“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.”

– Iain McArthur, Lagavulin's beloved Warehouse Manager

Islay's renowned Lagavulin Distillery is paying a special tribute to one of its beloved managers, Iain McArthur, as he retires after a remarkable 50-year tenure in the whisky industry. To honour his extraordinary journey and dedication, Lagavulin is releasing a special limited edition whisky aptly named 'Iain’s Farewell Dram.'

In case you're wondering, despite its name, this is a 700ml bottling, not a literal "dram"! 

McArthur has been a prominent figure in Diageo's successful Islay distilleries. Having begun his career at the now-legendary Port Ellen Distillery, he soon became a key player at Lagavulin. His versatility in transitioning across roles, ranging from peat cutting to cask management and leading memorable warehouse tasting sessions, has made him a beloved and respected figure. He eventually became appointed Warehouse Manager, and had been instrumental in shaping the quality and reputation of Lagavulin's whiskies. 

The whisky in these bottles was put into casks 18 years ago by McArthur himself, and in a fitting tribute, he personally hand-poured the contents into bottles at the Lagavulin Distillery this week. Matured in second-fill Manzanilla casks, this whisky promises a unique profile, combining smouldering wood embers with the sweetness of ripe orchard fruits and aromatic spices.

Official Tasting Notes

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.

Bottled at a robust 58.7% ABV and priced at an RRP of £350, 'Iain’s Farewell Dram' is a fitting homage to a man who has dedicated his life to the art. 

Availability of this bottling is surprisingly limited. Iain’s friends and family have already been given first dibs to purchase their own bottlings on 14th December. Right now, only 18 bottles of 'Iain’s Farewell Dram' remain available, exclusively at Lagavulin Distillery and only through a ballot system. If you're interested in obtaining it, keep a keen eye on Lagavulin and Malts.com's social profiles, as more details on how to secure a bottle will be announced in the coming months.

We raise our glasses to Iain McArthur and celebrate his contributions to the most iconic malts of Islay.

Sláinte!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team