What Makes Lagavulin Whisky Special?

Lagavulin is the ultimate Islay whisky—intensely smoky and rich in flavor. Crafted on the windswept Isle of Islay, this whisky has been perfected for over 200 years. The island’s wild weather and sea breeze shape its bold, smoky character. It all began in 1816 when John Johnston founded the first legal distillery. A year later, Archibald Campbell added a second, and by 1887, Peter Mackie’s leadership made Lagavulin the standard for Islay malts. Today, it’s the whisky of choice for anyone who craves that deep, distinctive Islay taste.

Why Should You Consider Collecting Lagavulin?

Known for its smoky and strong flavor, Lagavulin is a part of Islay’s history and now highly sought by collectors. The prices for rare bottles have been going up, making Lagavulin a good investment.

What is the Most Expensive Lagavulin Whisky?

Lagavulin 37 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2013 is the rarest and most expensive Lagavulin. Released as part of Diageo’s annual Special Releases, it was crafted from some of the distillery’s oldest casks. With a 51.0% ABV, it delivers deep, complex flavors. Priced at €3,899 EUR, it’s a true collector’s gem.

The Taste of Lagavulin Whisky: From Core to Gems

Lagavulin The Distillers Edition Cask

The Distillers Edition was created to enhance the classic Lagavulin profile with extra depth and complexity. Inspired by traditional sherry cask aging, the whisky undergoes a second maturation in Pedro Ximénez sherry-seasoned casks. This process, introduced in 1997, was designed to balance Lagavulin’s bold peat smoke with rich sweetness.

One of the most popular editions is the Lagavulin 1988 The Distillers Edition (Cask Nr. LGV.4/492), which is truly a masterpiece. With an ABV of 43%, it blends smoky peat, sweet malt, and a touch of seaweed, capturing Islay’s essence. Bottled in 2004, it offers complexity and richness, perfect for whisky lovers. Available now for €506 EUR.

On the other hand, the Lagavulin Distillery Only 2010 Limited Edition, bottled at 52.5% ABV, presents a fascinating complexity. Its smoky peat and subtle sweetness create a memorable flavor profile. Priced at €292 EUR, this 700ml bottle is a true treasure for connoisseurs seeking something unique.

Want some rare bottles to add in your collection? Then bag out some of the The Distillers Edition Cask, from smoky to sweet flavors, this edition has everything to offer. From Lagavulin 1979 to 2000 The Distillers Edition, you can get it all at Spiritory ranges from €149-350 EUR.

Lagavulin 30 Years Old: A Rare Whisky Collection

These Lagavulin’s limited-edition releases, crafted from carefully selected casks that have matured for three decades. The Lagavulin 30 Years Old 1991 Casks Of Distinction offers a rich, layered profile with dried fruit, oak, and smoky peat, making it a prized collector's item at €3,159. For something bolder, the Lagavulin 30 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2006 (52.6% ABV) provides intense smoky notes with a maritime saltiness, perfect for connoisseurs who enjoy complex flavors.

Lagavulin 28 Years Old: A Masterpiece of Maturity

For those who appreciate rarity, the Lagavulin 28 Years Old 1991 Casks of Distinction offers a rich, layered profile with dried fruit, oak, and smoky peat, making it a prized collector's item at €3,159 EUR. This series is a remarkable single malt Scotch whisky, distilled on October 14, 1991, and matured for 28 years in a first-fill sherry butt. It was bottled on October 26, 2019, as part of Diageo's esteemed Casks of Distinction program.

Another great option is the Lagavulin 28 Years Old 1991, Lagavulin 28 Years Old 1992, and Lagavulin 28 Years Old1993 Prima & Ultima series. With a strong 50.1% ABV and a perfect balance of smoke and sweetness, it’s priced between €2,355-2,400. Both selections are available at Spiritory.

Lagavulin 25 Years Old: A Rare, Timeless Gem

Another rare treasure for collectors are the Lagavulin 25 Years Old 200 Years Of Lagavulin Distillery Managers (51.7% ABV) priced at €1,882 EUR. It offers deep peat smoke, seaweed, and ripe fruit flavors, with a spicy finish. You can also add Lagavulin 25 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2002 (57.2% ABV) to your collection. This one combines powerful peat, sea salt, and sweet malt notes worth €1,062 EUR.

Lagavulin 16 Years Old: For the True Connoisseur

Next premium bottle series also available at Spiritory are Lagavulin 16 Years Old (Black Box), priced at €81 EUR, offers a refined mix of peat smoke, sea salt, and ripe fruit, with a 43.0% ABV. The Lagavulin 16 Special Boat Service brings bold, peaty flavors at 43.0% ABV, while the Lagavulin 16 Feis Ile 2017, with a higher ABV of 56.1%, offers an intense experience for €242 EUR.

Lagavulin 12 Years Old: A Legacy of Flavor

Lagavulin 12 Years Old is a classic Islay whisky. It was first released in the 1970s by White Horse Distillers. This bottle became a favorite among collectors. Later, Diageo included it in the Special Releases series. These versions have a higher ABV and bold flavors, keeping its legacy strong.

Lagavulin 12 Years Old White Horse Distillers

Released in the 1970s, it offers a rare opportunity to experience Islay whisky history. With a 43.0% ABV, it captivates with smoky and sweet aromas. Priced at €1,754 EUR, it’s a must for serious collectors.

Lagavulin 12 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2010

Another popular collection you must have in Old Diageo Special Releases. Bottled at 56.5% ABV with a price at €156 EUR, this whisky showcases peat smoke, sea salt, citrus, and a spicy kick. A true reflection of Lagavulin’s craftsmanship.

Lagavulin 12 Years Old 1995 Limited Edition

One of the prized bottles, offering a unique 48.0% ABV. This limited edition is perfect for collectors and connoisseurs alike. A bold and memorable whisky with unmatched depth.

Lagavulin 12 Years Old Diageo Special Releases 2023

With 56.4% ABV, blends smoky peat and maritime accents with a subtle sweetness. This limited edition is priced at €203 EUR and is ideal for those who enjoy a bold, Islay whisky experience.

Spiritory also offers a range of Lagavulin 12 Years Old Special Releases from 2003-2023, and the Lagavulin 12 Years Old Fireside Tales Spirited Xchange, with prices ranging from €150 to €250 EUR.

Lagavulin 11 Years Old Offerman Edition

Lagavulin 11 Years Old Offerman Edition with 46.0% ABV, it delivers smoky Islay flavors and subtle sweetness, priced at €185 EUR. Other editions, like the Guinness Cask and Managers Dram, range from €137 to €200 EUR, making this a prized collection.

Lagavulin 8 Years Old: 200th Anniversary Release

If you’re a fan of Islay whisky, you’ll love Lagavulin 8 Years Old. This whisky packs a punch with its smoky peat and seaweed flavors, all balanced by a hint of sweet malt and 48% ABV. Released in 2016 to celebrate Lagavulin’s 200th anniversary, it honors the legacy of the distillery, inspired by Alfred Barnard’s 1880s visit. Priced at €55 EUR, it won Double Gold at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 97 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival Series

If you love rare whisky with a story, the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival editions are must-haves. Since 1999, Lagavulin has partnered with the festival to celebrate Islay’s rich music and whisky heritage. The Lagavulin 21 Years Old Islay Jazz Festival 2019 offers deep smokiness with sweet, fruity layers last sold at €551 EUR. The 2024 Lagavulin 14 Years Old Islay Jazz Festival 2022 is aged in bourbon casks and finished in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, blending smoke with dark fruit. These limited releases honor the festival’s spirit, with past editions ranging from €130-600 EUR.

Lagavulin Elements of Islay Series

If you're searching for bold, smoky flavors, Lagavulin’s Elements of Islay series delivers. Lagavulin Lg9 Elements of Islay, priced at €191 EUR, offers a smooth 48.0% ABV with deep peat smoke and sea salt. For an even richer experience, Lagavulin Lg8 Elements of Islay, at €215 EUR, boasts 59.5% ABV, blending intense smokiness with subtle sweetness. These limited editions are a must-have for collectors. Plus, Spiritory offers other selections from Lg1 to Lg11, ranging from € 148 to €417 EUR. You don’t want to miss your chance to explore the full lineup and enjoy the unmistakable character of Lagavulin.

Lagavulin Limited Edition

Lagavulin 2001 Limited Edition Cask Nr. LGV.4/506

Now for a true whisky lover’s treasure, this rare Lagavulin 2001 Limited Edition offers a bold 43% ABV and classic Islay smokiness. Rich peat and deep malt notes create a full-bodied experience. Packaged in a stylish gift box with two glasses, it’s perfect for collectors or an unforgettable gift.

Lagavulin Triple Matured Friends of Classic Malts Limited Edition

Here's a whisky worth adding to your collection. The Lagavulin Triple Matured Limited Edition packs a punch with its 55.4% ABV, delivering bold peat smoke, balanced sweetness, and lingering spice. At €172 EUR, this exclusive release is a perfect choice for those who love rich and complex Islay single malts.

Lagavulin 1995 Feis Ile 2013

First on the list is the Lagavulin 1995 Feis Ile 2013, bottled at 55.1% ABV brings bold smokiness, oak, and sweet spices priced at €562 EUR. Next, the Lagavulin 1998 Feis Ile 2012 Cask Nr.1716 (55.1% ABV) priced at €605 EUR from Cask 1716 delivers deep, peaty richness. Another one, the Lagavulin 1994 Feis Ile 2010 Cask Nr.3210 (52.7% ABV) is a 15-year-old masterpiece with layered complexity which you can get for €874 EUR. These rare editions showcase the finest of Islay whisky craftsmanship. You explore other selections in Spiritory.

What is Lagavulin's Cheapest Bottle?

The most affordable Lagavulin whisky is the Lagavulin 8 Years Old, priced at €55 EUR. This expression delivers a bold Islay experience with smoky peat, seaweed, and sweet malt flavors. With an ABV of 48%, it offers a well-balanced yet intense taste, making it a great entry point for those looking to explore Lagavulin without an expensive price tag.

Meet the Lagavulin Community

Lagavulin is more than just premium whisky—it’s a community. From distillers to collectors, every bottle reflects a shared passion for craftsmanship.

From Classic Tours to Fèis Ìle 2024

Fèis Ìle is Islay’s famous whisky and music festival, held every year in late May. It began in the 1980s as a small local event but grew into a global celebration. Lagavulin has been part of it for years, offering exclusive festival whiskies, tastings, and live music. Visitors can tour the distillery, learn about its 200-year history, and enjoy rare cask releases.