islay_emissary
Lagavulin Distillers Edition (2023 Release)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
February 19, 2026 (edited June 5, 2026)
The drop in quality of this Distillers Edition Lagavulin has been precipitous. As such, I’m lowering my previous review of 10/26/23 to 3 stars from 4.
Very disappointing for a whisky once my favorite. I’ve tried to reserve judgment through multiple bottles, but the verdict is now in, and it’s not a good one.
Previously aged for 16 years, it now comes with “no age statement.” Drink neat, and it gives hints to its predecessor. Add a few cubes, and the palate turns slightly metallic and a watery mess.
Limited inventory may have precipitated this change, but the distillery needs to rethink this core offering moving forward.
110.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@Slainte-Mhath - I maintain that Lagavulin’s success has always been based on “grassroots” and whisky enthusiasts like ourselves, yet they choose not to listen. Grassroots giveth, and grassroots taketh away. Cheers! 🥃🥃
@islay_emissary Ever since Diageo decided to remove the vintage statements from the Distillers Edition and turned them into NAS expressions, I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole. The drop in quality is a sad as their recent stock performance in the past 3 years. No bottom in sight.
Hi @cascode , I still refer to your comments in the original post of 10/26/23. Excellent feedback, cheers! 🥃🥃
@islay_emissary It’s definitely sweeter and less complex than it used to be.
@Richard-Davenport - It’s still a decent whisky, but if I can buy Lagavulin 16 for less money, then it’s a no-brainer. Was at Total Wine in Naples, FL 2 days ago, and the had a whole shelf of DE on sale for $99. Apparently, I’m not the only one not buying. Cheers! 🥃🥃
@islay_emissary Yikes! Like you I've always loved this but haven't purchased a recent bottle due to still having a bottle or two in inventory.