Malt of the Month

The Malt of the Month is Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1998. Thiss bottling was introduced in 1997 with the 1979 vintage and is the most popular entry in Diageo’s range of cask-finished whiskies. This has been bottled at around 18 years of age after a final maturation in ex-Pedro-Ximénez sherry casks, which adds richness and freshness to the classic peaty and maritime character. We’ve knocked a tenner off and it’s £63.95 for the whole of May.

Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1998, 43%

Producer’s Tasting Notes

Nose: Intense peat and vanilla. A raisin sweetness checks the smoke. Iodine-edged peat and crisp, roasty malt. Satisfying and enticing.

Palate: Full bodied and rich in texture. A clear, grassy malt, then the peat lands – smoke filling the mouth. A very salty tang, the middle offers coffee, vanilla and fruit.

Finish: Incredibly long, even by Islay standards. Fruit, peat and long-lasting oak. Very chewable.