Lagavulin Distillers Edition

A taste-off of highly-rated whiskies begins, with a focus on those earning a 96-point score. The lineup includes Compass Box Hedonism, Bowmore 18 Year, Laphroaig 10 Year, Laphroaig 15 Year 200th Anniversary, Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition, and Talisker 10 Year. This extensive tasting is intended to explore the nuances of these spirits and to analyze their qualitative scoring. The initial review of Compass Box Hedonism reveals a pale straw hue, devoid of artificial coloring. Its aroma presents notes of papaya, grapefruit, tangerine, marzipan, a hint of tartness, and vanilla. The texture is rich and glycerin-like, with oaky vanilla dominating the palate. A subtle white pepper emerges on the finish, followed by more vanilla and a woody, bitter tang. This expression is described as a "vanilla bomb," a characteristic emphasized by its label. The vanilla notes are particularly pronounced when compared to the other whiskies in the tasting. Given that a portion of the blend is aged for 20 to 26 years in first-fill bourbon casks, the prominent vanilla is understandable. It has 43% ABV, is non-chill filtered, and contains no added coloring. The Bowmore 18 Year displays a clear russet mahogany color. The nose is a blend of sherry influences, featuring dates, rugelach, brown sugar, and cocoa, layered over Islay's signature peat, smoke, iodine, salt, and seaweed. These sweet and savory notes carry through to the palate, with well-balanced alcohol, especially considering its 43% ABV. The medium finish echoes the sweet and savory elements. It is compared to other sherry-cask-finished Islay Scotches, such as Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition and Ardbeg Uigeadail. While it holds its own, the Lagavulin DE offers superior sweetness and peat, and the Uigeadail provides greater power and complexity. The reviewer distinguishes between elegance and mere gentleness, placing the Laphroaig 15 Year 200th Anniversary Edition in the former category and the Bowmore 18 in the latter. The Bowmore 18 is not a powerful whisky and lacks the refinement and depth of the L15, despite both receiving a 96-point score. The reviewer would drink the Bowmore 18 again but finds little reason to choose it over other options in their collection, especially given its around $150 price point. It is deemed nice, but not "special" or "96-point nice." It has 43% ABV, an 18-year age statement, is chill-filtered, and contains added coloring. The Laphroaig 10 Year is a clear, unadulterated straw color. The nose is a complex mix of peat smoke, kelp, iodine, Band-Aid, bacon fat, sage, fresh figs, white pepper, apple, speck, and orange marmalade. The palate offers fig and honeyed sweetness, reminiscent of a seasoned cast-iron griddle. The alcohol is mild considering the multitude of flavors, and the finish is long with light fruit, peat smoke, and ash. This iconic Islay whiskey, available for about $50, is praised for its complexity and value, despite its potentially polarizing "burning hospital" profile. There's a question raised about why this expression scores higher than some Cask Strength versions. It has 43% ABV, a 10-year age statement, and added coloring. The Laphroaig 15 Year 200th Anniversary Edition is bright amber. The nose presents cocoa powder, honey, gardenia, apple crumble, gentle peat, scones with jam, iodine, kombu, nori, and a hint of damp cardboard and smoke. The palate is light, with honeyed sweetness, white pepper, salt, ash, and lingering smoked meat on the finish. This expression is characterized as sophisticated, graceful, and complex. Due to its limited release, prices range from $500 to $1,000, but the reviewer would repurchase it at its original price of just over $100. It is fortunate to have this bottle. It has 43% ABV, a 15-year age statement, and added coloring. The Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition is a deep orange amber. The nose is rich with dates, raisins, prunes, banana, Frangelico, milk chocolate, and a touch of vanilla, overlaying the typical Lagavulin kelp and iodine, with a subtle hint of Sharpie marker. The palate starts with brown sugar syrup, then reveals classic Lagavulin notes of kelp, iodine, and smoke, followed by white pepper, brief brown sugar, and lingering smoke. This expression is noted for its sophisticated and elegant balance of sweet and peat, surpassing the Bowmore 18 and Ardbeg Uigeadail in this regard. It can be purchased for around $110. It has 43% ABV, a 16-year age statement, batch LGV. 4/507, and added coloring. The Talisker 10 Year is a clear burnt orange amber. It exhibits a cotton-candy sweetness, Grape Kool-Aid notes, powdered cocoa, apple pie, and smoke, with smoky peat and BBQ sauce undertones. The mouthfeel is oily and viscous. The palate features honey and concentrated pear extract, while the finish has white pepper, honeyed biscuits, brown-sugared oatmeal, and smoky peat. This has consistently been a favorite Scotch whisky, reinforced by this tasting. It is described as powerful and youthful yet complex. Available for about $65, it is considered an incredible value and would be repurchased. It has 45.8% ABV, a 10-year age statement, and added coloring. A commentary on E150a (caramel coloring) follows, expressing frustration that high-end whiskies with age statements use artificial coloring, calling it deceptive. The reviewer advocates for transparency and natural maturation processes, contrasting whiskies that use coloring with those that don't, like Springbank and Compass Box. The conclusion reflects on the subjectivity of ratings and suggests improvements to scoring systems. The Compass Box Hedonism and Bowmore 18 are identified as outliers, with Hedonism being overly monolithic and the Bowmore 18 criticized for its artificial coloring and lack of distinction for its price and score. The Laphroaig 10 Year is highlighted for its exceptional value and complexity. The Laphroaig 15 Year 200th Anniversary Edition is commended for its sophistication and grace. The Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition is praised for its refined sweet/peat balance. The Talisker 10 Year is lauded for its youthful power, complexity, and value. These four are deemed worthy of high scores. All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

ISLAY SHOWDOWN 2: HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION Laphroaig 15 200th Anniversary Edition vs Lagavulin 16 vs Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition In my last note, “NEW AND OLD ISLAY SHOWDOWN,” I envisioned a comparison between two old flames: Laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 16. Then I thought the comparison wasn’t apples-to-apples due to the age difference, and I substituted the Lag16 with Lagavulin 8. So today, I bring out some bigger guns—all very close in age. Laphroaig 15 200th Anniversary Edition was a limited edition bottling (72,000 released) introduced on the 200th anniversary of Laphroaig’s founding in 1815 (Laphroaig previously had a 15-year-old whisky in its lineup which was discontinued). Lagavulin 16 needs no introduction. And the Lagavulin Distiller’s edition is Lag16 “double matured” and finished in PX sherry casks; this particular bottle is batch 4/507, distilled 2002, bottled 2018. Each is 43% ABV. Lagavulin 16 is, of course, an iconic whisky, and there’s nothing new that I’ll provide here. This is true to a lesser extent with the Distiller’s Edition. The Laphroaig 15 200th Anniversary Edition is a very limited bottling, and I hope to offer some vicarious insight. My primary purpose here is to build on my previous “Islay Showdown” note, share a side-by-side comparison, and have some fun in the process. Laphroaig 15 200th Anniversary Edition Color is lightest of the three; clear pale amber. Laphroaig’s tagline is “The most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies”; but this one, despite the increased age, is more subdued than its younger brother was last night. Fruity peach nose and some baking spices coupled with typical Islay notes of seaweed and smoky peat, with just a whiff of iodine. Peaks on the palate, where the mild 43% ABV punches above its weight. Gentle smoky peat with a touch of vanilla on the finish. In terms of intensity: mild nose, peaks midpalate, and mild finish. From a bourbon perspective, this is the Blanton’s or Elmer T. Lee of Islay whisky: seamless, refined, even subtle, but confident in what it is. And what it is it does very well. Lagavulin 16 Color is a tawny amber, deeper and somewhat darker than the Laph15. There’s little I can provide that isn’t already known about such an iconic whiskey, and if you’re reading this, you already this. For me, the nose is not particularly effusive, but swirling coaxes a host of aromas: along with Islay typicity, there is a citrus sweetness not unlike Licor 43, and even a tanginess that could pass for Heinz 57 (!). Smoky peat on the long finish. The same 43% ABV is not as noticeable as it was with the Laph15/200; this could be a function of the more mellow (though still very complex) tones of the Laph15/200, or the slightly more pronounced olfactory and flavor attributes of Lag16. Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition Darkest of the three due to the sherry cask finishing. On the nose, the sherry casks have a dampening (but not suppressing) effect on the seaweed, iodine, and smokey peat, adding complexity with hazelnut, dates, and some brown sugar. Despite being the same 43% ABV as the others, the heat is slightly more noticeable than its Lag16 sibling. Slightly weightier mouthfeel. Everything in balance, with more components. Just outstanding. For context: in the sherry-meets-Islay world, this is a Porsche 911 Turbo S in GT Silver Metallic, whereas Ardbeg Uigeadail is a Ferrari LaFerrari in Rosso Corsa: both incredible automobiles, but the former is more refined. If you’ve read this far, there’s really no winner here. This is not an “everyone gets a trophy” space—except it is, in this case. Each is phenomenal in its own right. These whiskies are not facsimilies of one another; there is diversity even in the confines of Islay whisky. On a value basis, Lag16 is the clear winner. It is widely available in the U.S. and can typically be found for around $90. The Distiller’s Edition has more limited production, and can be found for $110-120 in the U.S. The Laphroaig 15 200th Anniversary Edition was a limited edition, and can be found online for around $300 in the U.S. (I think I paid about a third of that a few years ago). While there are Islay-specific similarities between the three, they exhibit real differences, but no hard edges or deficiencies when tasted side-by-side. Each is deserving of contemplative, unadulterated consumption. Forget water; this is 43% ABV. Drink it neat. Nose it. Swirl it. Savor it. Enjoy it. Share it. And be thankful for it. In a word: Laphroaig 15/200: Peachy. Lagavulin 16: Outdoorsy. Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition: Urbane. N.B. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Happy Father's Day to me and my dad, the greatest ever. I'm inebriated, so expect typos. This bottle, acquired last month, is the reason I'm celebrating this special day and expressing my deep affection for him. We're both big fans of Islay, peat, and smoke. This particular bottle caught my attention due to its reputation, and a community rating of 4.5 made it an easy pick. Sharing scotch helps my dad and me connect; it sparks conversation, leads to quality time, and reveals our commonalities and shared life experiences. Before I dive into the scotch, a quick aside: my children, aged nine and nearly seven, are wonderful. Yesterday, they joined their mom at the Farmer's Market for my Father's Day gifts and surprised me with incredibly thoughtful presents. My daughter picked out four chocolate whoopie pies with peanut butter filling, and my son chose some local homemade hot sauce. If you appreciate Islay, you likely enjoy hot sauce; in fact, I'm convinced most whisky enthusiasts—bourbon, scotch, Irish, or rye—are fans of hot sauce. Am I right? My wife also gifted me Bull Durham on Blu-ray. What a Father's Day! A week prior, my wife suggested inviting my parents over for a roast chicken and mole negro dinner, which sounded fantastic. Considering all this alongside a bottle of Lagavulin Distiller's, can you grasp the magnitude of my day? It was exceptional. At $110, this is my most expensive purchase, and I acknowledge that influences my perception. However, I promise I'd be honest if it were subpar. The only other whisky to receive a 4.75 from me was Laphroaig 2021 Cairdeas PX, an incredible dram. That was also peated and PX sherry cask finished, but younger and cask strength, while this is older and bottled at 86 proof. This one shared similarities but was more refined. The aroma offered sweetness and smoke, salted caramel, and smoked meats. The palate echoed this with added fruit notes and a superb lingering finish. Diluting it with water revealed floral notes, reminiscent of a forest rather than a garden, toned down the smoke, enhanced the caramel, and introduced a black licorice note. Overall, it was incredibly delicious, a perfect dram to honor those raising children. Would I repurchase it? Absolutely. Did we consume half the bottle in three hours? You bet. Where are my kids? Ah, asleep. Don't worry, I drank responsibly. Whatever that means....

This bottling showcases the signature Lagavulin peat smoke enveloped in a rich, vibrant sweetness, bold, dark, and sophisticated. The nose offers dense vanilla (like extract) and toasted notes, light brine, and dried fruits such as raisins. The palate continues with raisins, complemented by rich dark chocolate, molasses, figs, and unripe plums, with an intensified saltiness. The unmistakable meaty peat smoke is always present, yet it's elegantly balanced by the bold, rich sweetness and dried fruits throughout. This expression may have surpassed the 16 as my favorite Laga, thanks to the PX sherry cask finish which provides unparalleled balance. The characteristic cool, minty (eucalyptus?) finish remains, transitioning magically from deep dense smoke to a vaporous cooling sensation. It's as dynamic and intriguing as the 16, but feels like its more refined predecessor.

My previous assessment of this spirit was almost two years back. Let me provide some background (context is key): it's a cool, overcast, and introspective night in Connecticut. Earlier, I sampled (and reviewed) the Laphroaig 10-Year Sherry Cask Finish. This prompted me to try (and review) the Ardbeg Uigeadail. Naturally, this led me to the Lagavulin Distiller's Edition. All three were sherry-finished Islays. I could keep going down this path, but choosing caution over valor, I vow to stop after this third write-up. To whom it may concern: I've given this whisky a 4.5 rating twice before, and (anticipating the conclusion) I find no reason to change my mind. The Lag DE presents with more elegance than the medicinal and varied Laphroaig, and the almost otherworldly Uigeadail. It wasn't just that the sweetness complemented the peat (Laphroaig) or amplified it (Ardbeg); rather, it tempered it, or interacted with it to forge something novel, somehow merging into a unified entity separate from the others. Notes of bacon fat and butterscotch; cigar and caramel; scallion and sea salt; vinegar and grapevines. It feels delicate and airy when set against the other two. Would I purchase it again? If I have any money at all. 4.5 rating.

Lagavulin 16 is a personal favorite, so I was quite curious to sample this bottling. The initial aroma is a powerful combination of campfire smoke, barbecue, bacon, and sea salt – a classic Islay peat monster – but the sherry notes emerge with some patience. The palate is quite intricate, yet smoother than the 16. Oak, tobacco, sea salt, grass, and other robust flavors mingle with citrus, cinnamon, and dried fruit. It requires time to fully appreciate. The finish truly highlights the sherry cask influence: a blend of sherry and dried fruit with considerable peatiness that seems to persist indefinitely. This is a highly intricate whisky that experienced enthusiasts will enjoy exploring. It offers a distinctly different experience from the smokier, more assertive 16, making it worth having both. It's gentler and less peaty, while still retaining enough of that signature smoke and intensity to satisfy Lagavulin fans. Think of this as Lagavulin's acoustic performance.