Sips & Sites & Bites

Actor and everyman, Nick Offerman, just revealed his fourth limited-edition collaboration with Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and it’s a masterpiece in sweet and smoke.

In a statement from Offerman and Lagavulin, he said this whisky was inspired by his “deep-seated affinity for maritime adventure,” and that this new liquid isn’t just a whisky, it’s a “journey across seas and flavors.” 

The new whisky offering combines tasting notes from the Caribbean with the flavors of the southernmost part of Islay in Western Scotland, home of the Lagavulin Distillery. It’s called the Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Caribbean Rum Cask Finish Aged 11 Years.

Offerman noted that along with Lagavulin blending master Stuart Morrison, “we have landed upon our most delicious, exotic liquid yet. Now to silence the scandal-mongers. There have been many accusations leveled against me regarding my desire to concoct the perfect dram to sit and sip whilst viewing my favorite mermaid musicals, so that I might feel even more fully like a Scottish-Caribbean underwater siren-princess. To these scurrilous abusers I have only this to say: what I do in my own time, whether under the sea or above it, is nobody’s business but my own. Slàinte mhath.”

This single malt is aged for 11 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, then finished more than eight months in ex-Caribbean Rum casks. It features notes of lemon meringue, honey, vanilla, toffee, golden cinnamon and a maritime brine, striking a balance of tropical notes and peaty flavor.

To accompany the launch, Lagavulin and Nick Offerman teamed up to create a comedic video spot for the ‘My Tales of Whisky’ series on YouTube. 

The video follows Offerman on a journey as he sets sail to craft the newest Lagavulin expression. While journeying through the rolling waves and salty spray, he revisits past Lagavulin adventures in different cabins aboard his trusty sea vessel. The escapade ends on the grounds of the Lagavulin distillery, where he savors a dram of Caribbean Rum Cask Finish with his dear friend, Mr. Pinky, portrayed by former Lagavulin Warehouse Manager Iain McArthur.

Offerman said he recommends drinking Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Caribbean Rum Cask Finish neat, on the rocks, or even alongside a plate of desserts to pair with the whisky’s subtle notes of lemon meringue that embody the tropical flavors of the Caribbean islands. 

The limited-edition single malt clocks in at 46% ABV, and has a suggested retail price of $89.99 for a 750ml bottle. For more information about Lagavulin Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and the distillery, check out www.malts.com/en-row/distilleries/lagavulin.