Lagavulin Iain's Farewell Dram to honour Iain McArthur
An 18 year old Manzanilla single cask bottling
Iain McArthur worked in the whisky business for more than 50 years. He first worked at Port Ellen Distillery, then at Lagavulin, where he was a passionate warehouse manager at last. For many whisky fans, to take part at one of his legendary warehouse tastings was the highlight of their trip to Islay. Iain McArthur now leaves Lagavulin to enjoy his well-deserved retirement. Lagavulin has released a very limited special edition to honour him: Iain's Farewell Dram.
The cask selected for the Lagavulin Iain's Farewell Dram had been filled by Iain McArthur himself 18 years ago. It was a second-fill manzanilla cask. According to the press release, the whisky boasts notes of smouldering wood embers perfectly balanced with ripe orchard fruits an aromatic spice.
Bottled by Iain McArthur himself
On 13 December 2023, Iain bottled the single malt at cask strength of 58.7% vol. in 212 bottles himself. Iain's family and friends had the opportunity to purchase the whisky first. 18 bottles were allocated by lot to interested whisky lovers who signed in a list at the distillery. 350 pounds was the price for a bottle of Lagavulin Iain's Farewell Dram.
Iain McArthur said: “Being part of the Lagavulin family has been the adventure of a lifetime, but now I’m ready for a change of pace. At 18 Years Old, this bottling brings back fond memories for me, enjoying a dram and celebrating moments in my life. I hope everyone that loves this distillery as much as I do gets to enjoy it.”
Tasting notes for the Lagavulin Iain McArthur Farewell Dram
Nose: Smouldering embers, dry cereals, Horlicks, fleshy green orchard fruits, gala apple, distant vanilla pods, yoghurt-coated raisins. Tarriness begins to emerge, white pepper, dried tea leaves, standing in the mill room as the cereal aroma envelops you, cut hay, fragrant aromatic spices (toasted cardamom and cinnamon). An almost farm-like ripeness is discovered, something you get with old peaty whiskies; the aromas meld with the spices, a sublime and complex whisky.
Palate: Smouldering wood smoke, chilli pepper, red apple freshness, subtle cinnamon, subtly sweet, yet long and powerful, a finish that lingers on the palate through its peppery tingle.
Images: Diageo
