Lagavulin 11 Year Nick Offerman
“If there were more food and fewer people this would be a perfect party.” - Ron Swanson
The Offerman Edition, like all Lagavulins, is intended for sipping. It clocks in at 46% ABV; a little water opens up the flavors a bit, but it’s not at all necessary since the finish is practically burn-free when taken neat. It’s almost a shame to use a whisky this good in a cocktail, let alone as a secondary ingredient, but it does work very well in a Penicillin, which calls for a float of peaty scotch. This one, however, deserves to be savored solo in a glass, where all of its complexity can come through unencumbered.
The youngest whisky in this blend is 11 years old, which makes a nice contrast to Lagavulin’s best-known expression, the 16-year-old, perhaps the quintessential Islay malt. With its distinct dry smokiness, the Offerman Edition resides squarely within the Lagavulin canon, but the differences from the 16-year-old are noticeable. The smokiness is somewhat lighter, the fruitiness a little brighter and the finish a little milder. The Offerman Edition won’t necessarily appeal to Islay novices who aren’t familiar with peated whiskies, but if you already have a taste for peat and smoke, this is a great one.
For fans of Islay malts, this is a must, another masterpiece from a great distillery. And for the peat-curious, this would be a good place to start. We’re looking forward to more Offerman-Lagavulin collaborations and hoping this one sticks around for a while.
Unlike many celebrities with spirits tie-ins, Offerman really knows his whisky. In fact, he helped select the barrels used in this blend. He also wrote a slightly hyperbolic and very entertaining testimonial to the liquid, which can be found on the box.
“clear alcohol is for rich women and diets.”