The Lagavulin Scotch whisky distillery, owned by drinks giant Diageo, has announced the release of an exclusive 14-year-old bottling finished in South African Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks to celebrate Islay Jazz Festival.

It said the release would “offer fans a luxurious take on the characteristic Lagavulin smoke”.

Lagavulin added that the release has a retail price of £240 per 70-centilire bottled at 56.1% ABV with "only 1,500 bottles available for purchase".


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Jordan Paisley, Lagavulin distillery manager, said: "Lagavulin Jazz Festival has been a highlight for Islay residents and fans around the globe and we’re very excited to celebrate this moment with such a special bottling. This is a rich, complex Lagavulin with dark and tropical flavours that add a new layer to our much-loved signature smoke."

Lagavulin said: “The iconic Lagavulin Jazz Festival returns for an unforgettable blend of world-class jazz, exquisite whisky, and breathtaking Scottish scenery. This year’s festival, starting on the 20th September, features an outstanding line-up of musicians and special guests, making it an unmissable event for jazz and whisky enthusiasts alike.”


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Referring to the Lagavulin Jazz 2024 release, it added: “This unique cask finish imparts a creamy-smooth texture and sweet initial taste, balanced by saltiness and Lagavulin’s smoky character. This is an intense, powerful and wonderful deep liquid. Described by the highly celebrated whisky writer Charles MacLean as ‘an exciting example of Lagavulin, slightly sweeter than regular bottlings, but with good distillery character’.


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And the distillery said of the festival: "This year's festival line-up includes jazz legends and emerging talents such as pianist Paul Harrison, saxophonist Helena Kay, vocalist Laura Oghagbon, and the Islay Jazz Festival icon Laura Macdonald.

Lagavulin noted it will host two "All That Jazz" tastings on September 21, enabling guests to "enjoy a tasting of five rare expressions of Lagavulin including some long sold-out gems, each paired with a music track to match the flavour of the whisky".