Lagavulin 8 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | 48% vol | 70cl | Sweet | Tea-Scented Smokiness | True Sipping Scottish Whisky | with Gift Box | Single Malt Whisky

Product Information

The latest incumbent of the position is Jordan Paisley, who joins having previously worked with Diageo’s Islay distilleries as Performance Lead. Paisley entered the Scotch whisky industry after working in the Merchant Navy. He qualified as an engineer, working primarily in the North Sea before taking on a role in anti-piracy vessels off the Somalian coast.

Lagavulin 19 yo (53.8%, OB Feis Ile 2019, sherry-treated American oak casks, 6000 bottles) - 150222 - by Angus - 300519Dun Naomhaig Water ‘Edition Maltmill’ (40%, Reifferscheidt, Romantic Rhine Collection, bourbon and sherry, 180 bottles, 2013) - 130614 Releasing this as their big anniversary bottling is a bold move by the distillery and might be a portent of things to come. It’s true that young whisky, especially peated whisky, can be good. It’s Not as rich as older whisky, but good and different, and it’s interesting to see a distillery showcasing it so prominently. I wonder how many other distilleries will follow in the Lagavulin 8 Years’ footsteps and release a younger age-stated version in a way that allows them to test the market and see how it reacts. Lagavulin 8 is lighter on the tongue, yet there’s a spirited robustness to it that makes it stand out. It doesn’t linger as long as the 16, but its vibrant character and depth leave a memorable impression. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply indulging yourself on a quiet evening, these pairings can elevate your Lagavulin experience to another level. Lagavulin 8 vs 16: Final Thoughts

The Lagavulin 16, on the other hand, with its slightly lower ABV, offers a smoother, more approachable taste. The 43% ABV is not lightweight by any means, but it does provide a gentler introduction to the whisky’s rich, complex flavour profile. It’s mellowed and mature, with a fine balance of smoke, sweetness, and sea salt. Lagavulin 30 yo 1991/2022 (44.3%, OB, Cask of Distinction, for Hong Kong Whisky Fellows, House Welley Whisky Bar, Christoph Kirsch, Sebastian Jaeger and Boris Borissov, 1st Fill PX/Oloroso seasoned European oak butt, cask #5403, 318 bottles) - 051222Lagavulin 31 yo 1991/2022 (49.2%, OB, Cask of Distinction for 50th anniversary of the family of The Whisky Exchange's co-founders, first-fill PX sherry hogshead, cask #P504, 264 bottles) - 190523 Smell: Smoke, of course, but more subtle than I remember. Ashtrays. Sea salt. White pepper. Touch of brine. Some citrus, especially lemon. Subtle honey. Vanilla. Fresh oak. Malt. Hay. Touch of liquorice. Lagavulin 8 Years is a limited edition whisky put out by the distillery to promote their 200th anniversary. This is an interesting move by a distillery, to put out something that’s younger than its flagship whisky ( Lagavulin 16) to celebrate the milestone. Most distilleries put out something older or pull from the archives to create something unique and rare, so what was the reasoning for putting something out that’s 1/2 the age of the standard Lag? This fairly young but good dram is strong and smoky, with lots of sweet spots and peppery character as well. It is simple but good. Lagavulin 12 yo 'The Flames of The Phoenix' (57.3%, OB, Special Releases 2022, Elusive Expressions, 2022) - 051222- by Angus - 210123

For the Lagavulin 16, you can venture into richer territory. Its robust character stands up to heartier foods. Smoked meats and aged cheeses are a delight when paired with this whisky. And if you’re in for a dessert, dark chocolate matches the rich, smoky sweetness of the Lagavulin 16 perfectly. Value for money: With the dramatic rise in the price of the classic 16-year-old, Lagavulin’s 8-year-old is likely to be the only offering that’s actually still affordable for many whisky drinkers. While that in itself seems a terrible shame, it’s reassuring to know there’s still a decent Lagavulin within reach. Lagavulin 'Jazz Festival 2018' (58.5%, OB, 1st fill American oak barrels, refill American oak hogsheads & European oak puncheons) - by Angus - 020219 The Lagavulin 8, though younger and lighter, offers a taste profile that’s vibrant and bold. It’s a good value-for-money proposition, providing a balance of quality and cost that few whiskies in the mid-range can match.

Whisky reviews for Lagavulin 08-year-old

On his new position, Paisley said: “Coming from Islay, it’s a real source of pride to be given the chance to manage one of Scotland, and the world’s, most iconic distilleries. Lagavulin 21 yo 1997/2018 (56.6%, OB for ‘European Lagavulin Fans’, cask #0001, European oak, 158 bottles) - 060519 - by Angus - 271018

Lagavulin 12 yo White Horse (43%, OB, Auslandisches Erzeugnis, German import, 1970s) - by Angus - 251220 Lagavulin 12 yo (43%, OB ‘White Horse’, Jardine Matheson & Co Japan import, 1970s) - by Angus - 180420 I can’t wait to get started and look forward to supporting the team to continue producing such a high-quality and highly revered product.” Pears and apples bowl out of the glass followed by notes of cinnamon, honey, peat and vanilla rich spirity malt with a light bit of bubblegum. I’ve never encountered bubblegum in any Lagavulin I’ve had, but that’s the thing about young whisky; it reveals characteristics that might get covered up the older it gets. Anyhoo, we have here an 8 year-old Lagavulin bottled at 48% ABV, and so pale that it’s almost clear. This was originally released as the distillery’s 200th (bicentenary) anniversary limited edition, but has since been added to the core range. With that, the information available online dries up. To my palate, this seems to be missing the sherry portion found in the 16-year. Like the 12-year, I would guess this is entirely from ex-bourbon casks.

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Wrapping it up, I’ve compiled a scoring table for a head-to-head comparison.These numbers reflect my personal experiences and preferences, aiming to give you an honest perspective.