Whisky Focus - Lagavulin 8 Year Old 200th Anniversary Limited Edition

Lagavulin launch limited edition 8 year old expression at a very drinkable price to mark the distillery's 200th anniversary.

2016 marks the 200th Anniversary of the first legal distillery to be founded at Lagavulin and to kick off the bi-centennial celebrations the Lagavulin distillery have announced the launch of the Lagavulin 8 Year Old 200th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Lagavulin tell me that this special limited edition bottling of Lagavulin 8 Year Old has been inspired by Britain’s most famous Victorian whisky writer, Alfred Barnard. In the late 1880s, Alfred Barnard, the first ever whisky journalist and traveller, sampled an 8 Year Old Lagavulin during a visit to Islay, describing it as "exceptionally fine" and 'held in high repute'. He went on the declare Lagavulin to be "one of the most prominent" of the few Scotch Distillers that can turn our spirit for use as single [Malt] Whiskies.

Bottled at 48% ABV, I am am sure the Lagavulin fans amongst you will be pleased to hear that Lagavulin describe it as having a magnificently full on Lagavulin taste that’s somehow even bigger than you expect; sweet, smoky and warming, with a growing, smoky pungency, then dry, with more smoke; and a lovely; clean, very long and smoky finish with smoothly, subtle minted smoke.

Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Head of Whisky Outreach said: "This is a special year for a much loved Single Malt Scotch Whisky revered around the world as the definitive Islay whisky. There are a variety of plans across the year to bring people to Islay and bring Islay to as many people from around the globe as possible. We are thrilled to begin the celebrations for such an historic occasion with the launch of the first Lagavulin 8 Year Old for many years."

Georgie Crawford, distillery manager at the Lagavulin distillery added: "Although many things have stayed the same since Alfred Barnard first came to see us on Islay, visitors to the distillery will also notice some changes to mark this special year. We welcome you all to visit us and see for yourselves."

Lagavulin has delighted generations of whisky drinkers and this Lagavulin 8 Year Old acknowledges the 200 year legacy of this distillery. Cramped and chaotic by nature, this sea front distillery can never be expanded and therefore demand often exceeds supply. In the words of Alfred Barnard, ’no prettier or more romantic spot could have been chosen for a distillery.’

The release of the limited edition Lagavulin 8 Year Old is the start of the Lagavulin 200th Anniversary celebrations. This specially developed whisky will be released twice during the course of the year. 2016 will see more events throughout the year to observe this milestone birthday.

The Lagavulin 8 Year Old 200th Anniversary Limited Edition will be available from specialist whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange with an RRP of £50.95 for a 70cl bottle.
 

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