Bottled in 2010, the Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994 was finished in PX (Pedro Ximenez) sherry casks which is the most densely sweet of the sherries and are used to temper the brutal smoke and wild brine of the standard Lagavulin 16. This combination results in a densely sweet delivery of smoke and sugar that’s unique to the Lagavulin DE line and quite a bit different from something like the Ardbeg Uigeadail.
In Lagavulin’s Words: Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994
“Double matured in Pedro Ximinez cask wood, this is a mellow Lagavulin, peat-rich, sweet and very more-ish.”
I like everything about the Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994 but I do wish it, and all of the other Lagavulin DE, releases were delivered at least at 46% to give it a bit more bite and richness. I know they cut it to stretch it further and we should be happy they’re not doing 40%, but still. Premium, “limited” editions like these should never hit the shelves at less than 50% in my opinion.
Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994 Info
Region: Islay, Scotland
Distiller: Lagavulin
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon and ex-PX
Age: NAS (~14 years)
ABV: 43%
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Batch: 1994 / 2010 – lgv.4/496
Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller
Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994 Review
EYE
Ruddy amber
NOSE
Salt, malt, iodine, sherry sweetness, peat and frosting sweetness.
PALATE
Salt, malt, iodine, sherry sweetness, dried dark fruit, peat and orange frosting.
FINISH
Long -> Dark fruit, peat, malt and iodine.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Decent, full body and a heavy rich feel
OVERALL
Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994 is quite nice. This is a range that seems to average a B+ for me with some of the older versions hitting the A- range and most of the newer ones hitting the higher end of the B scale. Though none of them have been complete duds so there’s something to be said for that, but would you expect a complete dud from a 16-year-old sherry-finished Lagavulin? I don’t think we would.
SCORE: 87-89/100 (B+, consumed at a tasting)
