Community
Crafting tradition
Lagavulin is more than a distillery—it's a community of passionate individuals united by exceptional whisky. From Islay's master distillers to global enthusiasts, our craft is a labour of love reflecting a legacy of tradition, dedication, and quality. Each bottle embodies the remarkable people and culture behind it. Explore their stories and see how their passion defines Lagavulin.
The smoky and rich flavours will warm your senses; the music, people, and Islay will warm your spirit.
Meet our People
As native of Islay, Jordan Paisley's deep-rooted family heritage on the island spans centuries. He appreciates the unique aspects that make Lagavulin exceptional, from its rich history and premium barley from Port Ellen Maltings to Islay's distinct peat and water.
"No other whisky builds layer upon layer so intriguingly," Jordan remarks. His vision blends tradition with sensory adventure, ensuring that under his leadership, Lagavulin remains as warm and authentic as Islay itself.
Meet our people
We're proud to introduce Kirsten Robertson as the Senior Operator at Lagavulin. Originally from Edinburgh, Kirsten formed a deep connection with Islay during childhood visits. She first joined the team in 2022 as the Assistant Manager at distillery’s brand home.
As Lagavulin's first female Senior Operator, Kirsten oversees the whisky-making process from grain to glass, focusing on sustainability and high quality. She values her co-workers' knowledge and enjoys meeting others passionate about Lagavulin's world-renowned whisky.
islay jazz festival
Jazz and whisky, a timeless duo
Enjoying a glass of whisky while listening to jazz is nothing short of a pleasurable moment. The complex flavours and aromas complement the soulful melodies, creating an unforgettable experience. At the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival, you can discover talented jazz artists worldwide while indulging in our exquisite liquids. The festival provides a welcoming environment where you can unwind with others over your shared appreciation for good music and great whisky.
I've been playing jazz on Islay for 20 years. I just can't stop coming back here. It's incredible: the water, the air. It's a magical place for me.
-- Laura Macdonald, MUSICIAN
my tales of whisky
Nick Offerman's first encounter with Lagavulin Scotch in his late twenties changed his palate forever. Previously a fan of beer and Irish whiskey, the intense smokiness of Lagavulin led him to quip, "I needed a campfire in my mouth."
His portrayal of Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation reflected this preference, sparking a real-life partnership with the distillery in 2014. This relationship was humorously showcased on the show when Offerman 'visited' the distillery, merging fiction and reality.
The collaboration led to the "Offerman Edition" whiskies, including the notably smoky 11-Year Charred Oak Cask, underscoring Offerman's deep connection with Lagavulin. His engagement extends beyond acting to woodworking, mirroring his dedication to artisanal quality in his whisky ventures. This collaboration, where life echoes art, remains robust, adding a significant layer to Offerman's journey and Lagavulin's storied legacy.
Love our community
At Lagavulin, the passion goes beyond the land. We are honoured to warm the hearts of the locals and visitors with our quality malts. Discover tales from our community, sharing why they love our peated whisky and our beautiful isle.
I enjoyed every moment of the whisky tasting. I was able to try whiskies exclusive to the distillery, exploring the complexities of flavour in each edition. My appreciation for peated whisky has grown so much after this experience.
@Whatwillsophiedo
The distillery tour was truly an unforgettable experience. The tour guide was welcoming and so knowledgeable. We learnt how the whiskies were made and had a chance to hold and shovel peat into the furnace. It’s a memory I will cherish.
@itsmrjohn
Explore the world of Malts
From American bourbon to Scotch whisky, read our handy guide to the different types of whisky, how they’re made and how they differ.
From peaty whisky to fruity whisky, lean on our expert insights to discover the full variety and character of different whisky flavours.
Choosing the correct beginner whisky is an important step for any budding malts enthusiast. Let us help you start your journey.
Professional whisky tasting takes practice. Use our do's and don'ts to demystify the experience and enjoy your drams in a whole new way.