How 15 Scotch Whiskies Got Their Names

Ever wonder how some of Scotland’s most famous distilleries got their names? Pour yourself a dram and learn about the origins of your favorite whisky. 

1. Lagavulin

Founded in 1816 on the island of Islay, Lagavulin was originally part of two distilleries constructed by John Jonston and Archibald Campbell. One distillery closed, and Lagavulin took over its buildings. The name comes from the Gaelic Lag a’ Mhuilinn, meaning “hollow of the mill.” Prior to the early 19th century, the area was home to countless illicit whisky moonshiners and other nefarious characters.

2. Laphroaig

Lagavulin’s fellow resident of the Isle of Islay gets its name from theLoch (or lake) Laphroaig that can be found on the southern coast of the island. It’s assumed that the name originally came from the Gaelic Lag Bhròdhaig, or the “hollow of broad bay.”


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