Elixir Distillers | Elements of Islay | Lg12 | Lagavulin | 0,5l | 55,4%

The Lagavulin Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, was officially founded by John Johnston in 1816 and is located on the Isle of Islay. Evidence of illicit distilling activities at this site dates back to 1742. Lagavulin is particularly renowned for its heavily peated whiskies, with the 16-year-old single malt being one of the most famous. This whisky offers an intense flavor profile with notes of seaweed, sea salt, and Lapsang Souchong tea.

In the 1820s, Lagavulin merged with the nearby Ardmore Distillery. During the 19th century, Lagavulin was involved in numerous legal disputes with the neighboring Laphroaig Distillery. The distillery has been renovated several times, most recently in 1962 when the still house was equipped with the distinctive pear-shaped stills from the Malt Mill Distillery. This slow, double distillation and maturation in bourbon and sherry casks give the whiskies their typical maritime character and smoky intensity.

Lagavulin uses heavily peated malt sourced from the nearby Port Ellen maltings and employs a slow, double distillation process to preserve its distinctive aromas. Popular releases include, in addition to the 16-year-old Lagavulin, the 12-year-old and 21-year-old single malts, as well as the Distiller's Edition, which is finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. These special editions and the limited annual release of the 12-year-old cask strength particularly appeal to lovers of robust, smoky whiskies.

The Lagavulin Distillery is not only a producer of top-quality whiskies but also a popular tourist destination. The visitor center, opened in 1998, offers year-round tours where visitors can learn about the distillation process and taste various Lagavulin whiskies. The combination of rich history and traditional craftsmanship makes Lagavulin a special highlight in the world of Scottish whisky.

The Elements of Islay is a unique series of small batch and single cask whiskies that pay homage to the famous Scottish region of Islay. This series is produced by Specialty Drinks, an independent bottler based in London, known for their careful selection of exceptional spirits.

The whiskies in the Elements of Islay series are not branded by the distillery name but by a coded system representing each distillery, such as "Lg" for Lagavulin or "Ar" for Ardbeg, followed by a number indicating the specific release. This innovative approach allows the focus to be on the individual character of the whisky and the unique influence of Islay's elemental terroir, rather than the reputation or style of individual distilleries.

These whiskies are renowned for their depth, complexity, and intensity of flavor, embodying the distinctive peatiness and maritime influence that Islay whiskies are famous for. Bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration or added coloring, each release offers a pure and unadulterated taste of Islay.

The bottlings are typically limited, making them highly sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts. The packaging of the Elements of Islay series reflects the theme of the elements: the whisky is bottled in laboratory-style flasks, and the box features coding in the style of the periodic table. This scientific aesthetic aligns with the brand's ethos of exploration and discovery, inviting you to delve into the elemental heart of Islay.

Whether you are a seasoned Islay aficionado or new to the region, the Elements of Islay offer a unique and immersive journey into the heart of this iconic whisky region, one dram at a time.