character
– one that is filled with surprising contrasts. ‘To many people, Lagavulin is
the definitive Islay malt and, like other members of the family, this new
expression has a charming layers of exuberance. It’s best enjoyed neat or with
water, which helps unlock some of the deeper flavour.
Priced at £50 per 70cl bottle, Lagavulin 10 Year Old is exclusive to Dufry, a travel retailer operating more than 2,300 stores in 63 countries. The 10 Year Old was first unveiled at Fèis Ìle 2019 – the Islay Festival of Music and Malt – alongside the distillery’s 19-year-old festival exclusive expression.
After 10 long years in a variety of American Oak barrels, the fiery yet light, smoky yet smooth new make is cut to a Scotch-standard 75 proof (43% ABV), the distillery’s new expression is projected to be a permanent fixture in its portfolio going forward. There’s only one problem — you can only find it at airports, that too, those housing Dufry Duty Free Stores.
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