Visiting Lagavulin - let the fun begin! Warehouse Demo with Iain McArthur

[@sherrillhooke]

As someone who was there, let me thank you, Ben, for preserving this lovely experience for all posterity! Additionally, I have to praise Iain for the immensely entertaining and informative tour! The pouring out of my dram was so unexpected, so almost shocking, it added an indelible memory to an already unforgettable vacation! Lagavulin is so lucky to have Iain as one of their ambassadors! We bought a festival bottle with his signature imprinted on the label, he so impressed us.

[@WhiskyGeek]

My pleasure, it was a great experience! Iain is an Islay legend - looking forward to cracking my Jazz Festival bottles open 😁🥃👍

[@russell3733]

Ben - Great to see you in the warehouse tasting with Ian! One cask strength dram after another - that's a ton of hard work. But good to see you put your nose to the grindstone and got the job done. What a fantastic relaxed atmosphere with such a genial host. You've really had the heart of Lagavulin, so much more authentic than the standard bottlings. Good luck to you - those are drams you won't forget for a long long time. Lovely video - many thanks. Cheers!

[@WhiskyGeek]

Haha, that's the kind of 'work' I'd love to get paid for 😜 This was the first of a full week of this kind of abuse - loved every moment! Iain is great fun and really facilitated the appreciation of the whisky - just as well as it deserved a lot of appreciating!! Thanks Russell 👌🥃

[@peterwilcox7188]

Hi Ben,,another great watch,im sure you had a fab time,,out of interest,what will be the special dram to celebrate when the little whisky geek comes along,,all the best,,pete.

[@WhiskyGeek]

I have a couple lined up; first - with the family I plan to open a single cask PX Tomatin bottle which I filled at the distillery last year. On my own (or with my Dad if he's available) shortly after birth - one of the special Islay's I brought back, possibly a Bunna single cask or Caol Ila Distillery Exclusive as we've appreciated those distilleries together before. Then with Jo (when she can finally drink again!) I'll let her pick - possibly a Glengoyne or Tullibardine! Thanks Peter - was good fun to put together 🥃👌

[@blueeyegi]

We just visited Lagavulin a few weeks ago, and had the honor of visiting with Ean. We didn’t know he was a rock star.! He was quite the Scotsman!

[@northeastshooter5135]

Just a quick comment. Great to see you truly absorbing the atmosphere and surroundings of Lagavulin. To be in the present moment can only enhance your perception of the spirit and the location. I just enjoyed a dram of recently purchased Lagavulin 16 and find myself caught between my fondness of Ardbeg Uigeadail and the Lag 16. So much flavor in both it's like choosing between a sack of diamonds and a sack of gold.

[@TheDailyHayes]

This is one of my favorite videos for Lagavulin. I have watched it many times with a dram of Lagavulin 11 or 16 in my hand. Congratulations on your expanding family and for keeping whiskey opinions real and honest. You take care and keep safe and happy.

[@mendipfox1650]

Wow. Amazing! Bucket list stuff. The tour looks great. 👌🏻

[@WhiskyGeek]

We were lucky to get a mini-tour at the end of the warehouse demo. I believe it's not normally part of it but as our group was small Iain quickly took us through. It really is well worth going if you can! 🥃👌

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

Absolutely fantastic report, Ben ! I enjoyed it a lot...with a great mix of informations, impressions, Iain's own impressions & tour guiding ("malt advocate" as he says) some tasting notes as well ! Nearly perfect (though I'm not crazy about the music but it's not the essential)... Very well done on this, I'm chosing this video to be in my Whisky videos selection of my channel, as well as all your other report videos so far ! Cheers !

[@WhiskyGeek]

Tried to cram a slice of everything in, only bit I didn't have footage of was sitting with the American couple after the warehouse demo - but that was mostly me chatting rubbish anyway 😜 Yeah I appreciate what your saying about the music - it's just as subjective as peoples taste I guess! This music producer does get used a lot as he has made his music readily available for content creators. Most orchestras etc like to get paid! Thanks Greg, really appreciated! 🥃👌 Hopefully you enjoy the rest of the tours too.

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

You're welcome Ben, @@WhiskyGeek I have no doubt I will enjoy it.....because you're a great story teller, keeping enough of personalization to it to make it yours, but also enough moving back to help the viewer "enter in" the location & in your moment, and that's not an easy thing to do !

[@northeastshooter5135]

Second time watching this. Shows Lain at his best. And gives a wonderful experience of Lagavulin.

[@bourbonsanta]

I have to go there!!!

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

Me too !

[@WhiskyGeek]

You won't regret it! Great experience, people, island and of course; whisky! 👌🥃

[@sherrymaltdrams9183]

The best review/video you have done. Fantastic footage and what amazing value for what you were given

[@WhiskyGeek]

Kind words - thank you! 😁👍

[@christopherdavid446]

These on-location videos are fantastic. Keep them coming!

[@WhiskyGeek]

Cheers Christopher! I have the Bunnahabhain one in the works now. Stalled a little bit as... well I barely got any footage of the actual distillery haha. But have come up with a plan B so its progressing again 😉👍

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

To sum up things....one lucky man here ! Bravo...

[@jimmyt7640]

Thank you so much for publishing this video. It confirmed to me that Lagavulin is a must visit when I travel to Scotland. Excellent audio and video quality too.

[@WhiskyGeek]

Thanks Jimmy! The warehouse demo with Iain is a must-do Islay experience, he's a legend 😉👍

[@TheBlimp56]

Great video, the size of these pours was amazing. Liked the review sitting outside too. Must have been as amazing experience.

[@WhiskyGeek]

It was really amazing! Need to figure out a way to go back soon 😉 Cheers Bill! 🥃👍

[@markslinger4599]

Fantastic insight into the distillery, great video

[@WhiskyGeek]

Thanks Mark 🥃👍

[@WhiskyJason1]

warehouse tastings are just great - congrats!

[@WhiskyGeek]

Nothing quite like sitting amongst casks appreciating their produce! Thanks Jason 🥃👍

[@grahamgreenwood4234]

The old lad really made that the best, well done again guys

[@thewhiskybowman]

My god, for £30 that is insane value for what you are getting to try there. And it's not small drams either, which surprised me I have to say. Even more tempted to go now. I just feel sorry for Jo not being able to try them, that seems cruel.

[@WhiskyGeek]

I think they mentioned it was going up to £36 this summer ... but still pretty amazing value! I've somehow still got a 3cl sample of the 26YO ... not sure how I've managed that as it felt like I drank a whole dram 😉 It's definitely worth the trip. I'd want to do the sensory tasting as well next time! Jo said we have to go back so she can try them too next time 😁👍

[@thewhiskybowman]

@@WhiskyGeekA bit of a hike, but not too bad if the calibre of what you are getting to try is still as good. And it seems only fair that Jo gets to go and try them next time, while you stay at the cottage watching the baby. If you are good she might even bring you back a sample. :p

[@joannaclarkson6432]

@@thewhiskybowman I definitely agree there, the smells were incredible though!! Cannot wait to go back when I can try them!

[@thewhiskybowman]

@@joannaclarkson6432 From what Ben said before the cottage is big enough for you to take a couple of baby sitters, then you can get out and about to taste. Even better if you have friends or family that will do it for free, or for payment in whisky (not while they are babysitting obviously!) Or someone should suggest the distilleries have a creche, if they don't already :D

[@WhiskyGeek]

@@thewhiskybowman Haha, now that sounds like a better deal to me!

[@etcrobb]

I thoroughly enjoyed that! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us and I look forward to more wonderful videos! Cheers!

[@TobyField]

Properly jealous. What an experience. One day....one day!

[@WhiskyGeek]

Definitely worth it Toby! Great experience - Iain is a legend and the whisky wasn't bad either 😜🥃👍

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Marvellous thanks for sharing this. Kind regards, S.

[@peterovesen9603]

I love it thanks

[@DuncanHarmsworth]

Screw the whisky, congratulations to you both on your "Expecting"! Enjoy every minute, as these are the few moments (When those little eyes are looking at you) in life that everything in the past, present, and future of the world actually make sense! I wish nothing but the best and perfect health to you, Jo and your family. Oh, and I am SUPER jealous of that Lagavulin bucket list tour I just witnessed... Cheers! 🥃

[@WhiskyGeek]

Thanks Duncan, exciting times! We're both excited to meet the little fella 😁

[@DuncanHarmsworth]

@@WhiskyGeek Ahhh... "Fella". A boy then. Congratulations! 🍾🥃👍 😁Seriously, all whisky aside, I am so happy for you two! Cheers! 🥃

[@WhiskyGeek]

Cheers @@DuncanHarmsworth They couldn't 100% confirm it but they were pretty certain 😉 I believe it's more ambiguous the other way around. Jo wants me to get some "baby geek" onesies made haha 😂

[@DuncanHarmsworth]

@@WhiskyGeek I look forward to your "Best whiskies that go with milk/formula" video... Ha ha ha.. 🤣

[@WhiskyGeek]

Recorded in a dimly lit room with blood-shot eyes and a hushed voice 😂

[@foodquig]

I was at the same place on March 31st... It was a bit spooky seeing the places that I visited so recently in your video, and you did a masterful job of putting this video together... I picked up a 12 year old 2017 Edition based on how much everyone gushed about it in reviews... Did you get up to Bruichladdich and Caol Ila? Unfortunately, my tour skipped those stops and Ardnahoe, and for some reason the Ardbeg visitor center and tour were closed when my tour went there... Next time I'll rent a car and go at my own pace.

[@WhiskyGeek]

Thanks foodquig! 😁👍 Yeah we did manage to get round all of them in the end. Bruichladdich and Caol Ila (cask strength tasting) were two of our favourites! Bruichladdich kind of took me by surprise as I hadn't really explored their whisky that much but I'm now a convert 😉 their tour was relaxed, in-depth and great fun. Their approach to the tasting at the end also sealed the deal haha. Definitely recommend trying to take it at your own pace. There is so much on the island to explore and having the freedom to just stop off somewhere and walk around is excellent. Does raise the issue of having a nominated driver with you though - I was super lucky!

[@foodquig]

@@WhiskyGeek I heard about them giving drivers' samples, so you can take them back to your lodgings and enjoy them in the evening when you won't be driving afterwards...The tour that I was on usually does Bruichladdich, but the Bruichladdich visitor center was closed so we did Bunnahabhain instead. Ardbeg was also closed to the public when we went by, and I don't know why CoalIla was skipped. I think time was an issue. We got to Islay on a Friday night, toured Bowmore the following morning, had lunch at the Peatzeria, then went up to Bunnahabhain and Kilchoman. The Sunday was spent doing Lagavulin in the morning, then heading to Kildalton Cross, taking pictures outside Ardbeg, having lunch in Port Ellen, and visiting Laphroaig in the afternoon. On the Monday morning we were on the ferry back to Kennacraig.

[@WhiskyGeek]

Ah yeah most places will do 'drivers packs'. Nothing quite beats sampling the whisky amongst the casks though! Ah right, we really enjoyed Bunnahabhain a lot too. Wish we had done their Warehouse 9 experience too. Sounds like a condensed tour of the island! Definitely recommend trying to do it at your own pace next time 😉👌

[@WhiskyMystery]

What a great video. And those pours! Would they object if you poured some into mini bottles for later? We really must get there next visit home.

[@WhiskyGeek]

Nah, they had recently run out of the travel bottles but Iain went and found a couple from the visitors centre part way through - I've still got a 3cl of the 26 YO! He actively encouraged taking your time and enjoying them and saving some for later 👍 It's a fantastic experience, one of our favourites from the trip! Cheers guys 😁🥃👌

[@WhiskyMystery]

@@WhiskyGeek Perfect.

[@duanejameslarge9920]

Iain is really great and I have done the Lagavulin Warehouse Demo 10 different times in my past 4 visits to Islay. In my opinion, it is the best value of any tour or tasting on the island. During my 10 day visit to Islay in April, I did the tasting 4 different times. Slàinte Ben !

[@WhiskyGeek]

Wow - must be a favourite then! Yeah it is incredible value, and nothing quite beats tastings in a dunnage warehouse 🥃👌 Have you got your next Islay trip planned? Can't wait to get back there.

[@duanejameslarge9920]

I am headed back to Scotland in late October. I will be on Islay for 2 weeks and visit all 9 distilleries again like I did in April. Then I will spend a few days in Glasgow before flying home. Cheers !

[@anglerchetty5147]

Oh boy. If only I could afford to go to Scotland😢

[@JJDoggett]

Thanks for the video! Looks like a great experience especially for the price. I'm considering a visit to Islay in the near future and Lagavulin is top of my list to visit. I'm a little apprehensive as some of the TripAdvisor reviews say that the distillery is unwelcoming, tour sub-standard and the staff (Iain excluded) disinterested and that the neighbouring distilleries are much better in comparison. How was your experience overall? Also have you tried the Lagavulin 10 Year? Didn't know there was such a thing but found it in duty free (travel exclusive) and had to get a bottle!

[@WhiskyGeek]

Hmm, seems a stark contrast to our experience. Lagavulin was the first place we visited when we got to Islay (couple of hours to kill between the ferry and hotel) and even when we were just making pests of ourselves the staff were really friendly. 4 of the staff we talked to were great and enthusiastic, there was one girl who got a little funny about pouring a sample in a nosing glass rather than a tumbler but the guy I had been talking to sorted me out haha. I'd highly recommend visiting Lagavulin - the warehouse demo in particular was one of our highlights! Not had chance to try the 10 year old. Interested to give it a go but the 16 YO sets the bar pretty high! What do you make of it?

[@JJDoggett]

@@WhiskyGeek thanks for the feedback, I feel reassured! The warehouse demo did look great and I'm sure Ian's stories are as good as the whisky! As for the 10 year, to me it's a bit like a slightly watered down 16 year, still very good but doesn't hit the same heights which is understandable. I recently got the 8 year as well so enjoyed comparing the 3 side by side.

[@WhiskyWhims]

Unfortunately we did the standard tour and I was really disappointed, it fell synthetic and overly rehearsed. I should have went with the warehouse tour :( great video Ben

[@WhiskyGeek]

I guess with it being such a popular distillery they probably do go through the motions a little bit. Some of the visitors centre staff seemed to be new or treating it as a tourist attraction rather than a passion so it probably is heavily scripted! Iain was genuine and blunt - plenty of stories to tell haha.

[@agrainofmalt]

Wow! The size of those pours... haha I'd be so smashed. I have to go! :D

[@WhiskyGeek]

He sure wasn't stingy! Fantastic cask picks too 🥃👌

[@TriggaWarning]

I did the warehouse experience with Ian two weeks ago and it was just nothing like what you have experienced. Ian wasn't allowed to pour the drams. He had a girl pour the drams with a pouring spout after Ian drew from the cask. Also we weren't treated to such exclusive drams. We had a 9yo, 12yo, the 12yo festival release and the 25yo. Therefore I wouldn't recommend it. The warehouse 1 tasting at Laphroaig has a better value for money. The experience at Lagavulin felt generic and not genuine.

[@jacobbok7902]

That American woman ruined that tasting how irritating

[@WhiskyGeek]

Ah we didn't find her annoying, we sat & drank with her and her husband for an hour after the tour! 😂