The jewel in the crown of ‘The King of Islay’ is noble, generous and precious, understated yet rich in subtle, smouldering intensity; truly an exceptional gem of a whisky. This lovely, mature single vintage malt, the first 26 year-old Lagavulin Special Release, perfectly expresses the rich first-fill Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso cask style and is quite delicious, sure in the knowledge that its balance and smooth tastes have been shaped and respected by the decades. NOSE On the mellow nose a finely woven wine-woody aroma of great complexity takes time to yield its individual secrets. Light, fresh and vinous top notes mingle with the linseed oil of an artist’s studio then fade into a warm suggestion of sun-bleached polished mahogany, backed by dry edible seaweed, with sweeter hints of baked fig and butterscotch. Further in, the aromas grow more pungent, oily and fragrantly smoky; like going fishing, with background aromas of tarry rope and boat engine. If a little water is added, their intensity is reduced, while a note of clean linen survives best. PALATE In the light, ultra-smooth and oily texture a sweetness briefly gleams, soon tinged with salt and pepper, the whole growing more savoury and smokier all the time. Here is all the precious sweet-smoky style of Lagavulin, in a glowing, well-rounded form. A drop of water, not needed, yet seems to heighten the harmony of flavours. FINISH Long, sweetly warning and faintly smoky, as with smouldering beech leaves, leaving an aftertaste of chanterelle mushrooms. A drop of water introduces a little pepper, then the smokiness reasserts itself in the drying aftertaste.
The jewel in the crown of ‘The King of Islay’ is noble, generous and precious, understated yet rich in subtle, smouldering intensity; truly an exceptional gem of a whisky. This lovely, mature single vintage malt, the first 26 year-old Lagavulin Special Release, perfectly expresses the rich first-fill Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso cask style and is quite delicious, sure in the knowledge that its balance and smooth tastes have been shaped and respected by the decades. NOSE On the mellow nose a finely woven wine-woody aroma of great complexity takes time to yield its individual secrets. Light, fresh and vinous top notes mingle with the linseed oil of an artist’s studio then fade into a warm suggestion of sun-bleached polished mahogany, backed by dry edible seaweed, with sweeter hints of baked fig and butterscotch. Further in, the aromas grow more pungent, oily and fragrantly smoky; like going fishing, with background aromas of tarry rope and boat engine. If a little water is added, their intensity is reduced, while a note of clean linen survives best. PALATE In the light, ultra-smooth and oily texture a sweetness briefly gleams, soon tinged with salt and pepper, the whole growing more savoury and smokier all the time. Here is all the precious sweet-smoky style of Lagavulin, in a glowing, well-rounded form. A drop of water, not needed, yet seems to heighten the harmony of flavours. FINISH Long, sweetly warning and faintly smoky, as with smouldering beech leaves, leaving an aftertaste of chanterelle mushrooms. A drop of water introduces a little pepper, then the smokiness reasserts itself in the drying aftertaste.
in 1 offers
Lagavulin 1994 / 26 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Special Releases 2021 Islay Whisky
The jewel in the crown of ‘The King of Islay’ is noble, generous and precious, understated yet rich in subtle, smouldering intensity; truly an exceptional gem of a whisky. This lovely, mature single vintage malt, the first 26 year-old Lagavulin Special Release, perfectly expresses the rich first-fill Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso cask style and is quite delicious, sure in the knowledge that its balance and smooth tastes have been shaped and respected by the decades. NOSE On the mellow nose a finely woven wine-woody aroma of great complexity takes time to yield its individual secrets. Light, fresh and vinous top notes mingle with the linseed oil of an artist’s studio then fade into a warm suggestion of sun-bleached polished mahogany, backed by dry edible seaweed, with sweeter hints of baked fig and butterscotch. Further in, the aromas grow more pungent, oily and fragrantly smoky; like going fishing, with background aromas of tarry rope and boat engine. If a little water is added, their intensity is reduced, while a note of clean linen survives best. PALATE In the light, ultra-smooth and oily texture a sweetness briefly gleams, soon tinged with salt and pepper, the whole growing more savoury and smokier all the time. Here is all the precious sweet-smoky style of Lagavulin, in a glowing, well-rounded form. A drop of water, not needed, yet seems to heighten the harmony of flavours. FINISH Long, sweetly warning and faintly smoky, as with smouldering beech leaves, leaving an aftertaste of chanterelle mushrooms. A drop of water introduces a little pepper, then the smokiness reasserts itself in the drying aftertaste.
The jewel in the crown of ‘The King of Islay’ is noble, generous and precious, understated yet rich in subtle, smouldering intensity; truly an exceptional gem of a whisky. This lovely, mature single vintage malt, the first 26 year-old Lagavulin Special Release, perfectly expresses the rich first-fill Pedro Ximenez/Oloroso cask style and is quite delicious, sure in the knowledge that its balance and smooth tastes have been shaped and respected by the decades. NOSE On the mellow nose a finely woven wine-woody aroma of great complexity takes time to yield its individual secrets. Light, fresh and vinous top notes mingle with the linseed oil of an artist’s studio then fade into a warm suggestion of sun-bleached polished mahogany, backed by dry edible seaweed, with sweeter hints of baked fig and butterscotch. Further in, the aromas grow more pungent, oily and fragrantly smoky; like going fishing, with background aromas of tarry rope and boat engine. If a little water is added, their intensity is reduced, while a note of clean linen survives best. PALATE In the light, ultra-smooth and oily texture a sweetness briefly gleams, soon tinged with salt and pepper, the whole growing more savoury and smokier all the time. Here is all the precious sweet-smoky style of Lagavulin, in a glowing, well-rounded form. A drop of water, not needed, yet seems to heighten the harmony of flavours. FINISH Long, sweetly warning and faintly smoky, as with smouldering beech leaves, leaving an aftertaste of chanterelle mushrooms. A drop of water introduces a little pepper, then the smokiness reasserts itself in the drying aftertaste.
The lowest price for Lagavulin 1994 / 26 Year Old / Sherry Cask / Special Releases 2021 Islay Whisky right now is $3,254.50 at Amazon.com.au.
The all-time low was $2,409.41 on 29 May 2026 — today's price is 35% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 24 June 2026.
Last updated at 24/06/2026 04:27:20
Lagavulin 26 Year Old 'The Lion's Jewel' 2021 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
originally posted on malts.com
Nose: Ooh, aah. I’m not kidding. This whisky has me ooh-ing and aah-ing to myself. It certainly has the Lagavulin DNA; soft, sweet, medicinal smoke. Hints of smoked meat, light fruitiness and a deep sweetness. It is soo balanced. It kisses the nose. So delicate and mild - yet still quite assertive and big. This lion is certainly not asleep.Taste: Big and bold! Surprisingly peaty and peppery. Soot, coal and ashes. A hint of iodine. Cured, smoked and lightly salted meat. Dried fruits. Somewhat dry in character actually. Mildly tannic.Finish: Blessedly long finish. A bit more oakiness now, but it works a charm. Peppery, sooty chocolate. Chocolate and caramel smoked bacon. Hints of citrus and salt in the end.
| Country | Scotch Whisky |
| Region | Islay Whisky |
| Distillery / Brand | Lagavulin |
| Bottler | Lagavulin |
Lagavulin 26 Year Old 'The Lion's Jewel' 2021 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Nose: Ooh, aah. I’m not kidding. This whisky has me ooh-ing and aah-ing to myself. It certainly has the Lagavulin DNA; soft, sweet, medicinal smoke. Hints of smoked meat, light fruitiness and a deep sweetness. It is soo balanced. It kisses the nose. So delicate and mild - yet still quite assertive and big. This lion is certainly not asleep.Taste: Big and bold! Surprisingly peaty and peppery. Soot, coal and ashes. A hint of iodine. Cured, smoked and lightly salted meat. Dried fruits. Somewhat dry in character actually. Mildly tannic.Finish: Blessedly long finish. A bit more oakiness now, but it works a charm. Peppery, sooty chocolate. Chocolate and caramel smoked bacon. Hints of citrus and salt in the end.
| Country | Scotch Whisky |
| Region | Islay Whisky |
| Distillery / Brand | Lagavulin |
| Bottler | Lagavulin |
