South

Lagavulin sits on Islay's south coast, between Laphroaig and Ardbeg, on a site where illicit distillation thrived from the 1700s onward. John Johnston brought it into the legal fold in 1816; the name itself derives from Gaelic *Lag a' Mhuilinn*—the hollow of the mill. This South expression anchors itself to that southern geography, the distillery's defining location.

At 56.3% ABV and 13 years old, this cask strength bottling delivers Lagavulin in full voice: intensely peated, with an oily, viscous body. Time in oak mingles peat smoke with dried red fruit notes (suggesting some sherry cask influence) and a savoury, umami-tinged character that catches the palate by surprise.

This is not an approachable introduction to Islay—it's a forceful, uncompromising dram that commands attention. The texture and briny undertones anchor the assault of smoke and fruit, creating something that rewards patience and contemplation.