About Lagavulin
(laga-VOO-lin) Lagavulin was officially founded in 1816 by John Johnston on Islay’s south coast near Port Ellen, though records suggest illicit distilling on the site as far back as the 1740s. Peter Mackie later became one of the most important figures in its history, using Lagavulin as a key part of White Horse and building the short-lived Malt Mill distillery within the grounds in 1908. Malt Mill was later absorbed back into Lagavulin, adding one of the more unusual chapters in the distillery’s history.
Lagavulin is known for a heavily peated Islay style shaped by very slow distillation, maritime exposure on Lagavulin Bay, and maturation in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Peat from Port Ellen Maltings and water flowing from Lochan Solum also form part of that character.
The 16 Year Old remains the signature bottling, with the 8 Year Old, Distillers Edition and annual 12 Year Old cask strength releases also playing an important role in the range.