Celebrity collaborations in the spirits world are often met with skepticism, but a consensus seems to exist among whiskey enthusiasts and spirits writers that Nick Offerman’s association with Islay’s Lagavulin is a notable exception. The beloved Parks and Recreation actor has been a dedicated Lagavulin enthusiast for decades, long before he entered into any formal partnership with the brand. Offerman’s genuine passion for this particular whiskey is endearing–and lucrative, considering Diageo’s marketing resources. Bringing him onboard officially was an obvious choice when the distillery launched its Lagavulin Offerman Edition series.

So far, there have been three previous Offerman Editions, each focusing on an 11-year-old Lagavulin single malt, positioning it perfectly between the brand’s 8-year and 16-year main offerings. The first edition was a standard Lagavulin single malt, while the second edition underwent secondary maturation in Guinness Stout casks. The third edition ventured into the wine realm with STR casks–wine casks that are “shaved, toasted, recharred.” Now, the fourth Lagavulin Offerman Edition explores the Caribbean with a Rum Cask Finish, inspired by Nick’s time in Puerto Rico while filming Peacock’s underrated psychedelic mystery series The Resort.

Similar to other editions, this whiskey was aged 11 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry oak before an additional 8 months of secondary maturation in Caribbean rum casks of undisclosed origin. It was bottled at a slightly higher strength of 46% ABV (92 proof), which is a bit above average, and has an MSRP of $90. How does the classic, smoke, and peat-heavy Islay single malt scotch profile blend with the rum cask influence? Let’s taste and see.

On the nose, this expression offers a bouquet of rich, sweet smoke, aromatic wood, and vibrant fruitiness. The fruity notes encompass roasted pineapple, lemon, and baked apple, enhanced by hints of cardamom buns and vanilla buttercream. There’s also a maritime character with seaweed-like brine, balanced by seasoned firewood and sweet smoke. The overall intensity of the peat/smoke presence is actually more subdued on the nose than one might expect, especially compared to other Lagavulin products, and it all feels nicely mellowed by the rum cask influence. Overall, it’s a very inviting nose.

On the palate, though, things take a bit more of an aggressive turn. Some of the fruitiness remains, but in more of a poached pear/apple sense, met by more green, briny and spicy character. The smoke that was more mellow on the nose strides to the forefront and is significantly more aggressive, even a little bit harsh at times. I’m getting aromatic wood and lots of toasted spice–especially singed cinnamon stick and black pepper–along with more seaweed like brine. Sweetness up front is moderate, but it’s counteracted by a lingering, prickly, somewhat bitter dimension to the smoke on the palate, which also favors a hot-and-spicy characteristic. In general, I like aspects of this profile–the classic Lagavulin peatiness is certainly present–but I wish that it reflected the more gentle and fruity nature of the nose a bit more. It feels like the nose promises a more exotically transformed Lagavulin experience, but then the palate doesn’t quite take you to where you think you’re going.

All in all, though, lovers of heavily peated Islay single malt scotch whisky will likely still find plenty to love here. It’s not the scotch I would choose as someone’s introduction to peated single malts, but devotees of the style will likely relish the smoky intensity of the palate in particular.

Distillery: Lagavulin (Diageo)

Region: Islay, Scotland

Style: Single malt scotch whisky

ABV: 46% (92 proof)

Availability: Limited, 750 ml bottles, $90 MSRP

Jim Vorel is a Paste staff writer and resident beer and liquor geek. You can follow him on Twitter for more drink writing.

GET PASTE RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX

The best music, movies, TV, books, comedy and more.

Sign Up