Lagavulin 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky 70cl
ABV: 43% | Origin: Islay, Scotland

Lagavulin 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky 70cl is a remarkable expression from one of Islay's most iconic distilleries. This 10-year-old whisky offers a perfect balance of smoky peat, brine, and maritime flavors, with notes of vanilla, dried fruits, and a touch of spice. The whisky is rich and full-bodied, with a smooth, warming finish that lingers with a hint of salt and smoke. A favorite among peat lovers, this expression embodies the bold and distinctive character that Lagavulin is known for, making it an essential dram for whisky enthusiasts.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Rock salt, crisp red apples, burnt sugar, and savory peat smoke with a maritime edge
• Palate: Roasted almonds, spicy chili flakes, sweet vanilla, and waves of salty smoke
• Finish: Long and smoky with lingering spice, charred oak, and a dry, saline aftertaste

Production Details

• Distillation method: Double distilled in traditional copper pot stills (pear-shaped, slow distillation)
• Cask type(s):
  • Matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels (American oak)
• Special processes:
  • Peated to approximately 35-40 PPM using local Islay peat
  • Aged for 10 years, emphasizing first-fill cask influence
  • Non-chill filtered to retain robust flavor and texture
  • Bottled at 43% ABV for a balanced yet intense profile

Perfect For

• Peat enthusiasts seeking a younger, vibrant Lagavulin expression
• Those exploring Islay’s bold, smoky single malts
• Travel retail shoppers or collectors of exclusive releases
• Pairing with hearty, smoky dishes or as a fireside dram
• Fans of Lagavulin’s signature style in a fresher form

Expert Notes

• Originally a Travel Retail exclusive launched in 2019, now more widely available
• Showcases Lagavulin’s intense peat smoke with a lighter, fruitier edge from first-fill bourbon casks
• Younger than the iconic 16-year-old, it offers a punchier, less mellow profile
• Distilled with water from the Solan Lochs and peat from Islay’s west coast bogs
• Complements Lagavulin’s core range with a distinct, lively character

Customer Reviews

• “Bright and smoky—less heavy than the 16 but still pure Lagavulin!” – Fiona T. ★★★★★
• “Love the apple and spice combo with that classic peat punch.” – Greg M. ★★★★☆
• “A bit sharp but grows on you—great for the price.” – Liam K. ★★★★☆

Interesting Facts

• Lagavulin, founded in 1816 by John Johnston, is one of Islay’s oldest distilleries
• The 10-year-old was introduced as a duty-free exclusive, later expanded due to demand
• Its stills run longer than most on Islay (over 5 hours first, 9 hours second), enhancing depth
• Lagavulin Bay, overlooked by Dunyvaig Castle, shapes its maritime character
• Part of Diageo’s portfolio, it’s a sibling to the Classic Malts’ Lagavulin 16

Serving Suggestions

• Sip neat in a Glencairn glass to appreciate its bold complexity
• Add a drop of water to soften the spice and amplify the fruit notes
• Pair with smoked oysters, grilled mackerel, or dark chocolate with sea salt
• Try in a smoky Penicillin cocktail with ginger and honey
• Enjoy by a fire for a quintessential Islay experience

Distillery

• Lagavulin Distillery, founded in 1816, sits on Islay’s southern coast overlooking Lagavulin Bay
• Known as the “King of Islay,” it’s revered for its heavily peated, maritime whiskies
• Uses pear-shaped stills inherited from the Malt Mill distillery, slowing distillation for richness
• Sources peat from local bogs and water from the Solan Lochs, defining its terroir
• Owned by Diageo, it’s a beacon of Islay’s whisky heritage, crafting bold malts for over 200 years