Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1996 (Bottled 2012) takes one of Islay's most distinctive single malts and gives its famous peat smoke a wonderfully rich, sherried twist. Distilled at Lagavulin in 1996 and bottled in 2012 at 43% ABV, this limited Distillers Edition release, identified as lgv.4/500, was double matured with a finishing period in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The result brings together two powerful flavour profiles: the smoky, maritime intensity of Lagavulin and the dark, raisiny sweetness associated with Pedro Ximenez.
From the first pour, this is unmistakably Lagavulin. Peat smoke, roasted malt and coastal saltiness form the backbone, but the additional maturation introduces another dimension entirely. Raisins, figs and darker sherried fruit weave their way through the smoke, accompanied by vanilla, toffee, coffee and touches of dark chocolate. The sweetness never completely takes over, allowing the whisky's earthy peat, oak and savoury Islay character to keep pushing through.
What makes the 1996 Distillers Edition particularly interesting is the contrast between its richer opening and increasingly smoky, peppery character. The Pedro Ximenez influence gives the whisky a rounded sweetness and depth, while notes of sea salt, charred wood and roasted malt stop it from becoming overly rich. As it develops in the glass, fruit and sherry give way to more pronounced peat and oak, creating a whisky with plenty to discover over a slow dram.
Now an older discontinued vintage of the Lagavulin Distillers Edition series, the 1996 release also has obvious appeal to collectors and enthusiasts searching for earlier bottlings from the Islay distillery. For the drinker, however, its attraction lies in the glass: a mature, smoky and sherry-influenced Lagavulin that combines dried fruit sweetness with powerful peat, coastal character and a remarkably persistent finish.
Tasting Notes
Colour:
Deep amber gold with warm mahogany and bronze highlights.
Nose:
Rich and inviting, with waves of peat smoke, roasted malt and warm ash surrounded by raisins, figs and darker sherried fruit. Vanilla, toffee and molasses emerge alongside touches of sea spray, charred oak and gentle iodine, with hints of coffee and cocoa adding further depth.
Palate:
Full and warming, opening with sweet dried fruit, raisin and Pedro Ximenez richness before the classic Lagavulin character begins to take control. Peat smoke and roasted malt mingle with coffee, vanilla and dark chocolate, while a distinctive salty tang and peppery oak provide contrast. Rich and smoky without losing its coastal edge.
Finish:
Exceptionally long and warming, with peat smoke, peppery oak and roasted malt lingering alongside dried fruit and sherried sweetness. Hints of dark chocolate, spice and sea salt gradually fade, leaving a final trail of smoky Islay peat.
