Lagavulin Sweet Peat 11 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | 750mL | 43% ABV (86 proof) | Aged 11 years — Lagavulin Sweet Peat 11 Year Old is the first new permanent Lagavulin release in nine years — since Lagavulin 8 in 2017 — launched February 2026. It's aged 11 years exclusively in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks, and the name says the rest: the sweetness comes entirely from oak and malt, not anything added. Vanilla and toffee-apple from the first-fill casks meet Lagavulin's signature peat smoke for a more approachable dram that never abandons the smoke. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Lagavulin has distilled on Islay's south shore since 1816 — heavily peated malt, local water, wooden washbacks, four squat pear-shaped copper pot stills — and its whiskies are famous for bonfire smoke. Sweet Peat is the distillery's answer to drinkers who want the Lagavulin character with the edges rounded: Diageo Master Blender Dr. Stuart Morrison describes the palate opening with gentle sweetness and salinity before bonfire smoke and oak spice come into focus, honeyed malt and toffee apple building through the mid-palate, finishing long with peat smoke, dark chocolate, and soft vanilla. Among Scotch whiskies, it's the friendliest door into Islay peat — and a whiskey that earned Gold at the 2025 San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition.
Tasting notes
Official (Dr. Stuart Morrison, Diageo): palate opens with gentle sweetness and salinity before bonfire smoke and oak spice come into focus. Honeyed malt and toffee apple build through the mid-palate; finish is long with lingering peat smoke, dark chocolate, and soft vanilla.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 750mL, 43% ABV, 11 years old — Islay single malt, first-fill ex-bourbon casks
- First new permanent Lagavulin expression in 9 years (launched Feb 2026)
- Sweetness from oak and malt only — nothing added
- Gold Medal, 2025 San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat, no ice — this is the Lagavulin to hand someone who's always been peat-curious. A drop of water softens the smoke and lifts the honey and toffee notes.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Sweet Peat" mean?
The sweetness comes entirely from the first-fill ex-bourbon casks and the malt — vanilla, toffee apple, honeyed malt — balanced against Lagavulin's signature peat smoke. Nothing is added.
Is this a limited edition?
No — despite some retailer copy, the official February 2026 release calls it a permanent core expression, the first new permanent Lagavulin in nine years.
How does it compare to Lagavulin 16?
Sweet Peat is younger (11 vs 16) and matured exclusively in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks, so it skews sweeter and more approachable while keeping the classic bonfire smoke.
Who makes Lagavulin?
The Lagavulin distillery on Islay's south shore, founded 1816, part of Diageo — one of the most celebrated names in Scotch whisky.