Lagavulin 2024 11 Years Offerman 4th Edition
When it comes to Islay whiskies, there are two types of people: Those who love the intense smoke, and those who wonder if their glass has been matured in a bonfire. The Lagavulin 2024 11 Years Offerman 4th Edition is aimed at the former - those who see the scent of cold smoke and salty sea breeze as an invitation rather than a warning. This fourth collaboration between Nick Offerman and Lagavulin promises a typical Islay malt with a touch of originality.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Raise your glass and you are immediately transported into a world of cold smoke and gentle sea spray. There is a slight hint of iodine, just as you would expect from a Lagavulin. But there is more: a gentle vanilla sweetness provides balance, accompanied by subtle citrus accents and an almost floral freshness. A hint of menthol-like ice candy flashes up and brings a cool, slightly minty note into play. The flavour is unmistakably Islay, but with a little Offerman twist.
Palate
The smoke remains present on the tongue, but it does not dominate the entire experience. Instead, the whisky opens with a pleasant fruitiness - pear and apple provide a subtle sweetness that elegantly complements the smoky foundation. The texture is soft, almost creamy, with a slightly ashy undertone reminiscent of cooled charcoal. Lagavulin shows a somewhat more accessible side here, without losing its Islay character.
Finish
The finish is long, voluminous and expressive. Oaky notes prevail, accompanied by a gentle peppery flavour - white pepper briefly tickles the palate before a hint of icing sugar joins in and rounds off the finish with a mild sweetness. It is a classic Islay finish, but without the brutal force that some younger bottlings bring.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
This Lagavulin 2024 Offerman is like a familiar friend around the campfire – smoky, warm, and pleasantly fruity, with the joy of drinking clearly taking center stage. It doesn’t bring any big surprises, but that’s exactly what makes it the perfect companion for cozy evenings when you just want to savor the moment.
Sascha 80/100
The Lagavulin 2024 11 Year Offerman impresses with its balanced interplay of smoke, fruitiness, and subtle cask influences that give it a solid structure. Despite its classic Islay profile, it lacks that certain something that would set it apart from other releases and make it a true character whisky.
Value for Money: Fair
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Lagavulin 2024 11 Year Offerman 4th Edition differ from other Lagavulin releases?
This fourth edition of the collaboration with Nick Offerman showcases a classic Islay character with intense smoke and a salty sea breeze, complemented by a balanced vanilla and citrus note as well as a light menthol freshness. Compared to other Lagavulin releases, it is somewhat more approachable and creamier in taste, without losing the signature smoke.
Why is the Lagavulin 2024 Offerman Edition bottled at 46% ABV and not higher like some Islay whiskies?
At 46% alcohol by volume, this Lagavulin strikes a good balance between intensity and drinkability. The slightly lower strength compared to some cask strength expressions allows for a softer texture and lets the complex aromas of fruit, vanilla, and smoke come through harmoniously without being overpowering.
Which flavor notes should be particularly highlighted in this Lagavulin?
The Lagavulin 2024 Offerman Edition stands out with a combination of cold smoke, salty sea air, and a delicate iodine note. The aroma profile is rounded out by vanilla sweetness, citrus fruits, floral freshness, and a minty menthol touch. On the palate, fruity hints of pear and apple provide balance, while the long finish is marked by oak and white pepper.