Lagavulin Introduces New 11 Year Old, First Brand Extension In 9 years

Lagavulin has introduced a new, permanent expression into its line-up, the first time it has done so for very nearly a decade: Lagavulin 11 Year Old Sweet Peat Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This is the first new permanent expression from the Islay distillery in nine years. Peeks at this new expression were made in 2025, but now it is in regular distribution.

Crafted with heavily peated malt and local Islay water, the spirit undergoes careful fermentation in wooden washbacks to build depth and texture, followed by distillation through Lagavulin’s four distinctive squat, pear-shaped copper pot stills. This measured process produces a full-bodied, structured new make, allowing peat to remain central through maturation, while layers of sweetness emerge in balance with Lagavulin’s signature smoke. Lagavulin 11 Year old Sweet Peat is then aged in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks for 11 years.

“Sweet Peat reflects careful cask selection and deliberate pacing,” said Dr. Stuart Morrison, Diageo Master Blender. “On the palate, it opens with a gentle sweetness and salinity before bonfire smoke and oak spice come into focus. Notes of honeyed malt and toffee apple build through the mid-palate, finishing long with lingering peat smoke, dark chocolate, and soft vanilla.”

The process behind the new Lagavulin 11 Year Old is meant to achieve a more well-rounded flavor profile than the usual Lagavulin single malt, and presumably Islay malts in general. The result is intended to offer something new to those already familiar with Lagavulin, but implicit in the description is approachability to those often turned off by the potent, smoky character of Islay malts.

“Pronounced smoke is a defining element of Islay Scotch, albeit one that can feel polarizing to some drinkers,” said Jesse Damashek, Senior Vice President of Whiskey at Diageo. “Sweet Peat presents peat in a way that tastes more approachable, while still delivering the depth and complexity long associated with Lagavulin.”

Lagavulin 11 Year Old Sweet Peat Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available at select spirits retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $69.99 for 750mL.