Lagavulin is one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, located on the south coast of Islay near the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle. Its water is drawn from Solan Lochs, flowing through dense peat bogs, combined with heavily peated barley to create its signature powerful character; the casks are matured in warehouses right above the beach, where the salty sea air infuses every drop.

This is the second release in Diageo's Prima & Ultima collection, personally hand-selected by Master of Malts Maureen Robinson from five special casks all filled on the same day – Lagavulin was the first single malt she ever tasted and remains a personal favourite. This is the first-of-its-kind experimental batch, fully matured on Islay in freshly charred American oak hogsheads.

Aromatic peat smoke dissipates quickly, leaving scents of lemon lozenges, subtle smoked fish, linoleum floors and a few drops of lime; grapefruit, wood oils, vanilla sponge, honeydew melon and oak build slowly, notching up more smoke and tangy citrus toward a climax of salted vanilla caramel with a hint of peppermint; the palate starts softly sweet and smoky, with a pinch of salt mid-palate, turning oaky with vanilla spice and a gently drying finish.