First Impressions
Lagavulin Distillers Edition — released annually since 1997 as part of Diageo's Classic Malts Distillers Edition series. Double matured: first in ex-bourbon casks (as standard Lagavulin 16), then finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Each bottle states its distillation and bottling vintage.
The PX Factor
The Pedro Ximénez finish adds a layer of sticky dark-fruit sweetness absent from the standard 16. The result is a gentler entry point to heavily peated whisky — the sherry sweetness balances the smoke without masking it. Whiskybase average around 87/100.
Tasting
Sweet campfire smoke nose with toffee, caramel, and raisins. The palate delivers sweet caramel building into rich, barbecue-like peat with dried fruit, salted toffee, and coastal brine. The finish is exceptionally long — fruity, peaty, and warming.
The Verdict
Lagavulin Distillers Edition earns an 8.5 — a reliable annual release that enhances the Lagavulin 16 profile beautifully. At £70, the PX sherry finish adds genuine value over the standard bottling. If you love Lagavulin 16 and want more fruit depth, or if you find standard Islay whisky too aggressive, this is the answer.
