Lagg Kilmory Whisky Review: Smoke, Peat and Fresh Island Character

The Lagg distillery is the new sister of the renowned Arran distillery, which has many whisky lovers curious to see how the Lagg Kilmory whisky stacks up. Join us for this Lagg Kilmory whisky review.

Construction of the Lagg distillery began in 2017, and the first new make ran from the stills in March 2019. The distillery is well worth a visit: a stunning building with a beautiful visitor centre on the gorgeous Isle of Arran.

Wherever possible, the distillery was built to be carbon-neutral and energy-efficient. Among other things, the site features a green sedum roof. Incidentally, there was once a distillery in Lagg before, but it sadly closed in 1840. And if you’re on the island anyway, you shouldn’t miss the Arran distillery in Lochranza either.

While Arran is best known for its fruity, sweet whiskies with various finishes, Lagg focuses on peated and smoky styles. Last year’s inaugural batch hit the market to great acclaim, and bottles from those first three releases already command steep prices. Now the first whisky from the core range has been launched, and it’s been warmly received by peated-whisky fans around the world. The whisky is named after the parish where the distillery is located.

The next core release from Lagg is on the way: “Corriecravie,” named after a small hamlet northwest of Lagg. It will be finished in Oloroso casks and bottled at 55% ABV. Expect it to be slightly pricier than the Kilmory. Lagg also plans to experiment with different types of peat and distillation methods.

The bottle uses the same low, rounded shape we know from the inaugural release, complete with the stylised silhouette of the Isle of Arran. It’s instantly recognisable.

On the nose, smoke and peat lead the way, joined by vanilla and a hint of lemon. There’s a touch of florals and hay in the background. Surprisingly, it all feels very fresh.

On the palate, the smoke and peat come through clearly, more peat than smoke, in fact. The smoke is pronounced but not heavy. Citrus returns with a gentle sweetness. A little later, a light bitterness emerges, followed by wood. There’s also a malty note.
In short, layers of flavour unfold one after another.

The mouthfeel is notably pleasant, not oily, but very satisfying. The finish is fairly long. Smoke, peat, and still that citrus, which drifts more toward grapefruit. There’s a faint peppery prickle, a whisper of sweet liquorice in the distance, and a distinctly earthy undertone.

You’ll find this whisky at several retailers across the country for around fifty euros. Want to read more of our whisky reviews? Check out our overview.

Lagg Kilmory is an impressive first core release that proves this young distillery already has a clear identity of its own. Its balance of peat, smoke, citrus freshness and earthy depth makes it layered and exciting without becoming too heavy. This is a whisky that peated-whisky fans should absolutely try, though it may be less suited to those who prefer sweeter, unpeated malts.

+ Wonderful nose (if you love smoke and peat)

+ A cascade of flavours, each revealing itself in turn

+ Fresh yet earthy

+ Long finish

- Best suited to fans of peated/smoky whisky