Laphroaig

SCOTCH SINGLE MALT WHISKIES > L

LAPHROAIG

7 years old

59,3%

SINGLE CASK SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY
Date distilled Oct 91
Date bottled May 99
Society Cask No. code 29.10
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Darkness and light"

“Love it or hate it” there can be no compromise with this malt (according to its current advertising). Certainly, it is the most tarry of all malt whiskies and of course, comes from Kildalton Parish in Islay.

This cask not only pre¬sents a quintessential profile of the make, but has achieved this in a mere eight years. Although very alcoholic, the nose is fresf and clean - fruity (unripe pears) rather than oily or sulphurous - although the 'warm road tar' aroma one associates with this whisky comes out when water is added, along with peat-smoke and carbolic. The flavour is monochromatic: sweet and salty, drying out into coke-smoke, with tar and carbolic in the finish.

LAPHROAIG

LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY

15 years old

46 %
1988
THE UN - CHILLFILTERED COLLECTION
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled on: 16 thMarch 1988
Bottled on: 5 th May 2003
Matured in a Refill Sherry Butt
Cask No. 3604
715 Genummerde flessen
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

LAPHROAIG

10 years old

40 %

LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY
The most richly flavoured
of all Scotch whiskies
D. Johnston & Co, (Laphroaig),
Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

LAPHROAIG

15 years old

43 %
The most richly flavoured
of all Scotch whiskies
D. Johnston & Co, (Laphroaig),
Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

LAPHROAIG

27 years old

50,1 %
VINTAGE 1967
Distilled 27.11.67
Bottled 11.94
Cask no. 2957
208 bottles
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

LAPHROAIG

21 years old 50,8%

Date distilled Apr 73
LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY
Date bottled Feb 95
Society Cask No. code 29.6
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh

Goudgeel van kleur. In de neus droogheid, sherry. Medicinaal. Medium body. In de smaak jodium, turf, rook, zeewier. Zachte, lange afdronk. Droog.

LAPHROAIG

14 years old 43 %
LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Distilled 20.5.81
Bottled 8.95
Cask no. 4601
392 bottles
Van Wees, Holland

LAPHROAIG

10 years old

57.3 %
The most richly flavoured
of all Scotch whiskies
Original Cask Strenght
Straight from the wood
D. Johnston & Co, (Laphroaig),
Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

LAPHROAIG

30 years old

43 %
Extremely Rare
Single Islay Malt Scotch whisky
The most richly flavoured
of all Scotch whiskies
D. Johnston & Co, (Laphroaig).
Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

DIRECTOR'S LAUDABLE SELECTION

15 years old

50 %
THE OLD MALT CASK 50o
Single Cask Bottling
Distilled February 1985
Bottled October 2000
318 bottles
No Chill Filtration
No Colouring
Douglas Laing & Co, Ltd, Glasgow

LAPHROAIG

15 years old

43 %
Last Bottle and empty
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Distilled 16/3/88
Refill sherry butt
Butt no. 3598
Distilled 25/3/03
Genummerde flessen
The Ultimate Whisky Company, N.L.

LAPHROAIG

40 years old

42,4 %

Natural Cask Strenght
Distilled: 1960
Bottled: 2001
Aged naturally in wood
Maturation in Warehouse No. 1
Produced and distilled under the care of
Bessie Williamson
Genummerde flessen
D. Johnston & Co, (Laphroaig).
Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

Ingredienst produced at the Laphroaig Distillery.

In 1960, locally grown barley was malted by hand in the distillery's own maltings. Using the soft peaty water from the Kilbride Dam and peat from the Glenmachrie Moss in March that year, this unique whisky was produced and put away in the warehouse beside the sea for its long sleep.

Maturation in Warehouse No. 1.

Laphroaig 40 years Old Whisky has been matured in Warehouse No. 1, the oldest maturation building on the distillery site. The ancient building has an ash floor with a cool, damp temperate atmosphere, a perfect environment for an oustanding single malt.

This rare and unique whisky was produced and distilled under the care and attention of the legendary Bessie Williamson. Some people say she was the first genuine lady whisky distiller. Dedicated distillery managers have continued to watch over the distillery, which for the last twelve years has been the responsibility of Iain Henderson. During forty years in the warehouse, a percentage of the contents of the casks has been lost in evaporation. This has been replaced by the salt laden air of Laphroaig Bay. To produce such a rich, mellow whisky, in such a harsh climate, is something that can only be wondered at.

This whisky has reached its final strenght of 42,4 % by the artistry of nature coupled with the knowledge of man and has been undisturbed for four decades.

Isle of Islay, May 29th, 2001, Iain Henderson, Distillery Manager.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: The colour is a warm, bright gold, as it comes from the cask

Nose: After forty years in the cask, it is gentle on the nose with a full-bodied sweetness. Seville Orange type aromas can be detected deeper into the nosing glass with the occasional honey type bouquet.

Taste: With age comes mayrity. This unique taste is reminicent of a sweet liquorice root, with peat and seaweed in the background suggesting its ori¬gin from the beautiful hollow by the broad bay, Is is surprisingly smooth and gentle on the palate.

Finish: The after taste is warming, velvety smooth and just seems to go on and on.

LAPHROAIG

11 years old

46 %
The Un-Chillfiltered Collection
Signatory Vintage
Vintage 1992
PORT FINSH
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled on: 25.02.1992
Bottled: 20.11.2003
Cask No: 03/258/2
747 numbered Bottles
No Chillfiltration
Natural Colour
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co, Ltd, Edinburgh

LAPHROAIG

11 years old

60%
STRAIGHT FROM THE CASK
PORT FINISH
Finished in a Port Cask
Distilled on: 19th Nov 1992
Bottled on 20th Nov 2004
Cask no. 03/158/3
854 Bottles
Bottled by Hand, in Scotland
500 ml Bottles
Signatory Vintage
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Signatory Vintage
Scotch Whisky Co. Ltd, Edinburgh

LAPHROAIG

17 years old

50 %
THE OLD MALT CASK 50o
A Single Cask Bottling
Distilled February 1985
Bottled May 2002
330 Bottles
No Chill Filtration
No Colouring
Douglas Laing & Co, Ltd, Glasgow

LAPHROAIG

48 %

ISLAY 1815 MALT
SINGLE ISLAY MALT
QUARTER CASK
DOUBLE CASK MATURED
The Most richly flavoured
of all Scotch Whiskies
Non - Chill Filtered
D. Johnston & Co. (Laphroaig)
Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

This expression of our famous whisky has enjoyed a second maturation in small quarter casks. These most traditional barrels recreate the practices of a bygone era, to create the perfect marriage of peat and oak. Laphroaig quarter cask is barrier filtered only and bottled at a higher strenght.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask, from the remote island of Islay in the Western Isles of Scotland, is a very special expression of our Single Malt Whisky.

Double Cask matured, first in oak barrels, then for a final period in specially commissioned Quarter Casks, as used 2 centuries ago, the result is a soft velvety sweetness, followed by the intense peatiness so unique to Laphroaig. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is barrier filtered only to preserve the maximum flavour.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask takes its inspiration from the small casks often used for Scotch Whisky in the 19th century and frequently transported across the Glens by packhorse.

As the industry grew, they fell into disuse - bigger and more cost effective barrels be¬came the norm, for maturation and transportation.

However as single malt lovers may know, the relationship between the barrel and the matu¬ring spirit is critical. We noted that the small cask size gives up to 60 % greater contact with the wood compared to some of the larger sizes used today, thus greatly intensi¬fying the maturation process.

It was decided to re-create some of these Quarter Casks and the flavours they produce. We transferred some still maturing Laphroaig from our larger style barrels into the Quarter Casks. There then followed a further period of maturation in our original Dunnage Warehouse No. 1.

For greater authenticity we simple barrier filtered the whisky - the method used in those far off days - and bottled at a higher alcoholic strenght.

The result surprised and delighted us. The additional oak influence creates a soft sweetness and velvety feel when first tasted, then the intense peatiness so umique to Laphroaig, comes bursting through. The finish is very long and alternates between the sweetness and the peat.

We believe that the original founding Johnston brothers would recognise this unique expres¬sion and thank us for recreating it. We hope you enjoy drinking Quarter Cask as much as we did making it.

LAPHROAIG

13 years old

58,5%

SINGLE CASK SCOTCH MALT WHISKY

LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY
Date distilled October 1991
Date bottled Nov 05
Society Cask No. code 29.47
Outturn 216 bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Sooty and sweet"

For a few years in the nineteenth century this distillery neighboured the rival distillery of Ardenstiel, which it eventually swallowed up.

This honey-coloured dram is from a refill barrel.

The neat nose has some fruit (baked apple sponge and cider vinegar) and some soot. Slightly oily, it gives the impression of old fish boxes turned to driftwood.

Water brings swimming pools and aniseed balls. The taste is classic - sweetness (icing sugar) smiling out from under a sooty veil and smoke drifting out to sea.

There is also a savoury spice reminiscent of haggis. The mouth impact, even diluted, seems everlasting.

LAPHROAIG

18 years old

57,1%

SINGLE CASK SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Date distilled March 1988
Date bottled May 06
Society Cask No. code 29.51
Outturn 218 bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Barbequed appels"

This Kildalton distillery has recently changed hands (from Allied to Jim Beam Brands) and a new Distillery Manager has been appointed from amongst the ranks of the existing workforce. The make used to have the reputation as the most pungent of all malts; this example is less aggressive, but with classic character.

The cask is a refill barrel and the colour deep gold. The first impression is of fragrant apples, gentle and delicate, but with scented wood-smoke behind: apples on a barbeque.

The flavour at full strenght is remarkable sweet, with vinegar and a finish like a malt kiln (or licking a coal fire grate, for those unfamilar with a kiln).

Water brings up a waxy note, and traces of dentists' moutwash and carbolic soap, otherwise the fruitiness remains. The flavour dilute, is similar to that at full strenght, but easier to drink. A polite example, more subtle than some!

LAPHROAIG

19 years old

52,2%

SINGLE CASK SCOTCH MALT WHISKY
Date distilled March 1987
Date bottled May 06
Society Cask No. code 29.54
Outturn 261 bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Tulips in a coal cellar"

Now under new ownership, this is the ‘no measures’ dram from the most eastern of the famous south shore three.

This pale gold sample comes from a refill barrel.

The neat nose has the usual soot and bonfire characteristics, though slightly attenuated by age - along with Candied Angelica, toasted marshmallows and a tangy trace of charred fish skins and balsamic.

Water tames the nose somewhat-coconut oil, menthol and tulips in a coal cellar.

The neat taste is like burnt sticks and pecan pie, while with water it is still sweet, sooty and mouth-filling but with a nutty finish.

LAPHROAIG

8 years old

50 %

THE OLD MALT CASK 50o
Single Malt - Single Cask -
Scotch Whisky
Single Cask Bottling
Distilled May 1998
A Bottling from one refill Hogshead
D L ref: 3044
Bottled October 2006
for
WHISKY FESTIVAL 2006 - LEIDEN
350 Bottles
No Chill Filtration
No Colouring
Douglas Laing & Co, Ltd, Glasgow

Nose: Round, full, fruity, tarry and sweet

Palate: Big, mouth-coatingly, sweet - still tarry and maritime

Finish: Medicinal, creosote - sweet and warm

LAPHROAIG

1999

7 years old

46 %
Single Islay Malt
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
Distilled: 25/03/99
Matured in a refill butt
Cask no. 06/993/1
Bottled: 10/01/07
Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Non Chillfiltering
The Ultimate Whisky Company, NL

LAPHROAIG

Aged 25 Years

40 %
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Most Richly Flavoured of all
Scotch Whiskies
Part Matured in the Finest Oloroso
Sherry Casks
Distilled and Bottled in Scotland by
D. Johnston & Co, Laphroaig Distillery,
Isle of Islay

LAPHROAIG

6 years old

59,8 %
2001
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY SELECTION
CASK STRENGHT
Single Islay Malt
Distilled: 28/02/01
Matured in a refill butt
Cask no. 623
Bottled; 22/02/08
Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Non Chillfiltered
The Ultimate Whisky Company, NL

LAPHROAIG

Aged in oak

18 years

53,7 %

SINGLE CASK SCOTCH MALT
WHISKY
Date distilled March 1997
Date Bottled Apr 08
Society Cask no. 29.66
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults,
Leith, Edinburgh
"An enjoyable experience"

The most southern distillery in Kildalton Parish still has its own floor maltings, although it augments its supply from Port Ellen maltings. Its Gaelic name apparently means “the beau-

tiful hollow by the broad bay, and was established by the Johnston brothers in 1820.

Famous for the pungency of its product, this cask has an unusual combination of maritime

(smoked mackerel and damp seaweed) and sweet (toffee). The flavour is big, initially smoky

then dark chocolate and bitter marmalade. Be careful when adding water as the Panel thought

that it spoilt the dram slightly. There is Bake well tart and plums in the nose and Parma violets

on the palate. An enjoyable experience

LAPHROAIG

55 %

CAIRDEAS
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies
D. Johnston & Co, Laphroaig Distillery,
Isle of Islay

Cairdeas meaning “friendship”in Gaelic, Laphroaig Cairdeas has been created

from specially selected casks to celebrate our Friends worldwide and the traditional

art of cask selection

LAPHROAIG

Aged in oak 16 years

56.0 %

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Society Cask No. 29.65
THE ANNIVERSARY 25 YEARS
1983 - 2008
Date distilled Oct 92
Cask type Refill Butt
Date bottled Feb 08
Outturn 584 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
'Big, sweet and smoky'

Of the three Kildalton distilleries, this is the one closest to Port Ellen, and produces the most

uncompromisingly smoky malt (partly from its own floor maltings).

Initially quite fragrant

with heather and parma violets, the nose becomes a fascinating mix of sweetness and smoke.

With water the nose is comforting, the sweetness remains and there is a bit of thyme present

too. In the palate the full strength effect is massive, smoked sausage, honey and herbs are

indentified. Adding water brings a mint cooling effect and a long ashy aftertaste

LAPHROAIG

48 %

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
TRIPLE WOOD
Non - Chill Filtered
The Most Richly Flavoured of all Scotch Whiskies
MATURED IN EX - BOURBON BARRELS
AND QUARTER CASKS,
THEN FINISHED IN EUROPEAN OAK
Non Chill Filtered
Distilled on the Remote Island of Islay
off the West Coast of Scotland
by D. Johnston & Co, Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

This style of maturation brings together 3 different types of barrel and traditions: ex – bourbon, now used predominantly for Scotch whisky maturation, large European Oak Casks

(known as ‘Butts’) and traditional Quarter Casks , which are themselves one – quarter the size

of the European Oak

The first maturation is in ex – bourbon barrels we then transfer to Quarter Casks, which impart additional depth and fullness, whilst retaining our traditional peat smoke. The final

Maturation is in European Oak Butts. These large vessels, which used to contain Oloroso

sherry, have been specially selected to have a subtle influence. The combination of slow

maturation due to their large size. The European Oak wood and the very gentle sherry finishing, adds to the influence of the 2 other barrels to create a more complex, rounded

flavour.

The result is the perfect marriage of peat smoke, oak and subtle sweetness.

LAPHROAIG

18 years old

48 %

ISLAY SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY
THE MOST RICHLY
FLAVOURED OF ALL
SCOTCH WHISKIES
Non Chill Filtered
Limited Edition
D. Johnston & Co,
Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

This 18 Year Old expression of Laphroaig is made in limited quantities each year

And savoured by a fortunate few. A soft, sweet and spicy Islay peat smoke greets

You when you first open the bottle. The immediate taste is an oak sweetness, from

18 years in the barrel. A faint hint of the sea can be detected, testimony to its time

maturing on the remote island of Islay

Colour: Bright Gold

Nose: At bottling strength, a soft toffee sweet but faintly spicy flavour counterba-

lances the trace of delicate phenols and fruit. An all encompassing smoothness

brings these together. A touch of water allows the seaweed and salt to come

through but not enough to overpower the vanilla and honey sweetness with just

a trace of new mown hay and peat at the finish

Body: An intense depth that is exceptionally balanced and warming

Taste: An instant warming tang of smoke fades into smooth floral scents, which

blends seamlessly into an oaky nuttiness ans leaves a lasting sweetness on the

taste. With a touch of water, the peaty warmth fills the mouth but does not over-

shadow the sweet choclate smoothness. This is balanced by the rich toffee taste

and slowly fades into a dedicate hint of heather and peat smoke

Finish: Full bodied, long with a luxurious oily smoothness

LAPHROAIG

LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY

10 years old

58.3 %

CASK STRENGHT
BATCH 0 0 2 JAN. 10
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The most richly flavoured of all Scotch Whiskies
D.Johnston & Co, Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

LAPHROAIG

LAST BOTTLE AND EMPTY

10 years old

57.8 %
CASK STRENGHT
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
BATCH: 0 0 1 Feb.09 Bottled
The most richly flavoured of all
Scotch whiskies
Distilled on the remote island of Islay
Off the West coast of Scotland
Not Chill Filtered
Distilled and Bottled in Scotland by
D. Johnston & Co, Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

LAPHROAIG

Aged 25 years

50.9 %
CASK STRENGHT
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Matured in Oloroso Sherry- and
American Oak casks
2 0 0 8 Edition
The most richly flavoured of all
Scotch whiskies
Distilled and Bottled in Scotland by
D. Johnston & Co, Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

LAPHROAIG

2 0 0 0
10 years old

46 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE
MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
Distilled: 12/04/00
Matured in a Refill Butt
Cask no: 700053
Bottled 02/03/11
774 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Non Chillfilterin
Selected by The Ultimate Whisky Company, NL

LAPHROAIG

61,2 %
OUR FIFTH BIRTHDAY
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled at the Laphroaig distillery
on the Isle of Islay
Distilled in 1998
and bottled in 2008
bottles availablefor the whole of mankind
2 6 0
Absolutely Absent from Any trade shelf
For its fifth birthday
A Special Bottling selected in 2008 by
…..le Forum
and dedicated to every single one of it's
honourable members and friends
Ewald Lap / 2 April 2012
Distilled and matured in Scotland,
Bottled in France
Ecosse: Whisky et Distilleries
Jean Boyer sa 40230 Saint Geours de Maremme

LAPHROAIG

Aged 10 years

57.2 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date Distilled: 14th February 2001
Cask Type: Refill Hogshead / ex Bourbon
Outturn / One of 266 Bottles
Society Single Cask No. 29.110
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Wild West cowgirl dressed in leather"

We, the Tasting Panel verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been

passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re –

lease as a Society bottling.

Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members

are selected, true to our motto: “To leave no nose upturned”.

Typical aromas – sea breezes, shell sand, burnt stick, barbeques and smoke – also vanilla,

lime, liquorice, tobacco and fresh laundry; more minerally with water.

The big, busty palate (cigar – smoking cowgirl in leather and suede) has tar, ash, dark chocolate and sage.

We indentified various typical aromas – sea breezes, shell sand, burnt sticks, embers,

smoke, and crispy duck on the barbeque – but also vanilla, liquorice, lime, tobacco

and fresh laundry flapping on the clothes – line. Mineral notes increased with water –

quarries flint, crushed rock, lobster shells and distant tarmac lorries – also nettles,

sorrel and thyme.

The palate, at natural strength, was big and busty – a tobacco – chewing, cigar – smo –

king.

Wild west cowgirl dressed in leather.

In reduction, sweet malt flavours came through, along with tar, ash, liquorice, dark cho-

colate, rhubarb and german Salbei throat sweets (sage).

From the “love it or hate “distillery

LAPHROAIG
1 9 9 8
14 years

46 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE

MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
Islay Single Malt
Distilled:12/05/98
Matured in a Hogshead
Cask no: 5557
Bottled:22/02/13
372 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Non Chillfiltered
Bottled in Scotland
Selected by the Ultimate Whisky

Company, NL.

LAPHROAIG
1 9 9 8
13 years

60.1 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE

MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
CASK STRENGHT
Islay Single malt
Distilled: 22/09/98
Matured in a Refill Butt
Cask no: 700394
Bottled: 28/08/12
Natural Colour
Non Chillfiltered
Bottled in Scotland
Selected by The Ultimate Whisky

Company, NL.

LAPHROAIG

56.9 %

Aged 20 years
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
WHISKY FROM A SINGLE CASK
Society Single Cask No. 29.124
Date Distilled: 14th October 1991
Cask Type: Refill Butt / ex Sherry
Outturn one of only 549 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Pregnancy Tea Mix"

We, the tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle

has been passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and

approved for release as a Society bottling. Only single cask whiskies that

promise to intrigue, entyertain and delight our members are selected true

to our motto: “To leave no nose upturned”.

Pregnancy tea – a mix of dry raspberry, nettle and spearmint leaves. Taste,

mineralic and sweet like Orgeat Almond Syrup. With water, lemon zest turning

herbal and then sweet like a Bakewell tart. To taste, clean, sweet, fresh and

salty.

To start honey glazed smoke ham with gloves, sugar butties, salted peanuts

but also “Pregnancy Tea” – a mix of dry raspberry, nettle and spearmint leaves.

The taste is mineralic, pebbles on a beach or indeed licking a cockle shell;

And Golden Grahams breakfast cereals appear. Adding water, first impressions

are an astringency like lemon zest, herbal tarragon tea and then sweet like a

Bakewell tart and dark red fruit pastilles. To taste, its again the balance of the

mineralic, chalky flavours and the sweetness of a Cherry Jolly Ranger.

This very unusual make, from this famous distillery “by the beautiful hollow

by the broad bay”is clean, sweet, fresh and salty.

LAPHROAIG
VINTAGE 1 9 9 8
15 years old

46 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY
Islay Single Malt
Distilled: 22/09/98
Matured in a Refill Sherry Butt
Cask no: 700354
Bottled: 05/11/13
780 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Non Chillfiltration
Selected by The Ultimate Whisky

Compant. NL

LAPHROAIG
Aged 21 years

56.6 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date distilled: 14th October 1991
Cask type: Refill Butt ex sherry
Society Single Cask no: CODE 29.132
Outturn: One of only 543 bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Hospitals and Japanese restaurants"

We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been

passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-

lease as a Society bottling.

Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members

are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.

The nose gave us myriad impressions – creosoted sheds, leather gardening gloves,

hay – bales, tarry driftwood, menthol cigarettes, burnt marshmallows, honey – glazed

ham and sea – drowned bonfires – all quite earthy and deep.

The neat palatehad dry peat smoke bearing clove – studded curling round a table

bearing clove – studded ham, pickles, relish, fried green tomatoes, roast parsnip and

cooked seaweed.

The reduced nose united horpitals (medicines, bandages) with Japanese restaurant (miso soup soy sauce mushrooms, teriyaki fish).

On the palate, delicious, juicy sweetness now overcame the smoke; clean replaced dirty

and the sacred prevalled over the profane – Hallelujah.

From the distillery named after the hollow by the broad bay.

LAPHROAIG

Aged 18 years

60.2 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM AA SINGLE CASK
Date Distilled: 4th April 1995
Cask Type: Refill Barrel / ex Bourbon
Society Single Cask No: Code 29.140
Outturn: Only One of 189 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"Juicy, salty and sooty"

We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been

passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-

lease as a Society bottling.

Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members

are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.

Carbolic and Caol Tar, then Brazil, monkey and pine nuts in a garden shed with a law –

mower. The taste very sweet, salty and sooty, with a savoury edge.More medicinal

with water nut still full on.

Many would say this is the most pungent of the Islay malt, and certainly this cask supports

the claim.

Carbolib and coal tar soap, road tar and soot are the first notes, backed more subtle by

Brazil nuts, raw monkey nuts and pine nuts, then tools in a garden shed, “including law-

mower and grubby dungarees”

The taste is very sweet, salty and very smoky: “smoked hot – dog, with barbequesauce”

evolving into oysters with clamato sauce.

More medicinal with water (foot baths, wet suits and rubber dinghies); not quite so

sweet to taste and less salty, but still bags of sooty smoke.

LAPHROAIG
VINTAGE 1 9 9 8
15 years old

46 %
THE ULTIMATE SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY
Distilled: 22/09/98
Matured in a Refill Sherry Butt
Cask no: 700355
Bottled: 14/03/14
728 Numbered Bottles
Natural Colour
Nonchillfiltered
Selected by The Ultimate Whisky Company.NL

LAPHROAIG
Established 1815
S E L E C T

40 %
Hand Selected oak casks for
Perfect balance
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The most richly flavoured of all
Scotch Whiskies
Natural colour

Distilled and Bottled in Scotland by
D. Johnston & Co, Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

This special Laphroaig is created from carefully selected casks
Of each of our key styles, stretching back in time - with one
Notable addition. The heart of the spirit is drawn from a final
Maturation in new American Oak casks, rarely used for Scotch
Whisky maturation.

LAPHROAIG

Aged 23 years

49.9 %

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

FROM A SINGLE CASK

Date Distilled: 12th October 1990

Cask Type: Refill Hogshead / ex Bourbon

Outturn: One of only 278 Bottles

Society Single Cask No: CODE 29.153

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,

The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh

Champagne and oysters – in hospital

We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been

passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-

lease as a Society bottling.

Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members

are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.

Typical medicinal stuff on the nose – but also sweetie stalls at a seaside fairground

- maybe some ‘Steamie’ ladies drinking champagne! Delicious, easy drinking

palate, with burnt sticks, cough syrup, toasted marshmallows, cinnamon, crème

brule and embers – Liquorice Allsorts in a hospital later.

We all picked up medicinal elements on the nose (elastoplasts, First Aid box. Deep

Heat); some were transported in a Steamie (soapy bubbles, clean wet wood) while

others ended up by a seaside fairground sweetie stall (smoke, boiled sweets, toffee,

vanilla, cinnamon, candied fruits, marzipan). The neat palate was tasty and easy –

drinking – Buttercup cough syrup, burnt sticks, subtle aniseed, toasted marshmallows,

lucky tattles, crème brulee and embers.

Water brought fresh fizziness to the nose (flying saucers, Cremola Foam, oysters and

champagne) while the palate developed pencil shavings and liquorice Allsorts in a

hospital. From the distillery with a Royal Warrant.

LAPHROAIG
Aged 14 years

61,7 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date Distilled: 14th April 2000
Cask Type: Refill Butt / ex Sherry
Outturn: One of Only 584 Bottles
Society Single Cask: CODE: 2 9 . 1 5 8
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"The Smoking Gun"

We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been

passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-

lease as a Society bottling.

Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members

are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.

Rich, soft peat smoke followed by chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Prosciutto dry cured ham. The taste, hickory smoked almonds and a “Smoked Old Fashioned”. With water: salted codfishon the nose and flavours of peat smoked salmon and haddock.

Initially a rich, soft, sweet peat smoke followed by aromas of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, crème caramel and caramelized brown sugar. Also noted was Prosciutto dry cured ham

and that of a well – used leather sadle.

The taste was that of hickory smoked almonds and cashew nuts and a tussle between honey

sweetness and peat smoke like preparing a ‘Smoked Old Fashioned’ using a smoking gun.

With water we all moved to the fish market by the sea: tarry rupes

LAPHROAIG
Aged 14 years

60.4 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Date distilled: 14th Apr 2000
Cask type: Refill Butt / ex Sherry
Society Single Cask: Code 29.161
Outturn: One of Only 494 Bottles
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh
"A bodega is burning"

We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been

passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-

lease as a Society bottling.

Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members

are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.

The nose is pure sherry and smoke – burning bodegas, seafood barbeques, wetsuits.

puffers and zombie shop incense. The palate is big and powerful, offering Ardbroath

smokies, syrup of figs, charred wood, sherry – soaked raisins, burnt fruit cake, dark

chocolate, lavender and disinfectant.

Sherry and smoke on the nose – big time ! A bodega is burning by the sea – off – shore

a puffer is puffing, while closer in a wet – suited surfer is chewing jerky and riding a

wave towards a seafood barbeque on the beach. The palate – woof ! – sherry – soaked

raisins, Arbroath smokies, syrup of figs, burnt fruit cake, charred wood ( maybe a match-

stick ) and disinfectant on a hot scalextric track. With water, the nose suggest oily rags

snuffed out scented candies, lighting a fondue with meths and zombie shop incense.

The palate – still huge – lavender, chilli, dark chocolate and burgers dropped in ash and

soot

LAPHROAIG
Aged 16 years

53 %
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
FROM A SINGLE CASK
Distilled: 1st July 1999
Cask Type: Refill Barrel / ex Bourbon
Outturn: One of Only 278 Bottles
Society Single Cask: CODE: 29.170
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh

"Early morning ward rounds"

We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been

passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-

lease as a Society bottling.

Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members

are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.

Early morning ward rounds

Matron in freshly starched linen. Tingling morning dew, lemon bleach, menthol rub.

A pithy espresso, herbal tobacco and pickled onions. Tempered smoke over grilled

sourdough toppedwith home grown tomatoes. Bay infused rollmop herring, smoked

kippers, salt and vinegar crisps.

Matron was dressed in freshly starched linen with ozone and early morning dew. The ward

tingled with lemon bleach, menthol rub and clean alcohol. Mid morning allowed a break

for a pithy espresso and a smoke with lighter fuel, Cuban cigars and herbal tobacco.

And curiously, iced wine and pickled onions. A dash of water brought out waxy grapefruit

and tempered smoke soothing the patient.

Sweeter maltiness of char grilled sourdough topped with olive tapenade and home grown

tomatoes emerged. Bay infused rollmop herring and freshly smoked kippers.

To finish sweet onion, salt and vinegar crisps. Matron’s work is done.

LAPHROAIG

Aged 18 years

51.9 %

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

FROM A SINGLE CASK

Date Distilled: 3rd Oct 1997

Cask Type: Refill Hogshead / ex Bourbon

Society Single Cask No: Code: 2 9 . 1 8 5

Outturn: One of Only 270 Bottles

Scotch Malt Whisky Society,

The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh.

Sweet dreams

We, the Tasting Panel, verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been

passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re-

lease as a Society bottling.

Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members

are selected, true to our motto: “TO LEAVE NO NOSE UPTURNED “.

We enjoyed a picnic by the sea with a chacuterie board, seaweed rice crackers and a

bottle of cool Riesling wine. We watched the slim threads of peat smoke as they rose

from the pagoda roof and then faded into white fluffy clouds.

A sunny calm day in the beautiful hollow by the broad bay, the sea smooth like a mirror,

reflecting the distinctive pagoda roofed building where the slim threads of peat smoke

unwind out of the pagoda roof.

We started a picnic with a charcuterie board, seaweed rice crackers and lime & sea salt

popcorn. Diluted, we opened a bottle of Rieling whose fruity pear and apple aromas

combined with that mineral whiff of petrol created the perfect match.

After a bottle or two we lay in the grass looking up at the skye and our thoughts drifted

away.

Islay
The Kildalton Distilleries
LAPHROAIG

SWEET, SALTY, MUCH SMOKE
Port Ellen, Islay, Argyll. Licentiehouder: D. Johnston & Co, (Laphroaig) Ltd. Eigendom van Caledonian Malt Whisky Distillers Ltd. Onderdeel van Allied Distillers Ltd. Eigendom van Allied Domecq.
Gesticht rond 1826 door Donald Johnston, zoon van John Johnston, de eigenaar van Lagavulin.

De distilleerderij werd gebouwd op grond van de Torredale boerderij, die het eigendom was van een neef, ook een Johnston.

Er naast was de Ardenistiel boerderij gelegen, het eigendom van Walter Frederick Campbell, en hier werd in 1835 de Ardenistiel, Islay en ook wel Kildalton distilleerderij gebouwd door James en Andrew Gairdner, die zij verhuurden aan James en Andrew Stein van de toen bekende Clackmannan distilleer dynastie.

In 1847 stierf Donald Johnston, twee dagen na te zijn gevallen in een vat met het overblijfsel van de eerste distillatie, de zogenaamde 'burnt ale'.
Donald's oudste zoon Dugald was nog minderjarig en zijn vertrouwelingen Peter Maclntyre, pachter van Ballynaughtonmore boerderij en John Johnston pachter te Tallant, verzochten Walter Graham van Lagavulin, de dagelijkse leiding van Laphroaig op zich te nemen.

LAPHROAIG WHISKY HONOURS BESSIE WILLIAMSON

October 2019

Laphroaig has introduced a new global travel retail-exclusive whisky honouring Bessie Williamson, its former owner and distillery manager.

Laphroaig Bessie Williamson Story

Whisky tribute: Laphroaig Bessie Williamson Story will be released into global travel retail

Laphroaig 25 Year Old The Bessie Williamson Story honours the life of the only woman to own and run a Scottish distillery in the 20th century.

It has been launched in global travel retail as an accompaniment to the recently-launched Ian Hunter Story, a series of 15 ‘chapters’ honouring another of Laphroaig’s former owners.

Williamson worked directly with Hunter as his secretary, taking over the day-to-day operation of the business after he had a stroke in 1938 and eventually assuming the distillery manager position.

She was also responsible for positioning Laphroaig as a single malt Scotch in the US.

John Campbell, Laphroaig distillery manager, said: ‘Laphroaig is a globally recognised whisky thanks to Bessie.

‘It is well documented that Bessie was universally loved and respected by her colleagues at Laphroaig and the people of Islay.

‘It is this aspect that we celebrate with this whisky, remembering her as a true icon of Laphroaig.’

The Bessie Williamson Story single malt has been matured in refill American oak hogsheads and refill barrels and bottled at 43% abv.

It is said to have notes of ‘salty tar oil paste, sweet herbs and spices, acacia honey, tomato leaves and black pepper’, with ‘unmistakeable’ Laphroaig coastal notes.

It is now available in global travel retail for around £410 per bottle.

Zij zorgden er ook voor dat de pachtovereenkomst met de nieuwe landeigenaar, James Morrison, werd vernieuwd in Februari 1854.

Toen Dugald de leiding van Laphroaig overnam, op twintigjarige leeftijd, ontstond er gelijk een probleem over de waterrechten, Dugald verweet Walter Graham de waterrechten op de Surnaig Burn niet te hebben geregeld.
De ruzie werd beslecht, maar Dugald verkocht geen Laphroaig meer aan de Islay Cellar te Glasgow, het eigendom van Walter Graham.

Dugald stierf in 1877.
Dugald's vertrouwelingen waren Alexander Johnston te Tallant, John Crawford Graham en Colin Hay van Ardbeg.
Alexander Johnston van Tallant bleef distillateur te Laphroaig.
Alexander Johnston verkreeg in 1904 een nieuwe huurovereenkomst voor vijftien jaar, na zijn zusters Margaret en Ann te hebben uitgekocht.
De huurovereenkomst hadden betrekking op de distilleerderij, waterrechten, turfgrond, Texa eiland, Torrodale Park en de gebouwen van de Ardenistiel distilleerderij.
Na de dood van Alexander's vrouw Isabella kwam zijn zuster Catharine bij hem en na zijn dood in 1907 nam zij de leiding van de distilleerderij over.
Aangezien Alexander Johnston drie wilsbeschikkingen had gemaakt, rees er een probleem, de uitkomst was dat Catharine, haar zuster Isabella en haar man William Stevenson Hunter werden de eigenaars van Laphroaig.

Hun zoon Ian William Hunter werd na de dood van zijn vader in 1919, Catharine in 1926 en zijn moeder in 1927 de figuur die de uitbreidingen en moderniseringen zou uitvoeren.
In 1924 was hij de eigenaar van het eiland Texa en het landgoed Ardenistiel en zou dit tot zijn dood in 1954 blijven

Laphroaig bleef tijdens de Amerikaanse drooglegging legaal exporteren als een medicinaal drankje, dankzij zijn uitgesproken smaak, de invoer in Noorwegen bleef ook voor Laphroaig verboden, ook daar heerste een drooglegging.

In 1923 werd Laphroaig uitgebreid met twee ketels en Ian William Hunter investeerde alles wat hij had in de distilleerderij, in het geloof dat het alleen maar beter kon worden en in 1933 kwam een einde aan de drooglegging in de Verenigde Staten
.
In die tijd kwam een jonge vrouw, Bessie Williamson bij hem werken als typiste en groeide uit tot zijn rechterhand.

Ian William Hunter verkreeg weer voet aan de grond in Scandinavië en maakte een promotietoer door Amerika voor het uitbreken van de tweede wereldoorlog.
Op weg naar Amerika bezocht hij op Jamaica Thomas Sherriff, betrokken bij Bowmore tot 1922.
Thomas Sherriff had op Jamaica een suikerriet plantage en rumstokerij.

Ian William Hunter kreeg daar een beroerte en kon niet verder reizen, hij verzocht Bessie Williamson naar Jamaica te komen, wat gebeurde, instrueerde haar en zij maakte de promotiereis naar Amerika.
Ian William Hunter voorzag de mogelijkheden voor de whiskyhandel om gedurende de oorlog dollars te verdienen, maar door zijn slechte gezondheid, hij bewoog zich voort in een rolstoel, was hij niet in staat om zelf veel te doen.

Hij vormde een vennootschap samen met zijn accountant en een rechtkundige, met Bessie Williamson als secretaresse, en zij was het die de leidende figuur werd.
Ian Hunter stierf te Laphroaig op 28 Augustus 1954 en Bessie Williamson was zijn enige erfgenaam.

In 1962 nam Long John Distillers, onderdeel van Seager, Evans & Co, een belang van 25 % in Laphroaig, gevolgd in 1972 door de aankoop van de overige aandelen.
Bessie Williamson, toen Mrs Wishart Campbell geheten, bleef directrice van Laphroaig.

In 1968 werden er twee ketels bijgebouwd.
Mrs Wishart Campbell bleef tot 1972 directrice.
Long John werd in 1975 overgenomen door de bierbrouwers Whitbread & Co Ltd.
In 1974 werden er twee ketels bijgebouwd.
In 1990 verkoopt Whisbread Laphroaig aan Allied - Lyons Pic.
De zeven met stoom gestookte ketels kunnen ruim 2 miljoen liter spirit per jaar produceren.

Een blend van Laphroaig is Islay Mist.
Iain Henderson was tot in 2002 de distilleerderij manager.
De Mash tun is 8,5 ton.
De zes Wash backs hebben elk een inhoud van 42.000 liter.
De drie Wash stills zijn elk 10.900 liter.
Drie Spirit stills zijn elk 3640 liter, één 7280 liter.
De ketels worden met stoom verhit.
De produktiecapaciteit is 1,9 miljoen liter spirit per jaar.

Opvolger van Ian Henderson is Robin Shields die komt van de Amerikaanse bierbrouwers Coors, die een deel van bierbrouwers Bass hebben gekocht.

September 2004
De 'Friends of Laphroaig' bestaan 10 jaar.
Master blender Robert Hicks en distilleerderij manager Robin Shields hebben een 11 jaar oude Limited Edition gecomponeerd. Er werden 750 flessen gebotteld, met de hand van een etiket voorzien en met de handtekening van Robin Shields.

Allied Distillers Februari 2003
Dumbarton Distillery sluit. Het komplex vaar ook het hoofdkantoor van Allied was gevestigd, hergde ook de Dumbarton Grain distilleerderij, en ook werden de malt whiskies Lomond, waarvan slechts één botteling bekend is, uitgebracht door de Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh onder code nummer 98.1, en Inverleven.

De capaciteit van de Grain distilleerderij Strathclyde wordt vergroot tot 39 miljoen liter spirit per jaar, dat was 32 miljoen liter.

Het hoofdkantoor wordt gevestigd te Kilmalid.
Het enorme gebouwencomplex is verkocht aan twee projectontwikkelaars.

September 2007
Laphroaig brengt twee nieuwe whiskies uit: Laphroaig 25 years old 40 %, er zijn 60 flessen beschikbaar voor Nederland, prijs € 349.00
Ook komt er een Vintage 1980 Laphroaig uit, gerijpt op Olorosso vaten, deze wordt niet in Nederland geïmporteerd, prijs € 6

Owner: Allied Domecq
Output: 2,0 million litres
Quantity sold as single malt whisky: 10 %
Barley spices: Chariot
Water source: Kilbride Dam
Wood: Fresh Bourbon only
Expressions: 10 years old at 40 %, cask

Strenght at 57,3 %,15 years old at 43 %,

30 years old at 43 %.

Drunk by: H R H The Prince of Wales,

John Simpson, BBCforeign affairs correspondent,

Michel Grade, who named his yacht after it.

Laphroaig club: Friends of Laphroaig.
Distillery operating hours: 5 days a week, 24 hours

a day

Number of emplyees: 24
Water source: Kilbride reservoir; fed from Loch

na Beinne Brice

Water reserve: est. 5 million gallons
Water colour: brown
Peat content of water: sizeable trace
Malt source: approx. 75 per cent Port Ellen approx.

25 per cent own malt
Own floor maltings: yes
Malt type: Optic
Malt specification phenols: Port Ellen malt;

average 40 ppm; Laphroaig malt; average 43 ppm
Finished spirit phenols: 25 ppm
Malt storage: 284 tonnes
Mill type: Porteus
Grist storage: 25.5 tonnes
Mash tun construction: stainless steel, Lauter
Mash size: 8.5 tonnes
First water: 37.000 litres 67o C
Second water: 16.000 litres 85o C
Third water: 32.000 litres 85o C
Number of washbacks: 6
Washback construction: stainless steel
Washback charge: 42.000 litres
Yeast : Mauri cultered yeasts
Amount of yeast: 125 kg per washback
Lenght of fermentation: 55 hours (shorts:

week); 90 hours (longs: weekend)
Initial fermentation temperature: 18-19o C
Strenght of wash: 8.5 per cent abv
Number of wash stills: 3
Wash stills built : 2; not known; 1: 1972
Wash still capacity: information not supplied
Wash still charge: 10.500 litres
Heat source: steam pans
Wash still height: 19 feet 8 inches (6.02 m)
Wash still shape: plain
Lyne arm: ascends
Lenght of low-wines run: c. 6 hours
Low-wines collection range:

45 per cent abv - 1 per cent abv
Number of spirit stills: 4
Spirit still built : 1: not known; 2: 1972
Spirit still capacity: 3 smaller;

information not supplied; 1 larger:

information not supplied
Spirit still charge: 3 smaller:

4.700 litres 1 larger: 9.400 litres
Strenght of spirit still charge: 26 per cent abv
Heat source: steam coils
Spirit still height :3 smaller: 14 feet 5 inches

(4.40 m)1 larger: 17 feet 9 inches (5.41 m)
Spirit still shape: lamp-glass
Lyne arm: ascends
Purifier: no
Condensers: all internally sited, and two-stage:

condensers run warm, then condensing

finished in a sub cooler.

Each condenser is 10 feet (3.05 m) long,

and contains 280 copper tubes with an outside

diameter of i inch (2.5 cm) and an internal diameter

of 3/4 inch (18 mm)

Lenght of foreshot run: all stills: 45 minutes
Lenght of spirit run: 3 smaller:

approx. 21/2 hours; 1 larger: aaprox. 31/2 hours
Lenght of feints run: all stills; approx. 2 hours
Spirit cut: 72 per cent abv - 60.5 per cent abv
Distilling strenght: 67.5 per cent abv average
Storage strenght: 63.5 per cent abv
Average spirit yield:

406 litres of pure alcohol per tonne of malt (2003)
Disposal of pot ale and spent lees:

piped into Laphroaig Bay
Type casks filled for branded malt:

100 per cent first-fill bourbon (chiefly ex-

Maker's Mark, air-dried wood, barrels rather than

hogsheads

Current annual output: 2.000.000 litres of pure alcohol
Number of warehouses: 6 (numbered 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
Type of warehouses: dunnage and racking
Storage capacity on Islay:

55.000 casks plus 11.000 at Ardbeg
Percentage of branded malt entirely aged on Islay:

100 per cent
Vatting and bottling location:

Kilmalid, Dumbarton
Distillery expressions:

10- year old 10- year old cask strenght (57 per cent,

un-chill- filtered) 15- year old 30- year oldspecial

releases (e.g. 17- year old at 2004 Islay Whisky Festival)

Major blending roles: Ballantynes, Teachers, Long John,

Islay Mist

We, the Tasting Panel verify that the Scotch Malt Whisky inside this bottle has been
passed under some of the most scrupulous noses in the world and approved for re -
lease as a Society bottling.

Only single cask whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members
are selected, true to our motto: "To leave no nose upturned".

Output: 1,900.000 litres
Water: Kilbride Dam
Mash tun: 1 x 8,5 tonnes
Wasbacks: 6 x 42000 litres
3 wash stills x 10.900 litres
3 spirit stills x 3640 litres
1 spirit still x 7280 litres

Beam Suntory's iconic Islay single malt scotch whisky brand Laphroaig launched a 32-year-old expression last night.
The prestigious launch to invited guests at London's famous Connaught Hotel coincides with the distillery's 200th anniversary.
Distillery manager, John Campbell, the first native Islay man to make the famously peaty whisky, conducted a tasting by way of curtain-raiser for the £750 (circa US$1,400, €1,020), 46.6% abv cask strength expression.
He told the intimate audience that there are only 6,000 bottles available worldwide and all had been allocated. He opened by calling it a "big peaty slap in the face."
Owners Beam Suntory and distributors Maxxium claim Laphroaig is the number one best-selling Islay single malt scotch whisky in the world.
The 32-year-old expression, which was non chill filtered with no added colouring, was matured in first-fill ex-Oloroso casks. Campbell said most of the whiskies were 35 years old-plus.
Campbell went on the describe it as: "Red fruits, toffee, dates, meaty - bacon fat, fruity: apricots. Then licorice and a saltiness." He concluded by calling it "smacky and chewy, with sweet, smoky and salty flavours - not dry (he hates 'dry')."

Laphroaig comes from the Gaelic Lag Bhrodhaig = the hollow of broad bay.

Unusually for a distillery of this size Laphroaig has retained its own floor maltings which still account for 20% of its requirements. They have been retained specifically because it is believed that the Laphroaig kiln produces a more creosote-like phenolic character than the malt the distillery receives from the Port Ellen maltings. Certainly, a tarry iodine note is one of the signatures of the spirit.

The odd number of stills includes a spirit still which is double the size of its neighbours. As this produces a different character new make it is always blended in with those from the smaller ones.

A very long fore shot run means there are less estery notes in the new make, while a deeper cut means that heavier phenolics are captured compared to Ardbeg and Lagavulin. Its distinct sweet note therefore comes from the preferred cask type used – ex-Bourbon barrels. These, the distillery says, became the norm at Laphroaig post-Prohibition when Ian Hunter began travelling to the US. The effect of this type of oak is showcased in the Quarter Cask release where a vatting of younger Laphroaigs is finished in small casks. Some Sherry casks are in the inventory and are mostly used for longer-term maturation.

The reason so many existing Islay distilleries came into being before the ‘official’ 1824 start date is down to the influence of Islay’s laird, Walker Frederick Campbell. Islay was less brutally cleared than other islands and as an ‘improving’ landlord Campbell was keen to start new businesses on the island. Islay already had a reputation for moonshine, so legal distilling made sense. The fact that Campbell was also actively involved meant that it was harder to continue with illicit activities.

So, in 1815, brothers Alexander and Donald Johnston built a distillery at Laphroaig. Donald, who ran the distillery, tragically died in 1847 after falling into a vat of boiling pot ale. Laphroaig however remained in the control of D. Johnston & Co. until the 1960s.

Its rise to fame began at the start of the 20th century with the arrival of Donald's great-grandson, Ian Hunter. It was he who, in 1908, changed agent from Peter Mackie and prompted the building of Malt Mill. By the 1920s Laphroaig was being sold as a single malt and in 1924, the number of stills were increased to four. On his death in 1954 he left the distillery to his secretary Bessie Williamson who had been the de-facto manager during his extensive international sales trips.

American distiller, Schenley, bought into the distillery in the 1960s, buying it outright in 1967. By the time Bessie retired in 1972, the number of stills had been increased to seven. A period of passing through various hands and amalgamations ended when Jim Beam purchased it from Allied Distillers in 2005. In the intervening period Prince Charles had awarded his favourite single malt his own Royal Warrant. In the same year, 1994, the Friends of Laphroaig was launched, the first of the modern ‘member’s associations’ phenomenon – there are currently 638,000 members. In a creative piece of marketing – initiated by legendary manager Iain Henderson – Friends were given a square foot of Islay which they leased back to the distillery in exchange for a year’s ‘rent’ of a miniature of Laphroaig which could only be claimed by visiting the distillery.

Beam’s takeover by Suntory in 2014 has resulted in the Japanese-American giant now owning two of Islay’s eight distilleries.

1815

Alexander and Donald Johnston build

Laphroaig on Islay

1836

Donald buys out Alexander and assumes

control

1837

James and Andrew Gardner found Ardenistiel

distillery near Laphroaig

1847

Donald Johnston is killed in an accident at

Laphroaig; Walter Graham, manager at nearby

Lagavulin, steps in to run the distillery

1857

Donald Johnston's son, Dugald, takes over

operation of Laphroaig

1860

Ardenistiel distillery merges with Laphroaig

1877

After his death Dugald's sister, Isabella, takes

over operation of Laphroaig with her husband

Alexander Johnston

1913

Charles Doig presents plans for the distillery

1924

Laphroaig's two stills are increased to four

1927

Ian Hunter, Alexander Johnston's nephew,

assumes control of Laphroaig

1928

Isabella Johnston dies and Hunter becomes

sole owner

1954

Hunter passes away and the distillery is

run by his former PA and secretary,

Elisabeth 'Bessie' Williamson

in 1962

no 1 washh still capacity = 1.800 gallons

no 2 wash still = 1532 gallons

no 1 spiri still = 753 gallons

no 2 spirt still = 800 gallons

1967

Seager Evans & Company, owned by Schenley,

buys Laphroaig and increases the stills to five

1972

Williamson retires and the number of stills

are increased again to seven

1975

English brewer Whitbread buys Seager Evans

1989

Whitbread's spirits division is sold to Allied Distillers

1994

HRH Prince Charles grants his Royal Warrant

to Laphroaig; Friends of Laphroaig is founded

2004

Laphroaig Quarter Cask is released

2005

Laphroaig moves under the ownership of

Fortune Brands (Jim Beam)

2008

Laphroaig Cairdeas is introduced, as is

Triple Wood

2013

Laphroaig QA Cask, An Cuan Mor and 25 Year

Old are released

2014

Owner Beam Global is bought out by Japanese

group Suntory

2015

A 21 year, a 32 year old sherry cask, a new

Cairdeas are releases and a 15 year re-

launched

2016

Lore, 2016 Cairdeas and a 30 year old re l-

leased

2017

Four Oak, The 1815 Edition and a 27 year

old are released

2018

A 28 year old and Cairdeas Fino are re -

leased

2019

A 30 year old, a First release in the new

Series named The Ian Hunter Story

A 16 year old is also released

2020

Capacity: 3.300.000 Ltrs

Output: 3.300.000 Ltrs

The Ian Hunter Story Chapter 2, Cairdeas

Port & Wine Casks are released

2021

A 10 years old sherry oak finish,

The Ian Hunter Story Chapter 3 are released

2022

Book 4 The Ian Hunter Story is released

CAPACITY (MLPA) i

3.4

CONDENSER TYPE i

Vertical multipass copper tubed condensers

FERMENTATION TIME i

Minimum 55hrs

FILLING STRENGTH i

63.5%

GRIST WEIGHT (T) i

5.5

HEAT SOURCE i

Oil-fired boiler

MALT SPECIFICATION i

Phenols minimum 35ppm

MALT SUPPLIER i

Laphroaig Distillery/

Diageo Port Ellen/

Crisp Port Gordon & Alloa

MASH TUN TYPE i

Lauter

NEW-MAKE PHENOL LEVEL i

18ppm

NEW-MAKE STRENGTH i

68.5%

SINGLE MALT PERCENTAGE i

60%

SPIRIT STILL CHARGE (L) i

4,900

SPIRIT STILL SHAPE i

Onion

SPIRIT STILL SIZE (L) i

4,900

STILLS i

WAREHOUSING i

On Islay for single malt

WASH STILL CHARGE (L) i

10,500

WASH STILL SHAPE i

Onion

WASHBACK CHARGE (L) i

10,500

WASHBACK SIZE (L) i

52,000

WASHBACK TYPE i

Stainless steel

WATER SOURCE i

The Kilbride reservoir

WORT CLARITY i

Clear

YEAST TYPE i

Mauri liquide yeast

OWNERS

Beam Suntory

2014 - present

CURRENT OWNER

D Johnston & Company

PREVIOUS OWNERS

Beam

2006 - 2014

Allied Domecq

1994 - 2006

Allied Lyons

1989 - 1994

Whitbread & Co

1975 - 1989

Schenley Industries

1962 - 1975

Bessie Williamson

1954 - 1962

The Johnston Family

1815 - 1954

BESSIE WILLIAMSON

Bessie Williamson, whose name will always be indelibly linked to Laphroaig, was, in the words of one news report, a ‘woman of spirit’ – the only female to own and run a Scottish distillery in the 20th century.

Bessie wasn't from Islay, but was well-loved by the local community

Bessie Williamson (1910-82) wasn’t from Islay. She had no family connections with the whisky business. And she lived in an era when women were rarely employed in Scotland’s distilleries, other than as office clerks, secretaries or cleaners.

Yet Bessie is a legendary figure in the history of Islay’s whisky industry. She became managing director of the Laphroaig distillery on Islay and was the only woman to own and manage a distillery in Scotland in the 20th century. How did that happen?

Elizabeth Leitch Williamson was born in Glasgow’s High Street, the daughter of an office clerk who was killed fighting with the British Army in France in 1918. His widow was left to raise Bessie, her sister and brother alone.

Bessie matriculated at the University of Glasgow in 1927. She studied for a general Arts degree, but she had to re-sit several exams and it took her five years to complete the three-year course.

Her uncle found her a job working for a restaurant company so that she could earn some money to help pay her way through teacher training college, and Bessie attended night classes to learn useful secretarial and clerical skills.

With her best friend Margaret Prentice, Bessie went to Islay on holiday in the summer of 1934. She learned of a temporary vacancy for a shorthand typist at the Laphroaig distillery and her application was successful. She never went back to teaching.

Laphroaig belonged to D Johnston & Co, a company owned since 1927 by Ian Hunter (1886-1954). Hunter had a reputation for irascibility, but he seems to have taken a shine to Bessie. He asked her to manage the office at Laphroaig and she became his most trusted lieutenant.

Bessie became a trusted employee at D Johnston & Co

Iain Maclean, who worked at the distillery, told journalist Andrew Jefford:

‘She was nice, a very attractive girl… she was very clever, an educated woman.’

After Hunter suffered a stroke in 1938 and was confined to a wheelchair, Bessie took a greater share in the management of the business. In 1944, when the distillery was about to restart production after being used as a barracks and ammunition store during the Second World War, he transferred control to her. D Johnston & Co became a limited company in 1950, and Bessie was appointed company secretary with a small shareholding.

Hunter died in 1954; he left money to long-serving employees in his will, as well as £5,000, the distillery business, Ardenistiel House and the island of Texa to Bessie. She continued to entrust much of the day-to-day management of whisky production to Tom Anderson, the long-serving brewer, but kept charge of the company’s business affairs.

Iain Maclean approved of her management style:

‘She was a good boss. She just let the workers carry on with their work; it was the proper thing to do. Everybody knew his job anyway… She never had any bother.’

Laphroaig certainly flourished under her leadership. Like the other Islay distilleries, it focused on producing single malt for the large blending houses on the mainland, and she told a visiting documentary crew in the early 1960s that ‘we can’t supply the demand that we have for our whisky’.

Bessie’s sound business sense, allied no doubt to the curiosity value of being a woman in a very male business, certainly impressed the officials of the Scotch Whisky Association. The SWA invited her to tour North America in the 1960s, lecturing on Scotch whisky production. It was during one of these tours that she met the Canadian radio star Wishart Campbell.

Campbell (c1905-83) was the grandson of an Islay minister who had emigrated to Canada in the 19th century. The journalist John McPhee described him as ‘somewhat heavyset, but nonetheless athletic in carriage, a glib man, quick, fluid, idiomatic’. He was an accomplished pianist and baritone, and was known as ‘The Golden Voice of the Air’. There was a whirlwind romance and he and Bessie married in Glasgow in 1961.

Bessie was widely respected on Islay for her contribution to the island’s social as well as its business life. She played a prominent role in the Scottish Women’s Rural Institute, organising concerts, fêtes and tea parties to raise money for worthy local causes: the Kildalton branch, which she chaired, met in the community hall at the distillery. In 1963, she was awarded the Order of St John for her charity work.

In contrast, Wishart was unpopular with many islanders, who suspected him of being a golddigger. They say he arrived on Islay with his new bride bringing nothing more than a suitcase and a white grand piano.

But he and Bessie (whom he referred to as ‘Mrs C’) seem to have been a happy couple. They lived at Ardenistiel and Wishart started a small market-gardening business, selling his fruit, vegetables and flowers to local businesses.

He was willing to play his part in promoting the whisky to visiting journalists – he suggested Laphroaig was the liquid equivalent of George Gershwin’s Love Walked In with the bass turned up to the max – but continued to favour rum and Pepsi as his tipple of choice.

Laphroaig may have been one of Islay’s most in-demand whiskies, but Bessie realised it required substantial investment to modernise production facilities and increase warehousing capacity. She approached local landowners the McTaggart family with an offer to sell them the distillery for just £80,000: the McTaggarts owned one of Scotland’s leading construction companies and had the deep pockets required for long-term investment projects.

When the family declined her offer, she came to an agreement instead with the American-owned Long John Distillers. They acquired the share capital in the distillery company from Bessie in three instalments, in 1962, 1967 and 1972.

Bessie remaining as chairman and managing director of D Johnston & Co Ltd, with a seat on parent company Long John’s board, until she retired in 1972. She was at the helm when the new still house was built in 1967, with steam heating in place of direct coal fires for the stills, and other construction and modernisation programmes begun. However, her last years at the distillery were inevitably uncomfortable, as the mainland company strove to modernise working practices at the distillery.

According to John McDougall, who worked briefly with Bessie when he became manager in 1970, Laphroaig had become known locally as the ‘Islay Labour Exchange’ because Bessie ‘could not listen to a hard luck story without giving in and providing a job for the person concerned, even though there was usually no job at all’.

Bessie herself informed her fellow board members at Long John that she had kept on many of the older employees because ‘we have no pension scheme’. Inevitably, there were redundancies among the workforce after Bessie handed over full control to Long John, but her achievement in guiding the distillery through difficult times and maintaining the high reputation of the whisky, while creating employment for so many local men, was greatly appreciated locally.

And what of her legacy? An AP news presenter sums it up nicely (if perhaps unintentionally!) in a 1964 report:

‘You’d expect [whisky] production to be an entirely male preserve. Mrs Campbell proves you wrong.’

Her greatest achievement was to win widespread recognition for her success in business, in what was one of Britain’s most traditional and male-dominated industries, and to prove, once and for all, that it was wrong to suggest that whisky making was just ‘man’s work’.

LAPHROAIG UNVEILS LATEST CAIRDEAS BOTTLING

November 2017

Islay single malt Laphroaig has introduced Laphroaig Cairdeas 15 Year Old – the latest in a series of annual bottlings reserved for members of the distillery’s Friends of Laphroaig collective.

Friends first: The annual Laphroaig Cairdeas bottlings are reserved for the distillery’s loyal fans

Created by distillery manager John Campbell, Laphroaig Cairdeas 15 Year Old was distilled in 2002 and matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks.

It is described as offering ‘sweet vanilla and subtle spice’ on the nose, reminiscent of ‘fresh nutmeg and toasted almonds’, with ‘gentle, warming peat smoke’ on the palate.

‘Our friends are very important to us at Laphroaig,’ said Campbell. ‘It’s a polarising whisky, so it means a great deal that our fans remain loyal to us.

‘Friends of Laphroaig gives us a great opportunity to engage with our supporters and give back to them with these exclusive Cairdeas whiskies.’

Laphroaig Cairdeas 15 Year Old, bottled at 43% abv, is available now exclusively to Friends of Laphroaig from the distillery and online, priced at £80 a bottle.

While there are currently no plans for increased production at Bowmore, it’s a different story at Laphroaig, the other Islay distillery owned by Beam Suntory.

A ‘significant’ expansion is believed to be on the way, although details are still under wraps. ‘It is something we are doing a lot of work on,’ said distillery manager John Campbell.

Speaking at last year’s Islay Festival, Campbell discussed the challenges associated with expanding Laphroaig – particularly the contribution from the distillery’s floor maltings and the role of No 1 spirit still (larger and run quickly to give a different character).

‘If the ratio of either of those shifts, then we lose character,’ he said. Nonetheless, he added, ‘expansion will have to happen’.

While there are currently no plans for increased production at Bowmore, it’s a different story at Laphroaig, the other Islay distillery owned by Beam Suntory.

A ‘significant’ expansion is believed to be on the way, although details are still under wraps. ‘It is something we are doing a lot of work on,’ said distillery manager John Campbell.

‘If the ratio of either of those shifts, then we lose character,’ he said. Nonetheless, he added, ‘expansion will have to happen’.

LAPHROAIG 1967 SMASHES AUCTION RECORD

August 2018

A 1967 Laphroaig, bottled as a 15-year-old by Italian bottler Samaroli, has broken records after selling for £61,000 at auction this week.

Laphroaig 1967 15-year-old by Samaroli

Italian Stallion: The Laphroaig 1967 was bottled and signed by independent bottler Samaroli

The 15-year-old whisky, matured in an ex-Sherry cask and one of only 720 bottles in the world, was produced by Italian independent bottler Samaroli.

Silvano Samaroli, who passed away in February last year, had also signed the bottle, making the item a ‘one of a kind whisky collectable’.

The sale, held on online auction website whiskyauctioneer.com, broke the previous record for a similar bottling which sold for £5,700 at auction in 2014.

‘Chances are few and far between to not only get a hold of this whisky widely regarded as incomparable in taste, but with the added uniqueness of the bottle being signed by the legendary Silvano Samaroli himself,’ said Sean McGlone, director at whiskyauctioneer.com.

‘The Laphroaig 1967 Samaroli was sure to draw a huge amount of attention and interest.’

Over 65 bids were placed on the bottle from around the world, with the successful bidder coming from Germany.

The sale of the Laphroaig 1967 follows last month’s record-breaking auction of another Samaroli bottling, a Bowmore 1966 Bouquet, which sold for £51,611.

Laphroaig veteran John Campbell joins Lochlea Distillery

29 November, 2021

Single malt whisky distiller, John Campbell, has joined the independent family-owned Lochlea Distillery as its new production director.

Campbell, the former Laphroaig distillery manager, will head up the production team for the release of Lochlea’s inaugural liquid set to launch in early 2022.

Campbell spent 27 years working on Islay before agreeing to join the Lochlea Distillery, based at Lochlea farm which sits below Glasgow, Scotland.

“Moving over to the mainland and joining Lochlea Distillery is an exciting step for my career. It’s an opportunity to develop a whisky that is innovative and distinctive, with a distillery that shares my ethos on quality, environment and sustainability,” said Campbell.

“Getting involved in the process from this early stage means I can help to define what Lochlea becomes. The next few years are going to be incredibly exciting for us and I’m looking forward to us creating something really special.”

Lochlea’s commercial manager, David Ferguson, added: “From our first meeting it was clear that John’s values aligned closely with ours as a business. His experience at Laphroaig in growing an iconic global whisky brand over the past 27 years is impressive.

“Though the most exciting part for me is that he brings new ideas, an emphasis on quality and an entrepreneurial streak which shone through with the Cairdeas bottlings he was responsible for.

“Having full traceability from growing our own barley through to maturing every drop of our spirit on site is great, but just as important is the team we’re building to develop the brand. John is another fantastic addition and will undoubtedly help us fulfil the ambitious plans we have for Lochlea.”

Lochlea Distillery is the result of a £6m investment with pl

LAPHROAIG REVEALS 2019 CÀIRDEAS EDITION

May 2019

Laphroaig distillery has revealed its 2019 Càirdeas release, a bottling reserved exclusively for its Friends of Laphroaig collective.

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2019

Friendly malt: Laphroaig Càirdeas 2019 is exclusively for the distillery’s membership society

Càirdeas Triple Wood Cask Strength is an exclusive bottling launched to celebrate the Friends of Laphroaig, as well as the annual Fèis Ìle festival on Islay, which runs this year from 24 May-1 June.

Laphroaig releases a new Càirdeas bottling – meaning friendship in Gaelic – each year.

The 2019 edition, of which 36,000 bottles have been produced, has been matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, before maturation in quarter casks and ex-oloroso European oak Sherry casks.

Bottled at a cask strength of 51.4% abv without chill filtration, the whisky is said to contain notes of ‘rich toffee, dates, maple srup, praline and crème caramel.

John Campbell, Laphroaig distillery manager, said: ‘Our friends are very important to us at Laphroaig.

‘It’s a polarising whisky, so it means a great deal that our fans remain loyal to our liquid and continue to push for newer expressions. Friends of Laphroaig gives us a great opportunity to engage with our supporters and give back to them with this exclusive Càirdeas whisky.’

Càirdeas 2019 is now exclusively available for Friends of the Laphroaig to purchase online for £77 per 70cl bottle, although several bottles will be available to distillery visitors during Fèis Ìle.

The 2017 Càirdeas edition was a 15-year-old matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and bottled at 43% abv.

The 2018 edition was a no-age-statement malt matured in first-fill Bourbon casks before a second maturation in fino Sherry hogsheads.

LAPHROAIG CÀIRDEAS,

FÈIS ÌLE 2019

SCORE

Scoring explained >

Laphroaig Càirdeas, Fèis Ìle 2019

ABV

51.4%

PRODUCTION TYPE

Single malt whisky

REGION

Islay

AVAILABILITY

36,000 bottles

FLAVOUR CAMP

Smoky & Peaty

NOSE

They keep on getting bigger. This cannot be described as a shy Laphroaig. Instead it is hugely oily and very resinous (shades of the Ardbeg and a hint of what’s to come with the Octomore) with some moss and green fig. There’s just sufficient vanilla (and salted caramel) to add a soft pause, before you are tangled up in kelp and tarry ropes.

PALATE

Thick and textured; it seems to stick your lips together. There’s an almost brutal power to it before those green elements kick in, adding extra eucalyptus and chypre. The resinous wood is retained, but now it’s smouldering. That in turn is balanced by super-ripe black fruits. The robust phenols then emerge, with tar and bitumen.

FINISH

A roiling mass of peat.

CONCLUSION

This cask strength version of Three Wood (ex-Bourbon, ex-oloroso Sherry and new oak quarter casks) is classic old Laphroaig: unafraid and uncompromising. That’s how we like ‘em.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

All opposition is Trampled Underfoot.

LAPHROAIG 16 YEAR OLD DEBUTS ON AMAZON

September 2019

Islay’s Laphroaig distillery has launched a new 16-year-old single malt whisky exclusively through online retailer Amazon.

Laphroaig 16 Year Old Amazon exclusive

‘Soft smoke’: Laphraoig 16 Year Old has been matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon casks

The peated whisky has been matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon barrels, and is described as having aromas of heather and roasted chestnuts, with flavours of caramel, Manuka honey, bergamot and a ‘unique chilli mouthfeel’.

John Campbell, Laphroaig distillery manager, said: ‘Laphroaig 16 Year Old is the perfect illustration of how our rich whiskies mellow as they mature.

‘Whilst this expression carries the iconic smoke of Laphroaig, this is married with sweeter notes of honey and caramel, creating a remarkable dram that’s perfect for the long evenings of late summer and into cosier nights of Autumn.’

Bottled at 48% abv, Laphroaig 16 Year Old will be available exclusively through Amazon in Europe, as well as at select retailers across the US, from 10 September.

Just 11,500 bottles have been produced, which will be available for around £89 per 700ml bottle.

LAPHROAIG HONOURS IAN HUNTER IN NEW SERIES

September 2019

Laphroaig distillery is to honour the legacy of one of its former owners with The Ian Hunter Series, a ‘rare and collectable’ range of whiskies to be released in 15 ‘chapters’

Laphroaig 30 Year Old Ian Hunter Book One bottle and packaging

Page turner: Book One of Laphroaig's Ian Hunter Series is the first of a planned 15 whiskies

Book One of The Ian Hunter Series is a 30-year-old single malt matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels, which is titled ‘Unique Character’ to reflect Hunter’s decision to introduce American oak casks to Laphroaig’s maturation regime.

Bottled at 46.7% abv, the non-chill-filtered whisky is said to be ‘beautifully rounded with a combination of sweet, zesty and medicinal notes’.

John Campbell, Laphroaig distillery manager, said: ‘If you visit the Laphroaig distillery today it’s clear to see the impact of Ian Hunter through the practices and innovations that are still followed.

‘For good reason Ian is credited as the pioneer and innovator of this incredible whisky; without Ian, the Laphroaig we know today would not exist, so we have much to thank him for.’

Hunter, a distant relative of the brothers who founded Laphroaig in 1815, took over operation of the distillery in 1908.

During his ownership Hunter launched Laphroaig as a single malt, began distribution in the US, and increased output by building two additional stills.

He ran the business until his death in 1954, leaving the distillery and operating company in the hands of his secretary, Bessie Williamson.

Priced at £700 per 70cl bottle, only 4,800 bottles of The Ian Hunter Series: Book One are available to purchase exclusively from the Whisky Shop and the Whisky Exchange.

Whiskies released as part of The Ian Hunter Series will be presented in a ‘collectable’ hardback book

LAPHROAIG Islay Single malt Scotch Whisky

tastes like Granny forgot the cookies in the oven which gives me an instand warm feeling. Laphroaig (La-froyg) Single ma;t Scotch Whisky has always kept itself a bit remote

like the islanders of Islaythemselves. A touch aloof at first, but make the effort, broach acquaintance, and hyou 'llhave a warm and genuin friend for life.

Take it neat like a stalwart. or with a splash of soft water. Roll it around on your tonque. Release the pungent, earthy aroma of blue peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the

barley, the delivate, heathery perfume of Islay's streams. Close your eyes, and imagine the waves lapping Laphroaig "the bautiful hollow by the broad bay'.

Suntory Global Spirits has officially submitted plans for the redevelopment of its distillery on Islay to expand production by more than one-third.

As part of the plans, the number of stills will increase from seven to 11 as well as the instalation of a further 12 new washbacks, a new mash house and the restoration of its original floor maltings.

A statement from the brand read: "Should we achieve planning consent, then we will aim to start construction in Spring 2025. Construction will not impact production and at no point will operations be paused to enable the re-development."

The original buildings on the shoreline will remain the same while the new construciton will expand in-land and the current visitor centre is likely to re-locate in order to make space for the redevelopment of the floor maltings.

Craig Martin, general manager of manufacturing operations for Laphroaig, added: "The significant level of investment proposed from Suntory Global SPirits underlines our commitment to our long-standing presence on Isla and the island's rich heritage

Laphroaig 36yo Archive Collection, 40.2% They got that out of the cask just in time, eh? Fragrant smoke from the start alongside the aroma of the wrackline, then pork glazed with XO sauce, wet moss and like all the best Laphroaigs, a hint of green woods (ferns, pine, chypre). In time you’ll get apples roasted on a bonfire, biltong and strong black tea.

Suntory Global Spirits has officially submitted plans for the redevelopment of its distillery on Islay to expand production by more than one-third.

Laphroaig appoints new distillery manager

02 October, 2024

Islay distillery Laphroaig has appointed George Campbell as its new distillery manager.

The appointment comes as owner, Suntory Global Spirits, announced promotions for current employees Jonathan Fletcher and Emma Boyle to new Islay assistant distillery manager roles, dedicated to supporting both Suntory Global Spirits’ distilleries on Islay, Laphroaig and Bowmore.

Campbell started his career as a Laphroaig Distillery tour guide, before moving on to roles at Diageo, William Grant & Sons, and most recently Mighty Craft in Australia.

Campbell said: “Laphroaig Distillery is a special place for me and it’s the team there that inspired me to start a career in the whisky industry when I was 21. A return to join the team again as distillery manager feels like coming home in every way.”

Suntory Global Spirits will establish a new operational structure on Islay with a collaborative distillery management team.

The palate is very soft, the smoke subtle and fully integrated. There’s almond essence, hazelnut and a nodule of honeyed fruits. Less oaky than expected with more savoury notes, bay leaf and, on the finish, smoke. It’s just a little hollow in the middle of the tongue. ***(*)