There are few combinations in Scotch whisky quite as tempting as rich sherry and classic Islay peat, and Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1995 brings the two together beautifully. Distilled at the famous Lagavulin Distillery on the southern coast of Islay in 1995 and bottled in 2013, this vintage release takes the unmistakably smoky, maritime character of Lagavulin and gives it an additional layer of dark fruit and sweetness through a finishing period in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
The Pedro Ximenez influence is what really sets this Distillers Edition apart. Lagavulin's familiar peat smoke, charred wood and coastal character remain at its heart, but around them develop richer notes of raisins, dark fruit, molasses and chocolate. The result is not simply a sweeter version of a classic smoky Islay whisky; there is a fascinating contrast between sweetness and dryness, fruit and smoke, with earthy peat, salt, oak and sherry continually moving in and out of focus.
Bottled at 43% ABV, this 1995 vintage has a wonderfully mature character that rewards slow drinking. Give it a little time in the glass and the heavier smoke begins to reveal fruit, spice, tobacco-like depth and darker roasted flavours underneath. The combination of an older Lagavulin vintage, the Distillers Edition treatment and its 2013 bottling also gives it plenty of appeal for collectors and enthusiasts searching for distinctive releases from one of Islay's most celebrated single malt distilleries.
Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1995 (Bottled 2013) is ultimately a whisky built around contrasts. Powerful Islay smoke meets luscious Pedro Ximenez richness, while maritime and savoury notes sit alongside dark fruit and chocolate. Enjoyed neat and unhurried, it offers an absorbing look at a richer, sherry-influenced side of the classic Lagavulin style.
Tasting Notes
Colour:
Deep old gold to amber, with warm bronze tones.
Nose:
Rich peat and wood smoke arrive first, followed by raisins, prunes and dark fruit. With time, deeper notes of molasses, orange, tobacco, charred wood and black pepper emerge, alongside a distinctly maritime Islay character.
Palate:
Smooth and richly layered, combining earthy peat and smoke with dark sherried fruit, roasted malt and a touch of salt. Raisins, dark chocolate and coffee mingle with warming spice, charred oak and a subtle savoury character, while the Pedro Ximenez influence brings enough sweetness to balance the whisky's smoky intensity.
Finish:
Long, warming and increasingly dry, with lingering peat smoke, ash and oak joined by dark chocolate, coffee and gentle spice. A final touch of sherried sweetness remains beneath the smoke.
