Review: Lagavulin 11 Years Old Sweet Peat

11 year old expressions of Lagavulin have historically come with one man’s name attached: Nick Offerman. All four of the Offerman Edition Lagavulins have been 11 year old offerings, and no others that we’ve tasted.

Lagavulin 11 Years Old Sweet Peat isn’t a one-off but a new permanent expression, aged completely in first-fill ex-bourbon casks. That’s the whole concept, really, the idea that the bourbon barrel is doing the heavy lifting of sweetening up the whisky beyond typical expectations. Lagavulin’s classic 16 year old expression is aged in both bourbon and sherry casks.

How does Lagavulin fare with a younger age statement and a singular barrel focus? Let’s explore.

Lagavulin 11 Years Old Sweet Peat Review

If nothing else, Lagavulin Sweet Peat is definitely a simpler expression of the malt. The whisky, known for its bold complexity, is decidedly tamed this time out, eschews sharp edges for a rounded quality on the nose — the trademark ashy peat tempered by light-handed aromas of vanilla and milk chocolate. Some herbaceous notes ring the edges of the experience, showcasing roasted rosemary and some mint, but a truly clean through-line dominates, making for a wholly approachable Islay — perhaps even something those who dislike peat may be able to get their arms around.

There is a certain sweetness to the palate, though I’m not sure it’s forward enough that’d I’d have chosen to put in the name of the product. The overall construction is similar to what the nose presents, showcasing milk chocolate and vanilla backed up against some tarry ash, with more intricate notes of coconut and some strawberry weaseling their way into the experience beyond that. A light layer of smoke — nothing overwhelming — permeates the entire experience, but it washes away eventually to leave a healthy punch of grated chocolate in its wake. The finish is otherwise gently warming and lightly herbal, again with a reprise of mint and a faint whiff of fresh pink flowers — maybe not what you’re expecting in a glass of Lag, but fun all the same.

My colleague and Lagavulin expert Rob Theakston recommends blending 1 part Lagavulin 16 with 3 parts of Sweet Peat for the best effect. I leave that combination to the reader as an exercise.

86 proof.

B+ / $70 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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