Built on the site of ten reputed illegal stills , Lagavulin ( Lagga-voolin , "the hollow where the mill is" ) was founded in 1816 in the bay where Dunyvaig Castle is . The distillery is owned by the United Distillers and is one of the 6 "Classic Malts" , it is located on the south shore of Islay (Kildalton) between Laphroaig and Ardbeg .there is only about 3 miles between the 3 distilleries so you could have a damn good day out if you want .
Lagavulins style is dry and smoky , very smoky . I tried a bit of fresh spirit the last time i was there , even though it was very sweet to the taste , when you rubbed a small drop between your hands the smoke just flowed out ! The main stay of the range is the 16 year old ,there is also a distillers edition finished in a Pedro Ximinez cask for you sherry lovers .Recently there was a 12 and 25yo Caskstrength release , the 12yo was a stunning version , very , very peaty! The independents are a little thin on the ground ,the only one i've got is a Scotch Malt Whisky Society release .

This is one tour you should put your name down for , it has everything , History (the Lord of the Isles ) ,Modern Technology ( the computer program running the process has got to be seen to be believed ) and of course the whisky ! Tours are Monday to Friday by appointment ,tel 01496 - 302730 , for further information on the distillery go to www.malts.com .