Ileach Cask Strength
$79.99
It is back and exclusive to KWM in Calgary again, bottled at 58%. The Ileach Cask Strength is a mystery malt from Islay. In other words, the distillery of origin is a mystery but, look closely at the label, and you'll see a couple of clues: the distillery has its own bay, presumably passable on only the one side; it's water-front has a distinct appearance; and could that be the ruins of the Dunyvaig Castle on the far right? Lagging behind and not understanding our not-so-subtle hints on which distillery this could be? Fear not - this is what makes Mystery Malts so much fun.
Lagavulin 8 Year
$103.99
This is the new core release of Lagavulin 8 Year, released on the heels of the highly successful 200th Anniversary release of Lagavulin 8 Year. Bottled at 48% it was matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and ex-wine seasoned casks.
Georgie Crawford said: ‘The 8 Year Old is a signature Lagavulin-style bottling with a liveliness that balances out the Islay smokiness. We hope that Lagavulin fans will enjoy this bottling, just as Alfred Barnard did centuries ago.’"
Lagavulin Distillers Edition 2022
$194.99
It's a shame how scarce Lagavulin has become. The distillery just doesn't seem to have the stocks to keep the market wet at this point in time. Not to mention, we're not getting a lot of help from our local importers either. When the 2022 Distillers Edition showed up a few weeks back, we were quick to snap it up, because I think we all know by now that any Lagavulin is good Lagavulin.
This should be a particularly interesting version of the Distillers Edition; it's no longer the 16-year-old with a PX finish (read: almost 17 years), it's now a non-age-stated whisky with an undeclared finishing period. While that almost sounds like a bad thing, the reviews are better for this one than previous, older editions. Not to mention, for those that like their Islay malts to have a little more punching power, it's best to drink them a bit younger. The longer that liquid sits in those beautiful old warehouses, the softer the smoke becomes.
Shame about the 43%, but at this point, beggars can't be choosers.
Lagavulin 12 Year Special Release 2023
$214.99
Hm. Don Julio Añejo Tequila Cask Finished Lagavulin. Like splashing a cactus with wet bandaids, salt water, and smoked seaweed. You may recall a Mezcal-finished Kilchoman we did a couple years back? People still come knocking for that one, because, love it or leave it, there's nothing out there like it. Don't miss out on this release. Guaranteed to be one to have tongues wagging.
56.4% abv
Jack Wiebers Classic of Islay H&T Cask
$159.99
Classic of Islay bottlings tend to be top-notch, and given that this is a single cask selected by Heads & Tails we have high hopes for it. Classic of Islay bottlings are rumoured to come from an Islay distillery that starts with the letter L. Not Laphroaig — the other L... Who knows for certain, though! Bottled at 56.2% from cask no. 409.
Lagavulin 12 Year Special Release 2024
$254.99
The 2024 Diageo Special Releases bottling of Lagavulin is a 12 year, matured in First-Fill ex-Bourbon and Refill Casks before bottling at 57.4%. Much better. Last year's Tequila-finished release was... let's just say we prefer this cask makeup.
Producer Description
"This is Lagavulin character made sweet under the command of active oak. Bold smoke quietened to a hush, matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon and refill casks for a lush and glazed aroma. Experience a 12-year-old expression with thick toffee, vanilla, and coconut notes, unfurling with aromatic spice.
A testament to oak’s dynamic influence on bold character: powerful peat tempers into inviting sweetness. Made for the curious at heart."
57.4% abv
Lagavulin 16 Year
$164.99
Lagavulin might well be the most iconic of Islay malts. And the distillery, which celebrated its bicentennial in 2016, is unquestionably one of the most beloved of all Scotch malt producers. Up until the launch of the much-lauded 8 year old in 2016, the 16 year old was the distillery’s entry level expression. In spite of the new arrival, however, the 16 remains the flagship expression in the range, and for good reason. A cornerstone in any whisky collection. 90pts Serge @WhiskyFun
Lagavulin 11 Year Offerman Rum Cask
$124.99
This 11 year old Lagavulin was initially matured in ex-Bourbon casks before finishing for 8 months in Caribbean rum casks. 46%.
Lagavulin 12 Year Special Release 2025
$257.99
Bottled at 56.5%, the 2025 edition of Lagavulin 12 Year was matured in Refill Casks as well as Oloroso and PX Sherry Butts.
Producer Description
"Matured in refill casks and Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso-seasoned European oak butts. Like the aroma of artisan bread, this Lagavulin expression whispers the ways of its makers. Follow your curiosity to complex layers that lie beyond the fire baked smoke. Take your time with taste. Those nuances of generational skill and tradition will unfold."