Lagavulin Unveils Oldest 1991 Single Cask
Diageo Casks of Distinction Releases #1069 Single Cask, Aged Over 35 Years in PX Sherry Wood
Diageo has unveiled its latest annual Casks of Distinction program, The Twelve, to private clients at the Royal Lochnagar distillery in the Scottish Highlands. The centerpiece is a rare 1991 vintage Lagavulin single malt Scotch whisky, marking the oldest single cask ever offered to the private market by the distillery.
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Filled in 1991, cask #1069 of Lagavulin was initially matured in a combination of refill European and American oak casks before being transferred in 2007 to a Pedro Ximénez seasoned hogshead. Officials note that the whisky displays remarkable intensity and powerful peat character, layered with tasting notes of dried fruit, liquorice, and charred oak.
Further Reading: What is a Sherry Cask? A Complete Guide to PX, Oloroso Cask Types, Flavors, and Their Impact on Whisky
Master Blender Praises Cask Performance and Distillery Character
Lagavulin Master Blender Stuart Morrison noted that this is one of the most exceptional casks he has encountered. Even after more than 35 years of maturation, the whisky retains extraordinary vitality; the PX oak maturation adds astonishing depth without overshadowing the Islay distillery's defining character, representing the pinnacle of decades of attentive stewardship.
Casks of Distinction Program and Annual Lineup
Launched in 2023, the Casks of Distinction initiative grants clients the rare privilege of acquiring individual casks from Diageo's Scotch whisky distilleries. Owners can bottle immediately or collaborate with blenders to continue aging, alongside bespoke distillery experiences and access to the Justerini & Brooks space in St James's, London.
Alongside the 1991 Lagavulin, this year's The Twelve collection includes 11 other single casks: Blair Athol 1997 (#1491), Clynelish 1990 (#4514), Cragganmore 1989 (#2503), Glen Ord 1987 (#3351), Caol Ila 1984 (#5772) and 1991 (#1010), Talisker 1978 (#2824) and 1992 (#3228), Linkwood 1993 (#13), Port Dundas 1991 (#1005), and Glenkinchie 1991 (#1017).
Further Reading: Peated Whisky Guide: What is Peat and How Peaty Flavors Form
📅 Release Date: 2026-09-29
🔗 Source: The Spirits Business