The Distillers Edition
Founded in 1816 by John Johnston, Lagavulin Distillery sits majestically beside the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle on the south coast of Islay. The name "Lagavulin" means "Mill by the Hollow" in Scottish Gaelic, reflecting its location in a sheltered bay.
The distillery has been owned by Diageo (formerly United Distillers) since 1925 and has maintained its reputation for producing some of the world's finest heavily peated single malts. Lagavulin 16 has become the benchmark for Islay whisky, balancing intense smoke with remarkable complexity and elegance.
The slow distillation process at Lagavulin—taking longer than most distilleries—contributes to the whisky's distinctive character. This patient approach, combined with the maritime location and traditional dunnage warehouses, creates whiskies of exceptional depth and sophistication.
Lagavulin's renowned heavily peated single malts
The flagship expression. Complex layers of peat smoke, maritime salt, and dried fruits.
Created to celebrate 200 years of Lagavulin. Intense and youthful with vibrant smoke.
Double-matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for additional sweetness and complexity.
Lagavulin uses heavily peated malt (35-40 ppm phenols) sourced from specialist maltings. The traditional cast iron mash tun uses water from the Solan Lochs.
Extended fermentation in wooden washbacks for up to 80 hours, much longer than most distilleries, developing complex flavors and esters.
Exceptionally slow distillation in two pear-shaped copper pot stills. The wash still takes 5 hours and the spirit still 9 hours, creating remarkable complexity.
Maturation in American bourbon barrels and European oak casks in traditional dunnage warehouses by the sea, where the salt air influences the aging process.
Last updated: 2026-08-28
A guided tour of Lagavulin Distillery revealing the rich world of whisky making. From the stunning views of picturesque Lagavulin Bay to the distinctive pear-shaped stills, discover the unique heritage and taste the time-honored flavors of Islay. Includes a three-dram tutored tasting featuring a distillery exclusive bottling.
£22
An elevated whisky experience tasting of five Lagavulin distillery exclusive whiskies, including one single cask sample. As the highlight of this premium experience, guests get to hand-fill their own 200ml bottle of single cask Lagavulin to take home.
£115
Port Ellen
Isle of Islay
PA42 7DZ
Mar-Oct: 9:30 - 17:00
Nov-Feb: 10:00 - 16:00
*Closed Sundays in winter months
CalMac ferries to Port Ellen. Lagavulin is 2 miles east of Port Ellen along the coast road.
Free parking available. Follow the coastal road east from Port Ellen (A846).
Scenic 2-mile walk/cycle from Port Ellen along the coast. Part of the Islay whisky trail.
Medieval ruins overlooking the distillery. Atmospheric castle with Islay history.
1 mile east. Visit for comparison of different peated styles.
1 mile west. Complete the famous "Kildalton Three" distillery tour.
Ancient Celtic high cross, 1 mile east. Exceptional historical monument.