Lagavulin 11 Years Offerman Edition
In a sitcom, Nick Offerman plays the director of a parks department who also idolises whisky from the Lagavulin distillery. At the same time, Nick Offerman is the one who is supposed to introduce Americans to the peaty Islay malt that is so popular in Europe.The special aspect of this limited and meanwhile highly sought-after bottling among collectors is a four-month finish in Guinness casks. The goal is to enhance the Scotch with the spicy stout-beer flavours. Sad fact: Instead of being made in Ireland, Guinness barrels come from Maryland in the USA and are transported to Scotland by ship. A horrible eco-footprint.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The 11-years bottling opens malty-sweet and with aromas of smoked paprika, cinnamon, pear and mint. Of course, we also find the typical Lagavulin charred oak wood.
Palate
Peaty-sweet and massively dry, the Lagavulin tastes less heavy than the nose would have us expect. We are encountered with a dryness that makes us think of baking cocoa and coffee powder. Characterised by cereal aromas, the Scotch is very soft and well balanced - perhaps too soft for a Lagavulin? We perceive the Guinness cask with roasted malt aromas. Unfortunately, only in nuances.
Finish
The finish is dry and long with a fair amount of peat smoke, as we would expect from a Lagavulin.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
The Lagavulin 11 Year Offerman Edition is an intriguing play with Guinness casks, primarily impressing with its malty-smoky nose. On the palate, it reveals itself to be surprisingly soft and restrained, which might disappoint fans of the classic Islay style. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking character with a touch of humor, it remains a worthwhile dram – even if another Lagavulin offers more power at a better price.
Sascha 84/100
This limited Lagavulin release convinces with a balanced interplay between peaty smokiness and subtle Guinness notes, though the latter are only marginally pronounced. The texture is soft and well integrated, giving the whisky an easy drinkability but at the same time lacking a bit in complexity. Overall, an interesting, if not outstanding, variant for connoisseurs who value harmonious balance and a long finish.
Value for Money: Fair
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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Guinness cask finish in the Lagavulin 11 Year Offerman Edition special?
The four-month finish in Guinness casks from Maryland imparts subtle spicy stout beer aromas that complement Lagavulin’s typical peaty character. This combination is unusual, as Guinness casks are not commonly used for Scotch whisky.
How does the taste of the Lagavulin 11 Year Offerman Edition differ from classic Lagavulin releases?
Compared to classic Lagavulin whiskies, this edition feels somewhat softer and less heavy due to the Guinness cask finish. Alongside the typical peat smoke, notes of roasted malt, cocoa, and coffee grounds dominate, giving the whisky an additional dry and spicy edge.
Why is the ecological footprint of the Lagavulin 11 Year Offerman Edition considered problematic?
The Guinness casks are not sourced from Ireland but are produced in the USA (Maryland) and then shipped to Scotland. This long transport route generates unnecessary emissions, which is problematic from an ecological standpoint.