Laphroaig
(La-froyg) is the story of a community. An uncompromising, tough
and determined group of people who work to ensure that this defining
whisky has always remained true to its origins. The western isle
of Islay is covered with deep and ancient peat bogs. At Laphroaig,
"the beautiful hollow by the broad bay," the malt is
kept on malting floors in time-honored tradition. The white oak
casks full of aging whisky are stored in a warehouse on the sea,
where the wood breathes in the briny sea-mist, air of salt and
seaweed, as waves lap against the warehouse at high tide. The
most challenging and individual of malt whiskies, the smokiest
and peatiest of them all, Laphroaig is The Definitive Islay Malt.
No one knows the full history of Laphroaig, as it is lost in the
mist of time. It's clear that the Irish had been distilling here
for many years and that the locals picked up the skills when they
left, but because it was illegal, the small stills on the farms
were rarely discussed - just a nod and a wink in the right direction!
What we do know though, is that the Johnstons started farming
here around 1800, and that soon after messers Charles and Willie
Doig were asked to do some 'work on a distillery' at Laphroaig.
By 1815 Laphroaig's reputation had spread and the tax man was
getting suspicious so they 'officially' established 'Johnston
& Johnston' - the legend of Laphroaig had begun.
Take it neat or with a splash of soft water. Roll it around on
your tongue. Release the pungent, earthy aroma of the blue peat
smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the barley and the delicate, heathery
perfume of Islay's streams. Like the islanders it may seem a little
aloof at first, but make the effort, broach acquaintance and we
can guarantee you'll have a warm and genuine friend for life.
The award winning family of Laphroaig Whiskies ranges from the
rich, pungent
10 Year Old to the smooth and exceptionally rare 40 Year Old.
But whatever Laphroaig you choose, you can sense 200 years of
loving care distilled into every bottle.
We have always considered Laphroaig the best single malt in the
World. In 2005 we were proud to be voted 'the best of the best'
in the Champions of Whisky Competition - so now it's official!
Courtesy of Laphroaig Distillery
LAPHROAIG SINGLE
MALT
SCOTCH 10 YEAR
Colour: Full, refractive,
gold
Nose: Very
peaty with the tangy sweetness of the sea
Body:
Full and hardy
Palate:
Richly smoky, fully peated, with still a hint of sweetness,
salty
Finish:
Lingering and unique
LAPHROAIG SINGLE
MALT
SCOTCH 18 YEAR
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.
LAPHROAIG QUARTER
CASK
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
LAPHROAIG QUARTER CASK SINGLE
MALT SCOTCH
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 became the norm,
for maturation and transportation. However as single
malt lovers may know, the relationship between the barrels
and the maturing spirit is critical. Laphraoig 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 intensifying the maturation process.
COLOUR
Autumn Gold.
NOSE
Slight peatyness, smooth, velvety, coconut creamy aroma
with water.
TASTE
Soft velvet moderates peatyness.
FINISH
Creamy, zesty orange.
LAPHROAIG
40 YEAR OLD
LAPHROAIG 40 Year Old
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 maturity. This unique taste is reminiscent
of a sweet liquorice root, with peat and seaweed in
the background suggesting its origin from the beautiful
hollow by the broad bay. It is surprisingly smooth and
gentle on the palate.
FINISH
The aftertaste is warming, velvety smooth and just seems
to go on and on.
Many Friends of Laphroaig aspire to visit the distillery at
least once in their lifetime. For fans of the 'liquid smoke'
the visit to the distillery, and the warm hospitality they receive
once they get there, is well worth the trip and will remain
one of their fondest memories.
When you visit the distillery, you will be taken on a tour
and enjoy a dram of the finest. Annual 'ground rent' (a miniature)
is given before you take your leave, as well as the pacing out
of your own square foot of land.
Laphroaig Distillery Tours
Some people consider this the best tour on the island! To arrange
an 'in-the-flesh' tour of the distillery, please contact us
at this number: +44 (0)1496 302418.
Tour Times March - October
Monday - Friday: 10.00am, 11.30am, 2.00pm, 3.30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10.00am, 2.00pm
November - February
Monday to Friday: 10.00am, 2.00pm
Visitor Centre Opening Hours All year: Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
March - December: Additional weekend opening Saturday –
Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm
Special Visits available weekdays only –
Please phone for availability: +44 (0)1496 302418.
Standard Tutored Tastings
Premium Tutored TastingsStandard
Source, Peat, Malt Experience (selected months only)
Planning Your Tour
When planning your visit to the distillery, please bear in mind
that we normally shutdown for maintenance in the months of July
and August every year.
Getting There: From Port Ellen take the Ardbeg
road. Laphroaig Distillery is the first of three distilleries
on a lovely coastal road. It is down a short drive on the Seaward
side.
Parking / Reception: Bear right at the end
of the avenue into the distillery and then sharp left into the
car park. Climb the external stairs to sign in, and then across
to the dram room with its exceptional views.
Maximum Group Size: 15
Cost: Free
Group Bookings: By appointment only.
Enquiries:
Tel: +44 (0)1496 302418
Photography in Distillery: Yes
Disabled Access: Not an easy tour for the
disabled but help is available.
Foreign Visitors: No special provisions for
non English speaking visitors.
Contact Us
Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Argyll, Scotland PA42 7DU
Tel. 01496 30248 General
Enquiries (no shop order info)
Comments on this Whisky page 1 of 1
Click here to add a comment
themadscientist
Posted 67 days ago
I just sampled the 10 year. I was a bit hesitant as the descriptions lead one to believe it hits like a hammer. It does! I am still mystified, though, at the silky delivery preceding the sudden rush of peat and smoke. Much like the sea can change character yet always be itself, this is significant scotch. I really like it! I am in the search for "my" scotch. I'm glad I picked up a bottle of this fine whisky.
Powderhound
Posted 287 days ago
Laphroiag 10 is known for its strong peat - however, it's not just about maximum peat with this delicious and engaging whisky. Peat is definitely what you notice first no doubt about it. However, add a little water, let it sit for a couple minutes, and a whole new whisky is there. There is some malt sweetness, but you also notice the seaweed, and iodine. Some salt as well. It is an absolute treat, and while the peat is strong, there is much more than just peat to this whisky. I think this is one everyone should try at least once! The cask strength is NOT for the faint of heart!! I bought a bottle to take camping, and was not disappointed. This is a "put hair on your chest" whisky! I loved it, but it may be a bit much for some. I would not recommend this as someone's first foray into Islay whiskys, but if you do like the peatier whiskys, by all means try it! Both are among my favorite Islay whiskys, and among my favorite whiskies regardless of region.
Onan Delorbe
Posted 352 days ago
Laphroaig is the reason I started drinking scotch.
Trout Hunter
Posted 509 days ago
Received a bottle of the 15 year as a birthday present a couple of days ago. I can honestly say that this is the most exquisite tasting scotch I've ever had. Try it with just a tiny splash of water to really open it up.
Michael Seven
Posted 660 days ago
Laphroaig has one of the strongest of peet tastes I have encountered. For me, it is a wonderful taste. To others, it makes them grimace. I love a whisky that you either love or love to hate.
Joanne Bergstrom, Editor
Posted 708 days ago
Laphroaig Quarter Cask is excellent. Wonderfully balanced combination of smoke, peat, fruit, sweetness. I suggest trying this Scotch, even if peat and smoke characteristics are not your first choice. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
John Flynn
Posted 775 days ago
A true pleasure to enjoy, my absolute favorite whisky.
sfwriter777
Posted 878 days ago
The first time I sampled Laphroaig was at the Twenty-Four 5th Avenue Restaurant bar in Manhattan in the early 1980's. I asked the bartender for his idea of a really smokey single malt. He poured me a 15 year old Laphroaig and I've been an avid fan ever since.
Laphroaig
(La-froyg) is the story of a community. An uncompromising, tough
and determined group of people who work to ensure that this defining
whisky has always remained true to its origins. The western isle
of Islay is covered with deep and ancient peat bogs. At Laphroaig,
"the beautiful hollow by the broad bay," the malt is
kept on malting floors in time-honored tradition. The white oak
casks full of aging whisky are stored in a warehouse on the sea,
where the wood breathes in the briny sea-mist, air of salt and
seaweed, as waves lap against the warehouse at high tide. The
most challenging and individual of malt whiskies, the smokiest
and peatiest of them all, Laphroaig is The Definitive Islay Malt.
pungent
10 Year Old to the smooth and exceptionally rare 40 Year Old.
But whatever Laphroaig you choose, you can sense 200 years of
loving care distilled into every bottle.
The cask strength is NOT for the faint of heart!! I bought a bottle to take camping, and was not disappointed. This is a "put hair on your chest" whisky! I loved it, but it may be a bit much for some. I would not recommend this as someone's first foray into Islay whiskys, but if you do like the peatier whiskys, by all means try it!
Both are among my favorite Islay whiskys, and among my favorite whiskies regardless of region.