First Impressions
The Lagavulin 8 has one of the loveliest origin stories in modern Scotch. In 2016, to mark the distillery's 200th anniversary, Diageo released an 8-year-old bottling as a nod to a young Lagavulin that the Victorian whisky writer Alfred Barnard had described in 1886 as 'exceptionally fine'.
Distillery & Heritage
Founded in 1816 on the southern shore of Islay, Lagavulin sits between Laphroaig and Ardbeg in the Kildalton trio. Where the 16 is regal and meditative, the 8 is the youthful, citrussy other half of the family.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose is bright and coastal — fresh lemon, kelp, vanilla cream, white pepper and that clean Lagavulin bonfire smoke. The palate is lively and oily, the higher 48% ABV giving it real cut.
Verdict
A brilliant counterpoint to the 16 — and at the price, an absolute steal.
