A Coastal Storm in a Glass: Lagavulin 10 Years Review

Lagavulin 16 Years has earned a place in the hearts of many whisky lovers. It might even have been the first single malt dram you ever tasted. Today we introduce you to the younger sibling of the legendary 16-year-old Islay whisky. You’ll find all the details in this Lagavulin 10 Years review.

You’ll find the Lagavulin distillery on the south side of the Scottish island of Islay, on the bay that shares its name. From the courtyard, where rows of empty casks wait to be filled with glorious spirit, you can see the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle. This historic stronghold belonged to the MacDonald clan for centuries, and many battles were fought to claim it.

Back to the distillery, which was founded years later in 1816 by John Johnston. Like the other stillhouses along the “row” on Islay’s south coast, Lagavulin dries its malted barley over a peat fire. Whichever edition you try, bold peat smoke is a given in this complex dram.

Lagavulin is one of many distilleries owned by Diageo. Each year, the Islay distillery is a fixture in the Special Releases. There have also been other special editions, such as the Offerman Collection, several Jazz Festival bottlings, and a handful of other limited releases. The core range includes the famed 16-year-old, the younger 8-year-old, the annually changing Distillers Edition, and today’s pour: the 10-year-old travel exclusive.

Travel exclusive means this release is intended specifically for airport retail. You can spot that it’s a different bottling from the iconic 16-year-old and the relatively new 8-year-old by the label color. Instead of off-white to pale yellow, both the box and label are crisp, bright white. With this modern look, the 10 Years loses a touch of nostalgic charm, but it’s still unmistakably Lagavulin.

The moment you pour, Lagavulin’s signature aromas rise to meet you. Warm notes of honey and caramel mingle with maritime tones that lift the nose. Think seaweed and salty sea air whipping your face on a blustery autumn day at the beach. The 10 Years Old also comes across earthier on the nose than the 16-year-old.

Give it a moment to breathe in the glass and the smoke edges out the sea salt. A familiar Lagavulin spiciness emerges too. You won’t find many sherry notes here. This dram has been fully matured in ex-bourbon casks, and it shows in both aroma and flavor.

The palate is rich, oily, and powerful. The peat smoke lands with authority, yet the maritime character holds firm. We taste salty licorice, leather, smoked ham, ash, and a touch of wood. You’d never guess this flavor-packed powerhouse is only 43% ABV.

The storm on the shore hasn’t passed yet. Where the older sibling is famed for its balance, this teenager is squarely in its rebellious phase. The finish is long with honey, caramel, and dried herbs. The final chord rings with sea salt, earthy smoke, and ash.

This Lagavulin 10 Years is far more outspoken than the well-balanced 16-year-old expression. There’s a lot to discover, both on the nose and the palate. If you love smoky whisky, you’ll be right at home. A glass of water alongside your Glencairn won’t go amiss, as this is a decidedly maritime malt.

+ Plenty to nose and taste

+ If smoky whisky is your thing, this Lagavulin 10 Years delivers

+ A powerful dram despite a 43% ABV

- Less balanced compared to Lagavulin 16 Years Old

Curious about the rest of our reviews? View our overview.