NICK OFFERMAN, AKA PARKS & RECREATION’S RON SWANSON, TEAMS WITH LAGAVULIN FOR A LIMITED-EDITION BOTTLE

BY EVAN MONROE

Actor, writer, woodworker, and best known for his character of Ron Swanson in NBC’s comedy series, Parks & Recreation, Nick Offerman is a committed tippler, both in the role of the truculent Swanson, and in real life. In that pursuit, the Emmy nominee has maintained an ongoing partnership with Lagavulin Distillery since 2014, when his My Tales of Whisky short-subject series began a video collection of personal notions, rhapsodies about ne distillations, and the occasional guitar number. Now, the two have joined spiritual forces for a limited-release bottling: Lagavulin Offerman Edition Aged 11 Years.

Woody and peaty (the maker’s Islay island peat bogs are legendary), it’s a bright youngish whiskey at first blush, with a hint of citrus minerality said to come from the rich waters of Lochan Sholum in the hills above the distillery. It then ages wonderfully on the palate until finishing with sensations of sweet berry and orchard fruit.

“I have spent countless hours parsing the alchemy for the whisky with Lagavulin distillery manager, Colin Gordon,” said Offerman, in a characteristically wry and gentle overstatement. “Together, we have concocted a most edifying nectar, carrying the signature Lagavulin Islay Single Malt peatyness. ‘ This Scotch Whisky is for those who adore Lagavulin’s patented smoky flavor as well as the patience required to masterfully distill a Single Malt,’ is what they told me to say, but I would rather just tell you is that I am giggling with delight at the notion of people enjoying this limited-edition scotch.”

Suggested price is $74.99 (available as long as supplies last). The Offerman Edition is also available for purchase on reservebar.com, where a select number of bottles will be accompanied by a complimentary gift on behalf of The Offerman Woodshop, a small collective of woodworkers based in Los Angeles.