Lagavulin Distillers Edition does something extraordinary: it takes their already stellar flagship Lagavulin 16 and somehow refines every facet of the experience. If you’re used to the standard 16, it’s possible you may not initially like the Distillers Edition, as all elements are slightly subdued and less lively. I’d compare it to someone confident in their 30s and someone confident in their 40s. Both know what and who they are. Both have experience, zeal and drive. Both know what they want, yet one stands out, sharper, a silver fox, sexier, existing within subtle nuances and grace within her or his step. Distillers Edition in my opinion, has depth, richness and longevity in a way that overshadows Lagavulin 16. You owe it to yourself to take your time, should you have the opportunity. This isn’t a scotch to be rushed. On the nose, you’ll find many of the same character qualities of the standard 16: brine, seaweed, smoke, light salt, bright fruity tones, vanilla, and caramel. The Distillers Edition goes further with a tad more leather, and what I’d label as old books. It’s quite stark and lovely. The mouthfeel is smoother, more full bodied and richer in oil. This one stays with you showcasing charred wood and traces of those PX casks. I found dark cherry and even a mild bite of tartness. The finish is nothing less than satisfying. The savory heat it does have stays toward the top of you throat rather than in your chest. It’s bold but not crushing, humble yet artistically boastful. I absolutely love Lagavulin 16, but for me, Lagavulin Distillers Edition is the definition of taking something from great to next level. Spending time with it reveals it as a “proper ladies and gentlemen’s dram,” worth far more than what it sells for. While I’m confident many will disagree, the caliber of craftsmanship, the experience, and the price lead me to this conclusion: this may very well belong within your top 5. (FWF $10 Dram [9th] Share #68 [3/29/2018])