Lagavulin 8 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
SKU #1267217
90 points
Wine Enthusiast
Look for a straw hue and unmistakably peaty, smoky scent. On the palate, fruity sweetness leads at first, quickly morphing into a billow of pungent peat smoke. Quite drying, and finishes fiery. Water tamps down the alcohol heat and brings more orchard fruit forward. Released in 2016 to honor Alfred Barnard, considered to be the first whiskey writer, as part of the 200th anniversary of Lagavulin. *Top 100 Spirits of 2017* (KN)
(12/2017)
Whisky Advocate
Light in color it may be, but this is no wimp. The nose goes straight to the shore with mineral and salt, but it’s also sweet, which allows it to be fresh, lively, yet balanced. The palate delivers some menthol, bay laurel, more brininess, a hint of malt, and Parma violet. Everything remains very breezy, with peat smoke being blown from a kiln into salt-laden air. I prefer it to the 12 year old and the price is fantastic. (DB, Summer 2016)
K&L Notes
The new regular release from Lagavulin whisky packs all the peat, smoke, salt, and classic Islay flavor of the beloved distillery into a younger, brighter, more assertive expression. Easily one of the best values from any distillery on "Queen of the Hebrides" Islay, the eight-year-old version is a welcome addition to the Lagavulin portfolio. This release celebrates Alfred Banard's 1886 visit to this special distillery. The author of legendary tome "The Whisky Distilleries of Scotland" recollected tasting a delicious eight-year expression during his visit to the distillery just outside the town of Port Ellen.