For most of the press conference, Javier Aguirre spoke about soccer: the match against Ecuador, his players’ effort, the details that led Mexico to the Round of 16, and the upcoming World Cup challenge.
Then, a question shifted the conversation’s direction.
“What is missing from your life?”
“El Vasco” didn’t speak of a party, a special dinner, or a celebration with the whole squad. His answer was much simpler and—true to his style—accompanied by a smile. Aguirre is enjoying a sweet moment in his life; he recently became a grandfather again and led Mexico to the long-awaited “fifth game.”
“A whisky. Right now, a whisky. Just a small one, with ice—a Lagavulin. That’s the only thing I’m missing today. And I don’t have any in my room; I ran out. Oh well. Don’t tell anyone, man,” replied Aguirre.
The remark drew laughter from those present. Amidst a World Cup where every word is usually carefully measured, Aguirre revealed a much more ordinary scene: a coach seeking a quiet moment with a specific drink after the tension of a match.
The name he dropped almost casually carries a history spanning more than two centuries.
Lagavulin is one of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries. It is located on the island of Islay, a region famous for producing whiskies with a character defined by peat smoke and intense aromas.
The brand’s most famous bottle is the Lagavulin 16 Year Old, a single malt that spends 16 years in casks before hitting the market. It is known among enthusiasts for its smoky flavor, woody notes, and bold profile—distinctly different from smoother whiskies.
It isn’t a bottle typically opened for just any occasion. For many whisky lovers, it represents the choice of someone who knows exactly what they are looking for in a glass. The price depends on the country and the retailer, but a bottle of Lagavulin 16 typically costs between 2,400 and 3,300 Mexican pesos in Mexico.
In the United States—where Mexico will keep its World Cup dream alive if it defeats England—the price is usually around $95 to $120 per bottle.
