The Offerman Edition is one of the very few celebrity spirits collaborations that whisky drinkers tend to give a pass, and the reason is simple: Nick Offerman was publicly evangelising Lagavulin for years before any commercial arrangement existed. Diageo did not manufacture the affection, they eventually formalised it. This is the fourth release in the series, and it takes the whisky somewhere the distillery had not gone before. The base is Lagavulin matured for eleven years in a mix of ex bourbon and ex sherry oak, then moved into casks that previously held Caribbean rum for a little over eight months of secondary maturation. The inspiration was time Offerman spent in Puerto Rico, and the pairing works better than it has any right to. Rum casks bring tropical sweetness, toffee and a rounded vanilla character, and rather than smothering the peat they sit underneath it, so the Lagavulin campfire smoke and maritime brine stay fully intact while gaining a sweeter, warmer frame. What comes through is lemon meringue, honey, crème brûlée and browned butter on the nose, then smoke, black pepper and a genuine chili heat on the palate against lemon, lime, vanilla and salt. It is bottled at 46 percent alcohol by volume, a deliberate step above the 43 percent of the standard Lagavulin 16, which gives it more weight and lets the rum influence carry. The series has been consistently well received and this edition took Double Gold at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York International Spirits Competition. A good entry point for anyone curious about Islay but wary of the full onslaught, and an easy recommendation alongside a cigar.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
46% |
| Proof |
92 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland |
| Region |
Islay |
| Distillery |
Lagavulin Distillery, Isle of Islay, established 1816 |
| Producer |
Diageo |
| Category |
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Expression |
Offerman Edition, Caribbean Rum Cask Finish |
| Edition |
Fourth in the Offerman Edition series |
| Age |
11 Years |
| Mashbill |
100% Malted Barley |
| Maturation |
Ex bourbon and ex sherry oak casks |
| Finish |
Ex Caribbean rum casks, over eight months |
| Awards |
Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition; Double Gold, New York International Spirits Competition |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm golden amber.
Nose: Sweet smoke over chili pepper and zesty citrus, with crème brûlée, browned butter, blossom honey and lemon meringue, plus toffee and golden cinnamon.
Palate: Smoke and black pepper lead into real chili heat, then lemon and lime brightness, smoothed by vanilla, toffee and a maritime salt note.
Finish: Smoky and fruity with a lingering chili warmth and tropical sweetness.
FAQ
Q: Is this a rum?
A: No. It is an Islay single malt Scotch whisky that spent its final eight months in casks that previously held Caribbean rum. The rum contributes flavour through the wood only.
Q: Which Offerman Edition is this?
A: The fourth. The first was a standard Lagavulin, the second used Guinness stout casks, and the third used shaved, toasted and recharred wine casks.
Q: How does it compare to Lagavulin 16?
A: Sweeter and slightly softer on peat, with tropical fruit and toffee from the rum casks, and bottled at a higher strength of 46 percent versus 43.
Q: Who is Nick Offerman and what is his role?
A: The actor and woodworker was a vocal Lagavulin enthusiast for years before partnering with the distillery. Each edition in the series reflects his interests and preferred flavour profiles.
Q: Has it won anything?
A: Yes. Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the fourth consecutive Offerman edition to do so, plus Double Gold at the New York International Spirits Competition.
Q: Where can I buy Lagavulin Offerman Edition Caribbean Rum Cask Finish online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway
