Lagavulin 8 Year Old: The 200th Anniversary That Became Permanent — Alfred Barnard's 'Exceptionally Fine' at 48%

Item: Lagavulin 8 Year Old: The 200th Anniversary That Became Permanent — Alfred Barnard's 'Exceptionally Fine' at 48%
Rating: 9
Author: Joe Whitfield

Joe Whitfield April 10, 2026 1 views

9 /10

EDITOR

Distillery: Lagavulin Distillery
Type: Scotch
Age: 8 Years
ABV: 48% ABV
Price: £45

Tasting Notes

Nose

Kippery peat — multigrain bread toasted over an industrial fire, clover honey, briny salt, ripe pear, dried apricot, fresh and grainy sweetness beneath the smoke

Palate

Unflinchingly smoky — heavy extinguished campfire, kippered fish, salt and iodine, pear candy, apple peel, sticky malt character, the younger age allowing the spirit to shine through the peat

Finish

Clean, sharp, long, smoky — intensely balanced, the 48% carrying the Lagavulin character with authority, the 200th anniversary edition that earned its permanent place

First Impressions

Released for Lagavulin's 200th anniversary in 2016, this 8 Year Old proved so popular it became permanent. Inspired by Victorian journalist Alfred Barnard who called an 8-year Lagavulin 'exceptionally fine' in the 1880s. At 48% in refill casks, the younger age lets the spirit character shine. Double Gold at San Francisco 2018.

Tasting

Kippery peat nose with honey and pear. Unflinchingly smoky palate with salt and apple peel. Clean, sharp, long smoky finish.

The Verdict

Lagavulin 8 earns a 9 — the younger brother punches as hard as the 16. Alfred Barnard was right: eight years is exceptionally fine. At £45, intense Lagavulin at a lower price than the 16. Double Gold confirmed.

Where to Buy

Master of Malt
£99.99

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The Whisky Exchange
£66.50

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Joe Whitfield

Editor-in-Chief

Joe has spent over fifteen years immersed in the whiskey industry, beginning his career at a Speyside distillery before moving into drinks journalism. As Editor-in-Chief at Whiskeyful.com, he oversees...