Few names resonate within the Scotch whisky world fairly like Lagavulin. Over the previous few a long time, the model grew into one of many world’s most recognizable, turning into emblematic of Islay’s wealthy smoky type. Now, Iain McArthur, Lagavulin legend and warehouse supervisor, has introduced his retirement, and the model is celebrating his illustrious profession with a particular bottling, Iain’s Farewell Dram.
“Being a part of the Lagavulin household has been the journey of a lifetime, however now I’m prepared for a change of tempo,” says McArthur. “At 18 Years Previous, this bottling brings again fond reminiscences for me, having fun with a dram and celebrating moments in my life. I hope everybody that loves this distillery as a lot as I do will get to take pleasure in it.”
McArthur began his profession over 50 years in the past on the now shuttered—and shortly to reopen—Port Ellen Distillery, earlier than turning into a part of the Lagavulin staff for half a century. Over the course of his time on the distillery he simply tailored to quite a lot of roles, together with peat slicing and overseeing casks, however could also be greatest recognized for the tasting classes he performed for distillery guests.
McArthur himself crammed the cask used for Iain’s Farewell Dram 18 years in the past, and he hand poured every of the bottles this December. Matured in second-fill manzanilla casks, the whisky begins with aromas of smoldering embers, cereal, inexperienced orchard fruits, crisp apple, vanilla, yogurt, and sherry. From there, smells of white peppercorns and tea emerge, resulting in notes of toasted cardamom, cinnamon, and peat. The palate finds extra smoke, apple and cinnamon, resulting in hints of chili pepper that continues to be all through the lingering end.
On December 14th, Iain’s family and friends got the primary probability to purchase a bottle. Subsequent 12 months, Lagavulin will make the remainder of the bottles of Iain’s Farewell Dram (bottled at 58.7% ABV) obtainable for £350 (about $390).
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