Lagg Kilmory Edition

Lagg distillery opened in 2019 on the Isle of Arran, at the site of a former distillery near the village of Lagg that had closed in 1837. Located on the southern tip of the Isle due east of Campbeltown, Lagg is owned by Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd, the same company that owns Lochranza Distillery, situated on the northern tip. The distillery’s purpose was to produce more peated whisky using peat from Aberdeenshire, as the Arran brand is generally unpeated. The first whiskies were released in 2022 and reached the US market in 2024. The Lagg Kilmory Edition is one of these first two releases, matured in ex-bourbon casks. 

Distillery: Lagg
Region: Island
Age: NA
Strength: 46%
Price: $79.99
Maturation: ex-bourbon barrels
Location: Kilmory, Isle of Arran
Nose: Peat, smoke, brine, apple, floral, heather, hyacinth, walnut
Palate: Iodine, peat, smoke
Finish: Aluminum, ash, mineral

Comments: Water is not needed; could serve dual use as a killer cocktail ingredient.

Adam – The Lagg Kilmory has a big first nose, loud smoke and brine yet at the same time not so bold as the volume might indicate. A second nose dials down the noise and you get a nice bouquet of fruit and florals along the edge. They’re there – trust us, it’s not all bog! The peat comes to the fore later but doesn’t overstay. The palate is an engaging mix that really does call out to all the Taliskers I’ve had, in a complimentory way. I really want to see what a few years more aging does to this palate, where it will develop from here. There’s a little sweetness from the nose that’s included with the peat of the finish, along with that brine turning mineral and a very, very slight sour twist. Almost light enough you don’t notice. This is a younger whisky, no doubt about it, but it’s fresh and inviting and leaves me encouraged to see what future entries will bring. 

Henry – There’s an assertive bite here on the palate. Like an underaged Talisker. Lovely light nose of brine, gentle peat, with an undertone of heather, spring flowers, and freshly cut apples. Palate is peaty and warming, with an assertive bite that hints of youth. The brine, peat, and sweetness continues through the finish, with more than just a hint of sour char on the back.

Ben – There’s a hidden tartness in the fruit edge on the nose. There are flaws on the palate to the things in the nose. A slight sourness, and the aftertaste leaves you wanting something. Even with continuous sips, the palate never comes back to meet the nose. On second nose, the peat is slightly more vegetal. This nose is the promissory kiss but once we get back home…it’s not that great.

Bill – There is a notes of friendliness here. The finish has a metal quality, an aluminum smell. A little brighter, a little more mineral. I don’t necessarily like the finish. There’s a definite fall off in the flavor profile, it almost degrades. I like the start of the flavors but the end left me wanting.

Mike – The Lagg Kilmory definitely has the island vibe to me. Whatever they tell you on these tours about the saltwater not having an effect, I can’t say I believe them here. I definitely get this on the shore, very vegetal on the nose, honestly classic peat in my opinion. The first sip was very confusing, as I got a very bitter start. The palate and finish remind me very much of Talisker with peaty and oceany flavors. There’s a classic no fuss, no frills, I’m happy to have this in my glass kind of feel.