Meet the Distiller: Graham Omand, Lagg distillery, Arran

Scotsman

5 days ago

Often described as 'Scotland in miniature,' the Isle of Arran is home to two beautiful distilleries: Lochranza in the north and Lagg in the south.
While Lochranza is celebrating 30 years this month, Lagg is the newest whisky distillery on the island and its whisky production is overseen by Graham Omand.
Lagg opened in 2019 and creates a range of award-winning whiskies.
What made you want to work in whisky?
I was raised around whisky. I grew up on the island of Islay renowned for its peated whisky production and everyone I knew worked in and around whisky and it's all I ever wanted and imagined doing. It was part of life growing up, so it was very natural for me.
How did you get into the distiller role you're in now?
My whole family are involved in the whisky industry, and I grew up around whisky and distilleries. When I was 22, I got the opportunity to learn my craft at our Lochranza Distillery alongside my uncle James MacTaggart, a veteran of the industry.
I then went on to work as a stillman for over eight years, a position which allowed me to grow and refine my skill set. In 2019 I took the plunge into the Manager role at Lagg.
They had a lot of faith in me at the time, I took my knowledge to Lagg, built the whisky profile from there and I haven't looked back since. 14 years later I am still here on Arran.
What is something surprising that people might not know about your role?
It might sound a bit unglamorous, but the truth is that while I'm responsible for establishing and overseeing the distillery, my role doesn't always involve working directly in the Stillhouse.
I place a lot of trust in our operators—they're the ones with their hands on every part of the process. Every single drop of whisky that leaves Lagg is a result of their skill and care.
Delegating key responsibilities is essential, and I'm proud to work with a team that delivers such quality.
What characteristics are you looking for in the whiskies you make and how do they represent the region/distillery?
When it comes to the whiskies we produce at Lagg, I'm looking for real texture and character, something with weight and presence. I like a whisky that's thick and oily, with a rich viscosity that coats the palate.
That kind of mouthfeel that brings depth and complexity. We draw from the broader influences of a 'west coast style' - robust, bold whiskies with a touch of maritime influence at times.
What was the first whisky you ever tried?
The first whisky I ever tried was Lagavulin 16—a true Islay classic. It's one of those iconic drams that perfectly captures what Islay whisky is all about, and for a first whisky, it definitely set the bar high.
That first taste sparked a real fascination with peated whisky. Funny to think that now, years later, I'm the one crafting peated whisky myself.
Tell us about your new make, and what makes it so special?
What makes Lagg's new make spirit so special is its bold, full-bodied character right from the still. Even before it sees a cask, it carries a rich, oily texture and a real weight on the palate, something you can feel immediately.
There's a natural earthiness and a subtle sweetness that balance beautifully with the peat smoke, which is never overpowering but always present, adding depth rather than dominating. A spirit with real personality.
Are you working on any exciting new releases this year?
We have got a couple of more small batch releases coming out this year. We have another beautiful Distillery Exclusive finished in Tequila casks – we did say we like to do things a wee bit differently!
We also have a new Palo Cortado Sherry Finish Lagg Single Malt which will be enjoyed by some of our top global markets. A lot of exciting new editions coming up and to look forward to.
Who is your whisky hero?
I have to say James MacTaggart. Growing up around James, I was always aware of whisky and distilleries, he was a constant presence and a real inspiration. I looked up to him not just for his deep knowledge and experience, but for the quiet confidence and care he brought to the craft.
He made whisky feel approachable but also something to be deeply respected. His influence definitely played a big part in shaping my own path into the industry.
What's your unpopular whisky opinion?
Adding a few drops of water can open up a whole new world of flavour profiles that you might otherwise miss.
There's a misconception that adding water somehow weakens the whisky, but in reality, it allows the spirit to reveal more. Whisky is all about the experience, not rigid rules.
If {your whisky} was a movie star, who would they be?
If Lagg Whisky was a movie star, in my opinion it would be Florence Pugh.
She started in the indie scene, carving out a niche with raw, authentic performances, and then quickly transitioned to big roles while staying true to her unique style.
Describe {your whisky} in three words
Oily, approachable, different.
Now describe yourself in three words
Curious, friendly, passionate.