Lagavulin The Distillers Edition

Lagavulin as you would expect. Fine, very pleasant and well-rounded whisky. Good value for money!

85 Sweet and sour sherry and peat combination It doesn't have a great feel, but it's easy to drink and delicious!

Not bad, but not really mind-blowing either. Definitely miles away from older DE bottlings. With an age statement. So, more like hugging a gummy bear. ;)

Very pleasant to drink. Beautiful smoky notes are prominent. Roasted hazelnuts with toffee and a touch of vanilla.

You can call it smooth but for me it is quite weak and disappointing

Immediately we feel the Pedro Ximénez, with crunchy cherries and blackcurrant, blueberries, acerola, fresh grapes, green and red, with also undergrowth, heather, elastic leather, varnished wood. The peat is typical of the distillery, muddy, marshy, deep, with notes of liquorice, caramel, but also herbaceous, the whole is very balanced and gives a nice fullness. On the palate, syrupy, velvety, elegant, obviously very red fruits, very controlled spices, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black berries. Strong, round and powerful finish, roots, charcoal, a drop of oil and soot. Currants. Grenade. I must say that I expected better. It's good and well done, but the influence of Pedro Ximénez is a bit strong, it's a bit sweet for me. https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2023/07/lagavulin-distillers-edition-2022.html

Since I drank Lagavulin after tasting it for 16 years, for the first 40 minutes or so, I was disappointed by the taste and finish, which seemed too empty compared to the 16 years. However, when I drank it again after about 40 minutes, I was surprised by the fruity yogurt-like feeling that I did not notice the first time. I was satisfied with the fruity and creamy feeling in the end, while retaining my own characteristics like firewood. Anyway, Lagavulin is Lagavulin.

The latest NAS release in the Distillers Edition series of Lagavulin 16. I haven't tried the previous age-stated version, though I assume the consensus is that it was better. I also guess that this whisky has handled its NAS-ification much better than the Talisker Distillers Edition. Anyway, Lagavulin 16 is one of my favorite whiskies, and this Christmas, instead of opening a bottle of the 16 with my family, I decided to switch things up and go for this one instead. It’s very similar to the 16, and while the differences are subtle, only some of them appeal to me (I like the PX sweetness—it introduces a novel and intriguing note to the typical 16 profile, completely shifting its balance). However, the rest don't quite convince me (too many toasted notes). My family enjoyed this sweeter take on our usual Christmas whisky, but personally, I wasn’t entirely won over. I prefer the good old 16. That said, it left a much better impression when I drank it near a barbecue. Nose: Extremely sweet, heavily toasted, slightly peated, and a bit rancid. Maybe because I’m so familiar with Lagavulin 16, the first thing that stands out is the PX influence (lots of sweet raisins, some dates, dunnage, and cinnamon). Alongside the PX, there’s an overwhelming amount of heavily toasted toffee, ambers, and ashtray notes. Wrapped in this dense layer of dark, smoky elements, we find leather, red fruits, tobacco, seawater, maritime peat, and seaweed, with hints of tropical fruits and candied orange. Palate: Very, very ashy—completely overwhelming burnt notes, though to be fair, quite a complex spectrum of them: ashtray, peat, charred oak, burnt plastic, embers, campfire, roasted seafood, coffee beans, tobacco smoke, dark caramel... Should I be a smoker to enjoy this? Behind this wall of burnt madness, there’s a cloyingly sweet PX influence (more raisins, honey, arrope, red fruit jam, cherry liqueur), roasted seafood, dates, grilled lemon, and red fruits. Finish: Like drinking PX from an ashtray. I smoked cigarettes for 10 years, and this whisky leaves a similar taste in my mouth, like actual smoke. Weird, but pretty unique and somewhat pleasant. Overall: Incredibly intense, overpowering everything despite the ABV. I already think Lagavulin 16 has too much charred oak, but this bottle takes those notes and amplifies them, combining them with the dark, toasty character of PX casks—far exceeding my tolerance for these flavors. Too much toffee, tobacco, campfire, and ash. That said, I can’t deny it’s still a Lagavulin, and it’s an interesting release—far sweeter than any other Laga I’ve tried, making it easy to enjoy if I focus on the notes I like. Basically, the PX saves it for me; so, It’s not a bad whisky, it’s just that I don’t need endless layers of toasted and burnt flavors in my dram—it’s honestly not my style. In the end, I had no trouble finishing the bottle, so it’s fine for me.

I'll leave the NAS and price issue aside for now. I really liked the 2006/21 DE, so let's see how it goes now. In the end, I don't reach the level of 2006/21, but it's still a good bottling. Tried again in December 23, and I can confirm my rating again. 81-85 – Wow, really good one

Unfortunately, in the meantime "any" good, young whisky, nothing special anymore. It lacks depth.

For me it's still a delicious, round gentleman's dram. No corners and edges. Just beautifully smooth. Whether the price is justified...everyone has to decide for themselves.

Light Lagavulin, which is a bit watery in taste. However, the overall package fits perfectly, very tasty.

Blind Aroma Smoke, sweetish, bacon, some leather The taste Sweetish, strong start at first, then a bit thin, nice and spicy, cherry, smoke aftertaste Medium long, spicy, sweetish, slightly astringent Tried again in the summer. No idea what's different (but maybe not quite as thin) but from 85 to 86 almost 87

After previous releases this is simply a joke. Excessively young. Overly sweet. Unhidden youth. An attempt of peat. The rating would probably not be that low if previous releases weren't tried. Never getting this again or any newer versions before the aging is brought back. Ardbeg or Macallan do not pour whisky-like liquor when removing age statement. Diageo in fact does.

Lagavulin distillers Ed 2022 Sampled at The Whisky Show 2023. Enjoyable – the sherry character and the breathy smoke work well together, but ultimately just a little too soft. As the first of an evening it might get a better showing. 3.55/85

Sweet PX sherry smoky whisky with leather and chocolate in the nose. Syrupy light red fruits with spices in the taste. DE with no age statement.

What else could you do to the Lagavulin Distillers Edition? The reduction to 40% vol. has not yet been completed. I wouldn't be surprised if that still happens. The myth destroyed - the till will still ring. Bye Lagavulin Distillers Edition. Manufacturer information: Extra rich raisin-sweet flavor paired with a dark smokiness that intensifies as the peat develops.

I got my bottle for 70€.. maybe not worth the price but for someone who is beginning to explore the islay whisky i could recommend it. 43% abv is a bit low.. but still a great flavour to be found.

Still a good de. However, like the 16th decreasing

Great release! I didn’t expect such quality, depth, versatility and richness from such a fresh bottling! A wonderful, mineral whisky at a great price! I recommend! 22 22.5 22 22

N: sea air, bondages, burnt nuts, iodine, grill, matches. P: bittersweet, oak, iodine, minerals, esters, maltiness, cream, spices. F: dry, estery, minerals, iodine, toasted wood, rocks, coals, spices, grill, leather. Sweet peat is always nice.

Costal peat, engine smoke, herbs, chocolate, cereals, dark fruits, orange, sweet spices, a bit weak indeed but easy to sip

22+22+22+22

It feels like it's been ages since I last had the Distillers Edition from Lagavulin, so here's the first DE without an age statement. That certain sharpness on the palate: I can't remember ever having that impression with any of the previous releases.

aroma: delicate, rounded, light smoke, oak, dark fruit Taste: smooth, full, light smoke, honey, dark fruit Beautiful, smooth whisky. Light, pleasant smoke with a sweet finish. But it would be better at 46%+

Had a sample on Sunday. Was very disappointing. I didn't even know that it was so expensive in the meantime... Even for €70 it's actually too expensive. Too little alc, too little everything. I wouldn't care about Nas, but the quality doesn't fit here.

Sweet and typical Lagavullin smoke .. greasy ashy .. some dark cherries and blueberries .. but unfortunately .. unfortunately .. much too flat. Definitely no 100€ whisky!

Still a nice PX Islay, but it's flattened out a bit, the flavors are one dimensional and not particularly delicate. The distillery character is not recognizable. Solid 87 points, but for me the Lagavulin 16 has always been an 88 to 89 point whisky due to its harmony, authenticity and consistent quality. This is the much more expensive Distillery Edition and the expectations are actually even higher. You could expect a little more and I don't want to complain because he doesn't have any mistakes, but he's just boring and flat. smoke and sweetness.

At the beginning something is tormented by the glass. After a few minutes, however, it shows a nice Lagavulin profile, complemented by the sweetness and subtle tobacco notes of the finish. Gets deep but tame compared to the normal 16 and above all kinda musty. Still a good dram.

Fantastic whisky with sweet peat flavor and beautiful smoky balance. A caress for the tongue

Lagavulin Distillers Edition, bottled 2022, 43% ABV. Maturation: Finished in PX sherry casks. Nose: Surprisingly sweet with candied apples, dried figs, sultanas, and old leather; the sherry aromas are quite pronounced. There's also a rather restrained maritime peat smoke with a light herbal component: wakame, oysters, lovage, and thyme. With enough time in the glass, the smoke subtly unfolds, revealing a few more aromas: sheep's wool, campfire, bacon, and sweet tobacco. Palate: Quite sweet, slightly tart. Sultanas, cranberries, dried raspberries, and blackberry jam. Along with slightly overbaked plum cake. Also, grape seeds, camphor, thyme, and a pinch of black pepper. The peat smoke now intensifies somewhat. Finish: Long, dry, and smoky, now with a slight heat from cayenne pepper. The sweet fruit aromas fade quite quickly, but the dry wood smoke lingers. Conclusion: This Distillers Edition definitely can't compete with earlier versions, but it's still a well-made bottling and has its place. 85/100 points (2026)

Ash, peat on the nose. A tad sour smoke and tar on the taste. Burnt orange following. Some pepper. Not overpowered by anything, fine dram.

Tried January 26, 2024 The main thing is that it tastes good. He does. I can understand the disappointment about the omission of the years and ages. On the other hand, I'm glad to have tasted it blindly. Because: it tasted good. Then the rest is secondary. You would then have to try a direct comparison, everything else is subjective...

Nose very smoky with a hint of dark fruit. Typical Islay flavor. Smoky, spicy. The finish is greasy.

No longer a confirmed +16yo this DE seems to coincidentally NOT remind me of the distillers editions i had before. Another staple to be scratched, still not a bad whisky but too much buck for too little

Freshly poured, it was no glory. So I let it stand and this is definitely a whisky that needs time. The aroma is more spicy, vinous and chocolatey, Dijon and in the aftertaste you can smell the popular iodine and sulphur. The taste is sweet, mild and a little spicy. Just a hint of smoke. This is also a whisky for beginners in the world of smoke. But for a lot of money. Too little expressive to appeal to an experienced whisky drinker. Overall, I rate it as very pleasant. But in reality they don't sell, and even the age information has disappeared.

Sweet and flat

Amber color. Light oiliness.

Normally, smoky Islay + Sherry is exactly my thing. But this one doesn't meet my expectations at all. The nose is primarily sweet, with a subtle hint of smoke hidden behind it. On the tongue, however, it is uneven and young, rounded off by a short and meaningless finish. The standard 16yo is superior to this (more expensive) bottle in every respect. 26.08.2024 After just over half a year, the bottle was emptied. Over time, the whisky has improved a little. It now seems rounder and the slight hints of youth have disappeared. I'm increasing my original 84 points to 86 points. Nevertheless, I stick to my original statement: the standard 16yo is the better choice.

* Two months after first opening, more than 2/3 remaining

Very good whisky. Sweet and salty at the same time. Also smoky. It's a shame it's only 43 abv and doesn't have an age statement. A higher ABV and an age statement would improve my feelings about this whisky.

Lagavulin Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43%, 70cl - This excellent Lagavulin whisky was initially matured in refill casks of American and European oak. The second maturation takes place in seasoned Pedro Ximénez and re-charred American oak casks with heavily re-charred new AO ends. This unforgettable Distillers Edition of Lagavulin delivers an extra rich, raisin-sweet flavor, paired with a dark smokiness that intensifies as the peat unfolds. Nose: Extremely sweet, heavily toasted, slightly peated, and a bit rancid. Maybe because I'm so familiar with Lagavulin 16, the first thing that stands out is the PX influence (lots of sweet raisins, some dates, dunnage, and cinnamon). Alongside the PX, there's an overwhelming amount of heavily toasted toffee, ambers, and ashtray notes. Wrapped in this dense layer of dark, smoky elements, we find leather, red fruits, tobacco, seawater, maritime peat, and seaweed, with hints of tropical fruits and candied orange. Palate: Very, very ashy—completely overwhelming burnt notes, although to be fair, quite a complex spectrum of them: ashtray, peat, charred oak, burnt plastic, embers, campfire, roasted seafood, coffee beans, tobacco smoke, dark caramel... Should I be a smoker to enjoy this? Behind this wall of burnt madness, there's a cloyingly sweet PX influence (more raisins, honey, arrope, red fruit jam, cherry liqueur), roasted seafood, dates, grilled lemon, and red fruits. Finish: Like drinking PX from an ashtray. Coal, ash, strawberry jam, seaweed, gasoline, toffee. I smoked cigarettes for 10 years, and this whisky leaves a similar taste in my mouth, like actual smoke. Weird, but pretty unique and somewhat pleasant. ISLAY AT IT'S BEST!

- subtle fruity smoke (but not as intense and aromatic as before) - similar in taste but somehow slightly castrated - long, smoky finish; long smoky aftertaste - yes, still a good Lagavulin but far more tasty away from the old bottlings with year information - significantly poorer barrels and noticeably younger than 16 years. - for the old price of about 90€ or sometimes even more now no longer worth the price

The sherry influence is noticable when compared to the standard 16 y old. It adds a little more weight to the 43 procent. Very nice with blue cheese, it think it is not a very complex whisky but I like it. 85 points.

PX? Really? How old were the barrels?

Lagavulin is quality and the distillers editions remain top notch. The 2022 edition is very gentle with aromatic pear, dying campfire on the beach and lingering coffee bitters. There is a dirty touch in there, think of buttermilk and pork meat. Some orange peel at the end. All very complex and clever. I love it! In the past the price was slightly more democratic - but in terms of taste they remain at the same level in my opinion!

Sherried peaty sweetness. Rich dried dark fruits. A robust dram not dominated by smoky peats but well layered. Sweet caramels and butterscotch. Overpriced for a low ABV, however classic Lagavulin which you can’t fault.

pas aussi bien que le 16 ans, mais tout de même très bien

Drinking Date: 23/5/2026 Location : Lagavulin Distillery

Not as crisp as the 16-year-old, but with more fruity notes. It's fine.

2023-03-19

Upgrade of Lagavulin 16, well rounded!

NAS or not, the Lagavulin DE is, in my opinion, a very successful single malt. Intensely sweet on the tongue, pleasant smoke, raisin notes, and oily in the mouth. I like it very much!

The first impression is unbalanced and uneven, it definitely takes time. It delivers the characteristics of a typical Lagavulin DE but no longer at the level of its predecessors, it simply lacks expressiveness. The aromas are not very intense, the smoke retains its identity but I remember even this a little stronger, especially with the DE - 06.01.2023

Good Lagavulin, alcohol is missing a bit, price around 80 euros still ok,