Special Release 2025

Lagavulin's 2025 Special Release marks a new experimental chapter for Diageo's premium single malts. This 12-year-old is defined not by a fixed recipe, but by deliberate cask choices: maturation in refill casks, followed by finishing in Pedro Ximénez and oloroso-seasoned European oak. The result stands apart from Lagavulin's core range through richer, more layered character.

The nose reveals orgeat, lemon preserve, and seawater, punctuated by tar and smoked salmon notes. On the palate comes intensity: coastal spice, green chilli, liquorice, and pronounced ashy notes. The finish stretches long and mineral, carrying Islay's signature smoke but enriched here with dried fruit and a saline, savoury edge.

This is not a smooth, approachable dram—it demands engagement and rewards it with genuine complexity.