Lagavulin 11 years Rum Cask

Score: 75

Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition, coming in second place, proved that even a dram with celebrity roots could earn its stripes through sheer balance and charm. While some initially raised eyebrows at the Nick Offerman tie-in, the whisky quickly silenced any skepticism with a profile that was both bold and inviting. Finished for eight months in Caribbean rum casks, this Lagavulin softened its usual Islay punch without losing its smoky soul. The result was a dram that struck a rare chord: smoky enough to satisfy the peat purists yet layered with unexpected sweetness that kept the entire room intrigued. On the nose, it offered brown sugar, tropical fruit, and toasted wood, with hints of chimney soot and overripe apples swirling beneath. The palate followed through with chewy caramel warmth, coconut, bittersweet chocolate, and a whisper of incense, like a smoky dessert enjoyed on a salt-sprayed dock. What made it a standout in the tasting wasn’t just the technical execution, it was the approachability. That tempered peat profile opened the door for tasters who usually shy away from heavy smoke, and many found themselves reaching for a second pour.