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Next Auction starts Friday 29 March. Bottle Deadline: 18 March.

Lagavulin White Horse & Talisker Map Label Miniature 1990s x 3

Lot: 5087945

Lagavulin White Horse & Talisker Map Label Miniature 1990s x 3

Winning Bid: £50

Currency Estimate

Important: Currency exchange rates are constantly changing; this feature is to be used as a guide price only. All final transactions occur in British Pounds (£).
Lot:
Distillery: 
Lagavulin
Age: 
16 Year Old
Region: 
Islay
Bottler: 
Official
Bottled Strength: 
43%-45.8%
Bottle Size: 
3 x 5cl
Distillery Status: 
Operational
product Details

Lagavulin White Horse & Talisker Map Label Miniature 1990s x 3

Lagavulin distillery is one of the quintessential Islay producers, built in the early 19th century before eventually finding itself in the hands of White Horse blenders and their infamous proprietor, Sir Peter Mackie. It has truly captured the imagination of the whisky world in modern times, with the 16 year old becoming an instant (if unexpected) favourite when introduced as one of United Distillers' Classic Malts in 1988. The company had not expected the smoky flavours to be as popular as lighter offerings such as Dalwhinnie and Glenkinchie. Lagavulin was also home to the legendary (and near mythical) Malt Mill distillery in the first half of the 20th century. 

Unlike some of the other Classic Malts, Lagavulin already had its own single malt brand, and was marketed alongside Talisker in the Ascot Malt Cellar range from DCL in 1982. Considered a somewhat half-hearted attempt to compete in the emerging single malt market (two of the six bottles were still blends), the Malt Cellar featured a 12 year old Lagavulin which would be discontinued in 1988 with the introduction of this expression.

This is the early release of the Classic Malts 16 year old. When United Distillers succeeded DCL, one of their first orders of business was to reclaim control of the distribution of their single malts. In the DCL days, the distilleries had been licensed to the blending companies in their portfolio, Cragganmore for example to D&J McCallum, and Talisker to John Walker & Sons. The process of cancelling these contracts was quicker for some distilleries than others, so some of the early Classic Malts still bear the names of these former licensees, most notably here, with White Horse Distillers still displayed on the packaging. These versions are increasingly sought after.

  • Lagavulin 16 Year Old White Horse Miniature 43% 5cl x 2

For a long time, Talisker was the sole distillery on Scotland’s iconic Isle of Skye. Renowned for the quality of its output, the distillery has rarely changed hands, joining DCL (now Diageo) back in 1916. Despite this, releases were not the most common. An 8 year old was bottled officially and Gordon & MacPhail produced what are now classic and sought after vintage bottlings under official license from the distillery. When a 10 year old expression became a founding pillar of United Distillers’ Classic Malts range in 1988, the popularity of the distillery exploded, and it is now one of the most revered and exported in Scotland.

This is the first iteration of said 10 year old, introduced in 1988 in what is now affectionately referred to as the "map label" livery. It replaced the 8 year old expression that had previously been marketed in the Ascot Malt Cellar, introduced by DCL in 1982 and considered the spiritual predecessor to the Classic Malts.

  • Talisker 10 Year Old Map Label 1990s 45.8% 5cl
Important Notice

We would recommend viewing/close inspection prior to placing any bids. If this is not an option and you have questions beyond the offered description and images, please contact us for a more in-depth condition report. Otherwise lots will be sold as seen in the images.

Please note: Due to the various ages of bottles and their seals, condition of liquid is at the buyer's discretion and no claim can be lodged against failure/leakage in transit.