Lagavulin
Community
An Island of character, a whisky of depth
Lagavulin is more than a distillery—it's a community of passionate individuals united by exceptional whisky. From Islay's master distillers to global enthusiasts, our craft is a labour of love reflecting a legacy of tradition, dedication, and quality. Each bottle embodies the remarkable people and culture behind it. Explore their stories and see how their passion defines Lagavulin.
Iain McArthur
The Legend of Lagavulin
After 53 years of working with whisky at Lagavulin and Port Ellen, Iain McArthur hung up his valinch for a final time in December 2023. Famous for his legendary Warehouse Tastings at Lagavulin, this film captures Iain’s last few days at the distillery, celebrating the contribution he’s made to bringing the joy of Islay’s finest whiskies to the world.
Meet our people
As a native of Islay, Jordan Paisley's deep-rooted family heritage on the island spans centuries. He appreciates the unique aspects that make Lagavulin exceptional, from its rich history and premium barley from Port Ellen Maltings to Islay's distinct peat and water.
"No other whisky builds layer upon layer so intriguingly," Jordan remarks. His vision blends tradition with sensory adventure, ensuring that under his leadership, Lagavulin remains as warm and authentic as Islay itself.
We're proud to introduce Kirsten Robertson as the Senior Operator at Lagavulin. Originally from Edinburgh, Kirsten Robertson formed a deep connection with Islay during childhood visits. She first joined the team in 2022 as the Assistant Manager at distillery’s brand home.
As Lagavulin's first female Senior Operator, Kirsten oversees the whisky-making process from grain to glass, focusing on sustainability and high quality. She values her co-workers' knowledge and enjoys meeting others passionate about Lagavulin's world-renowned whisky.
FÈIS ÌLE
The Islay Festival
Fèis Ìle transforms Islay each May, drawing whisky enthusiasts from across the globe to our remarkable island. What began as a local gathering has matured into ten unforgettable days where exceptional malts meet traditional music, and Islay's rich heritage comes alive through every sense. From exclusive distillery tastings to vibrant ceilidhs under starlit skies, experience the warmth and distinctive character that makes this festival legendary.
Inspiration
Join award-winning bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, known as Mr Lyan, in his culinary adventure series as he returns to Scotland, once his home for seven years. In this episode, Mr Lyan explores the iconic Lagavulin distillery on Islay where he meets Karen, our Experience & Events Manager, and Kirsten, our pioneering Senior Operator. Together, they reveal the time-honoured craft behind our legendary whisky.
my Tales of whisky
Nick Offerman's first encounter with Lagavulin Scotch in his late twenties changed his palate forever. Previously a fan of beer and Irish whiskey, the intense smokiness of Lagavulin led him to quip, "I needed a campfire in my mouth."
His portrayal of Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation reflected this preference, sparking a real-life partnership with the distillery in 2014. This relationship was humorously showcased on the show when Offerman 'visited' the distillery, merging fiction and reality.
The collaboration led to the "Offerman Edition" whiskies, including the notably smoky 11-Year Charred Oak Cask, underscoring Offerman's deep connection with Lagavulin. His engagement extends beyond acting to woodworking, mirroring his dedication to artisanal quality in his whisky ventures. This collaboration, where life echoes art, remains robust, adding a significant layer to Offerman's journey and Lagavulin's storied legacy.
The smoky and rich flavours will warm your senses; the music, people, and Islay will warm your spirit.
Explore the world of Malts
Unlock the history, heritage and heart of the brand and discover how Lagavulin has brought a taste of island life to pop culture lovers, tastemakers and whisky lovers around the world.
From distillery tours to festivals, the whisky community has plenty of opportunity to celebrate the water of life - and nothing compares to Fèis Ìle, the Islay Festival of Music and Malt. Discover top tips on how to get the most out of your visit.
Find out where celebrated bartender and tastemaker Mr Lyan visited, and what whisky creations he enjoyed during his Scottish adventure.
Everything you've ever wanted to know about Scotch whisky - from how it's made, what we mean when we say 'a Scotch', and how to enjoy Scotches from across Scotland's regions.