Whisky: Lagavulin 11 Years Old Offerman Edition October 2022 Release
Producer: Diageo
Distillery: Lagavulin Distillery
Whisky Type: Scotch Single Malt
Region: Islay
Age: 11 years
ABV: 46%
Cask: American oak ex-red wine, European oak shaved and re-charred
Price Range: $$
To say that Lagavulin is an iconic distillery and brand is an understatement. Lagavulin 16 is a “must” for any malt whisky fan because it highlights the core flavor proposition of the distillery, which entails an intense, dry, smoky-peated, salted-fish, and robust body due to a slow distillation.
The distillery sits on the shores of Lagavulin Bay, Islay. Its name in the Gaelic language means “hollow where the mill is”. John Johnston founded it in 1816, but illicit distilling goes back to the 1740s. The malt has been an Islay representative of Diageo’s Classic Malts selection since 1987 and enjoys a cult following around the globe.
One of its most avid fans is Ron Swanson, the fictional character Director of Pawnee Parks in the TV show Parks & Recreation, played by Nick Offerman. The single malt had been referenced so many times in the show producers reached out to Diageo and made them aware of the significant amount of publicity and money the brand was getting from the show, so in 2013 Nick went to Islay to shoot a brief storyline referring to Islay as the place in Europe where “God’s chosen elixirs are distilled, barreled and prepared for consumption”
Nick Offerman has been so in love with the malt that he has indirectly advertised it for a decade. Recently, this relationship became more formal, starting in 2019 with the first edition, An 11 Years Old heavily peated version, a second edition in 2021, finished in Guinness casks, and a third and current version matured in re-charred oak casks released in October 2022.
From the label:
“I have travelled the world and sampled many attempts at pleasing nectars, but it is solely this distillation of Islay; a tiny charismatic Scottish isle, that has claimed my palate.”
As a final note, Nick highly recommends enjoying this expression with a medium-rare steak, which is evident in the funny trailer below.
Although Lagavulin 16 remains the point of reference for every malt geek, other expressions such as Lagavulin 8 Years Old (to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the distillery in 2016, now part of the core range), Lagavulin 12 Years Old, and Lagavulin 25 Years Old are also popular.
Tasting Notes for Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition
A very limited release for the USA market, aged 11 years in American and European casks that previously held either wine or Scotch Whisky. Bottled at 46% ABV. Originally priced at £65, this expression now commands around £200 or more. Luckily, I found it for only $85.
Nose: Caramel, apples, oak, black pepper, and light smoke.
Palate: Creamy and sweet arrival of red apples, slight peat, and chocolate. Black pepper, and spicy flavors. Well-rounded malt without the burn. Beautiful!
Finish: Medium, spicy, and slightly peated. That yummy chocolate flavor keeps coming back.
Conclusion: A well-rounded and busy malt that retains all the elements that made this brand famous. I really enjoyed the combination of sweet flavors of red apples with some restrained peat and the smoke, chocolate, and spices. A fantastic version for those getting started with Islay malts.
Score: 4/5⭐
For more images of Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition and other expressions, please follow me on my Instagram account. If you’re interested in Islay, you may find this post interesting: The flavors of Islay.
Legend
$50 or less $
$51-$100 $$
$101-$150 $$$
$151 or more $$$$
