Lagavulin Whisky Sample Distillery Edition Jazz Festival 2018 Release (30ml, 58.5%)

Lagavulin Whisky Sample Distillery Edition Jazz Festival 2018 Release (30ml, 58.5%)

The Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2018 is a high-octane fan favorite that captures the distillery in a very "raw" and coastal state. This 2018 release is a far cry from the polite, 43% ABV standard 16-year-old. It is a complex vatting of first-fill American oak barrels, refill American hogsheads, and European oak puncheons.

This 2018 edition was personally selected by Lagavulin’s legendary warehouseman Iain "Pinkie" McArthur and is often cited as one of the punchiest entries in the series.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Intense and surprisingly fresh. It leads with briny sea air, iodine, and clean bonfire smoke. Beneath the initial peat "wall," there is a vibrant fruitiness of lemon zest, green apples, and white pears. As it opens, a creamier side emerges—vanilla pods, toasted marshmallows, and a hint of warm nut cake.

Palate: The arrival is oily and explosive. It starts with a massive hit of ashy smoke and salted caramel, followed quickly by a zesty lemon-pepper spice. Mid-palate, the European oak makes its presence felt with savory notes of smoked meats (bacon), roasted nuts, and a touch of dark chocolate. The high alcohol is remarkably well-integrated, carrying the flavor rather than burning the tongue.

Finish: Long, warming, and very dry. The smoke lingers like a dying campfire, accompanied by sea salt, charred oak, and a final, lingering note of sweet malt and ginger.

Why it's special

• The "Pinkie" Selection: Iain McArthur is a local legend on Islay. His palate favors the "true" distillery character—smoke, brine, and oil—rather than over-wooded spirits. This bottle reflects that "honest" Lagavulin style.

• Cask Variety: The use of European oak puncheons alongside American oak provides a savory, nutty backbone that balances the high-toned citrus notes from the first-fill bourbon barrels.