Lagavulin

Lagavulin, nestled on Islay's picturesque south coast between Ardbeg and Laphroaig, boasts a rich whisky-making heritage dating back to 1816 when John Johnston began legal distillation. The distillery expanded in 1837, absorbing a neighboring one. However, it truly gained recognition when acquired by blender John Logan Mackie in 1862.

The Mackie family's connection with Lagavulin continued when Peter J. Mackie took over production in 1878. Under Sir Peter Mackie, as he later became known, Lagavulin thrived. He created the renowned White Horse blend in 1890 and played a pivotal role in the late 19th-century whisky industry, co-founding Craigellachie distillery and driving innovation.

In 1908, Sir Peter Mackie, irritated by the loss of Laphroaig agency, constructed a replica distillery at Lagavulin called Malt Mill, which operated until 1962. Though intended to replicate Laphroaig's character, it developed its unique identity. Malt Mill's fictitious cask starred in Ken Loach's film "The Angel's Share."

Lagavulin's floor maltings closed in 1974 but now serve as the visitor center and administrative offices. The distillery has thrived globally, offering a smoky, complex whisky with notes of seashore, moor, pipe smoke, Lapsang Souchong tea, bog myrtle, and dark fruits.