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. For the last six months maturation takes place in the highest, warmest reaches of our warehouses during the Scottish summer. With spirit selected by our master distiller from Quarter Cask, our PX Cask and Triple Wood (European Oak casks), and a final addition of 10YO, it represents a subtle blending of peat, oak, and sweetness.

DISCOVER THE DISTINCTIVE TASTE OF LAPHROAIG SCOTCH WHISKY.

It’s aged for ten years, and distilled following the traditions laid down over the last 200 years by a succession of passionate and skilled master distillers. This is a truly classic single malt Scotch, made from malted barley which is first cold-smoked and then dried over a peat fire.

The smoke from the unique Islay peat gives Laphroaig its particular rich flavor. This peated whisky is renowned for its bold, smoky taste, followed by a hint of seaweed and a surprising sweetness. Full-bodied with a long finish, it truly embodies the quintessential Laphroaig character.

The quintessential Islay malt with flavors of peat smoke and salt

Distilled the same way today as it was at creation over 75 years ago

Full-bodied and smoky with hints of seaweed and sweetness

A truly distinctive whisky, it embodies the Laphroaig house style

2019 San Francisco World Spirits Awards Gold

As part of your purchase, you will receive your bottles in an exquisite well-protected carboard where your favorite expressions of Laphroaig will be safe. You will only find this exclusively packaging in Laphroaig.com.

LAPHROAIG THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

We would never expect a bottle of Laphroaig to last a long time. It’s a wee bit too tasty. But with our new bottle engraving, you can add a message that lasts forever. From important dates to inside jokes, a special message on your bottle is as meaningful as the spirit itself. So even after the good stuff is gone, you’ll have a sentiment that outlasts the Scotch.  

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Full sparkling gold

NOSE: Huge smoke, seaweedy, "medicinal", with a hint of sweetness.

BODY: Full bodied.

FINISH: Lingering.

PALATE: Surprising sweetness with hints of salt and layers of peatiness.

MATURATION: Ex-bourbon

SERVE SUGGESTION: Neat or with ice

UNIQUELY AGED

Experience the quintessential flavor of Laphroiag 10. Crafted to a generations-old method on the Scottish island of Islay, is an excellent introduction to peated whisky.

A classic dram, this full-bodied single malt has a surprising sweetness which leads into a long, warming finish. Each sip brings complicated notes of smoke, seaweed, peat and a hint of salt – like a bracing fall day on Scotland's rugged coast.

The rich flavour of this Laphroaig Scotch makes it a staple choice, ideal for novices and connoisseurs alike. It's best-served neat or poured over ice.

ONE OF A KIND TASTE

Laphroaig 10 gets its distinctive taste from the natural features of Islay, the remote and rugged island off the West Coast of Scotland where the whisky is made. Local water is sourced from the legendary Kilbride Stream, and the malted barley is cold-smoked then dried over a fire fuelled by the Islay peat. This lends a distinctive flavour that speaks of the land where it was forged.

It also has a distilling process which has been developed and refined over the course of 200 years by a succession of passionate master distillers. One of whom was Ian Hunter, who laid down the process for Laphroaig 10 more than 75 years ago: and these methods are still followed today.

Founded on Islay in 1815, the Laphroaig distillery has been creating distinctive Scotch whisky for over two centuries. Laphroaig 10 is the quintessential expression of Laphroaig and its character can be found in nearly every whisky that the distillery produces.

Laphroaig 10 has won multiple awards, including a Gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It was also named in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible as 2019's Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Years & Under.

In 1815, Donald and Alexander Johnston began leasing nearly 1,000 acres of land on the island of Islay. Their intent was to raise and sell cattle on the land and as a result, they began growing barley to be used as feed for their livestock. Following a particularly bountiful harvest, the brothers distilled the excess grains they had grown into whisky, and sold it to the inhabitants of the island. Soon thereafter, the brothers found it more profitable to distill whisky than to raise cattle, and Laphroaig (pronounced La-froyg) Distillery was born. For over a century, the distillery would remain in the hands of one of Johnston's descendants. In 1954, however, Ian Hunter passed away childless and bequeathed the distillery to Bessie Williamson, a secretary that had been working at the distillery for two decades. Hunter was incredibly protective of the distillery while he slowly revealed its secrets to Williamson after she had earned his trust, Hunter prevented a cooper who was employed at the distillery from publishing his memoirs because they described the workings of the distillery in too great a detail. Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky is one of the most flavorful and intense whiskies made anywhere in the world. During Prohibition, it was one of the few whiskies still legally imported into the United States, as it was considered a medicinal spirit. Laphroaig Single Malt is made from the finest Scottish barley, which is malted at the distillery and smoked over a peat flame. Unlike other distilleries which source peat from the Scottish mainland, the peat used to smoke Laphroaig barley is made from the heather, mosses and lichens of Islay and adds a distinct iodine-like flavor to the whisky. After the barley has been malted and peated, it is fermented before being twice-distilled through Laphroaig's copper-pot stills. The unique stills have an usually flat base and flat surfaces, which lends to the overall intensity of the whisky. After the whisky has been distilled, it is aged in seasoned oak barrels, which are re-charred prior to being filled. The re-charring process caramelizes the remaining sugars in the barrel, and adds slightly sweet notes of vanilla and nutty dough to the whisky. Laphroaig Cask Strength 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is aged for ten years in the distillery's warehouses, which are situated along the shores of Loch Laphroaig. As a result, the whisky is imbued with a slightly salty tang that compliments the whisky's notes of peat and vanilla. Laphroaig Cask Strength 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is then barrier-filtered (barrier filtering preserves the flavors and rich, oily texture of the whisky while removing any remaining sediment) before being bottled at cask strength. The whisky was awarded the title "Best Single Malt in the World" by Whisky Magazine. In addition, it earned the Double Gold Medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the Gold Medal, along with the title "Best in Class," at the 2010 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

In 1815, Donald and Alexander Johnston began leasing nearly 1,000 acres of land on the island of Islay. Their intent was to use the land in order to raise and sell cattle and as a result, they began growing barley to be used as feed for their livestock. Following a particularly bountiful harvest, the brothers distilled the excess grains they had grown into whisky, and sold it to the inhabitants of the island. Soon thereafter, the brothers found it more profitable to distill whisky rather than raise cattle, and Laphroaig (pronounced La-froyg) Distillery was born. For over a century, the distillery would remain in the hands of one of Johnston's descendants. In 1954, however, Ian Hunter passed away childless and bequeathed the distillery to Bessie Williamson, a secretary that had been working at the distillery for two decades. Hunter was incredibly protective of the distillery while he slowly revealed its secrets to Williamson after she had earned his trust, Hunter prevented a cooper who was employed at the distillery from publishing his memoirs because they described the workings of the distillery in too great a detail. Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt Whisky is one of the most flavorful and intense whiskies made anywhere in the world. During Prohibition, it was one of the few whiskies still legally imported into the United States, as it was considered a medicinal spirit. Laphroaig Single Malt is made from the finest Scottish barley, which is then malted at the distillery and smoked over a peat flame. Unlike other distilleries which source peat from the Scottish mainland, the peat used to smoke Laphroaig barley is made from the heather, mosses and lichens of Islay and adds a distinct iodine-like flavor to the whisky. After the barley has been malted and peated, it is fermented before being twice-distilled through Laphroaig's copper-pot stills. The unique stills have an usually flat base and flat surfaces, which contributes to the overall intensity of the whisky. Following distillation, Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is matured in quarter casks. Quarter casks were used in the 19th century to transport whisky via horse or mule, as the animals could not carry the weight of traditional casks. As a result of their small size, the casks have a greater proportion of surface area to volume and thus, contribute stronger notes of oak and wood tannins to the whisky maturing inside. In addition, the casks "breathe" more deeply and as a result, provide a touch of salty tang to the whisky as well. Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky has an autumn gold color, along with an aroma of tropical fruits and smoke. The aroma gives way to notes of citrus, malt, cinnamon and oak on the palate, which are complemented by a subtle smoky undertone. The finish is refreshing and peaty, with touches of caramel and vanilla throughout. Laphroaig Quarter Cask earned the Double Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and earned a score of 93 points from the Beverage Testing Institute. In addition, it earned a score of 90-95 points from Wine Enthusiast.

In 1815, Donald and Alexander Johnston began leasing nearly 1,000 acres of land on the island of Islay. Their intent was to raise and sell cattle on the land and as a result, they began growing barley to be used as feed for their livestock. Following a particularly bountiful harvest, the brothers distilled the excess grains they had grown into whisky, and sold it to the inhabitants of the island. Soon thereafter, the brothers found it more profitable to distill whisky than to raise cattle, and Laphroaig (pronounced La-froyg) Distillery was born. For over a century, the distillery would remain in the hands of one of Johnston's descendants. In 1954, however, Ian Hunter passed away childless and bequeathed the distillery to Bessie Williamson, a secretary that had been working at the distillery for two decades. Hunter was incredibly protective of the distillery while he slowly revealed its secrets to Williamson after she had earned his trust, Hunter prevented a cooper who was employed at the distillery from publishing his memoirs because they described the workings of the distillery in too great a detail. Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky is one of the most flavorful and intense whiskies made anywhere in the world. During Prohibition, it was one of the few whiskies still legally imported into the United States, as it was considered a medicinal spirit. Laphroaig Single Malt is made from the finest Scottish barley, which is then malted at the distillery and smoked over a peat flame. Unlike other distilleries which source peat from the Scottish mainland, the peat used to smoke Laphroaig barley is made from the heather, mosses and lichens of Islay and adds a distinct iodine-like flavor to the whisky. After the barley has been malted and peated, it is fermented before being twice-distilled through Laphroaig's copper-pot stills. The unique stills have an usually flat base and flat surfaces, which contributes to the overall intensity of the whisky. Laphroaig 25 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is aged for a minimum of 25 years in a combination of European oak casks that were previously used to mature Oloroso sherry and American oak casks that were previously used to mature bourbon. In addition, the maturing casks of whisky are laid to rest in the distillery's warehouses, which are situated along the shores of Loch Laphroaig. As a result, the whisky is imbued with a slightly salty tang that compliments the whisky's notes of dried fruits, cinnamon, and smoky peat. Once the whisky has matured for a minimum of 25 years, it is bottled at cask strength. Laphroaig 25 Year Old Single Malt Whisky was awarded the Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, where it was named "Best in Class." In addition, it earned a score of 95 points from Whisky Advocate, which said that the whisky "brilliantly fuses two different styles of whisky into a single, remarkable experience." 

In 1815, the Johnston brothers leased 1,000 acres on Islay to raise cattle. They grew barley for feed but ended up distilling surplus grains into whisky. Laphroaig was born. For over a century, the distillery remained family-owned. In 1954, Ian Hunter bequeathed it to Bessie Williamson, who guarded its secrets. Laphroaig Single Malt is a robust, intensely flavored whisky made from Islay peat. Malted and smoked on the island, it's fermented and twice-distilled in unique copper-pot stills. Laphroaig Lore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, an homage to past distillery managers, is aged in a variety of casks. This crafting process results in a smoky, oceanic aroma with a palate rich in bitter chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel, and roasted chestnuts, all culminating in a finish graced with malt grain, chocolate chip cookies, tropical fruit, and the unmistakable presence of peat. It's our story, bottled.

THE SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING LAPHROAIG

This is an exquisite expression of the renowned Laphroaig distillery, situated on the picturesque island of Islay. This exceptional whisky is a testament to the distillery's long-standing tradition of producing peat-forward and distinctive single malts.

Aged for a minimum of 16 years, this expression has undergone a carefully balanced maturation process, allowing its flavors and character to develop and evolve over time. The result is a whisky that embodies the true essence of Islay, offering a rich and complex drinking experience.

As you bring the glass to your nose, the first thing that captures your senses is the unmistakable aroma of peat smoke. It is bold, earthy, and distinct, instantly transporting you to the rugged and windswept landscapes of Islay. Intertwined with the smokiness, you'll discover hints of brine, seaweed, and a touch of medicinal notes, all characteristic of Laphroaig's signature style.

Upon the first sip, your taste buds are enveloped by a wave of intense flavors. The peat smoke takes center stage once again, enveloping the palate with its robust and smoldering embrace. Alongside the smokiness, there are layers of sweetness that emerge, offering notes of honey, caramel, and a touch of dried fruits. The interplay between the smoky and sweet elements creates a beautifully balanced and complex taste profile.

The texture of Laphroaig 16 Year Old is velvety and luxurious, coating the mouth with a satisfying richness. The finish is long and lingering, with the peat smoke gradually fading away, leaving behind a gentle warmth and a subtle reminder of the whisky's exceptional quality.

Laphroaig 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch is a whisky that demands appreciation and rewards those who seek a truly distinctive and memorable drinking experience. Its carefully crafted balance of peat smoke, sweetness, and complexity sets it apart as a remarkable expression of Islay's whisky-making heritage. Whether enjoyed neat or with a splash of water, this exceptional single malt is sure to captivate whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

Bottled at a fixed strength of 52.3%, Laphroaig Càirdeas 2023 is aged in White Port and Madeira casks. Created exclusively for Friends of Laphroaig.

FOR FRIENDS​

Our Càirdeas expression for 2023 brings together the best of much loved Càirdeas releases over recent years. The limited-edition single malt is a combination of Madeira and White Port casks. Three quarters of the whisky is matured in second-fill Madeira casks, releasing smoky, spicy, and sweet fruit flavours. The final quarter has been finished in first-fill Port casks; the majority of these are white port, adding a hint of crisp fruit and deep woodiness to the flavour. It’s a new take on Laphroaig that plays to our strengths – welcoming friends old and new.

COLOUR: Soft burnished gold.

NOSE: Cinnamon, freshly ground ginger, crisp green apple with notes of toasted peaches, charred orange peel, and caramelized sugar with a whisper of bonfire embers.

PALATE: Honey sweetness paired with juicy citrus characters and delicate notes of hazelnut, tannic oak, dark chocolate and slightly bitter caramel leading to earthy iodine-rich smoke.

FINISH: Sweet and smooth with a lingering earthy peat and creosote phenolic character. A slight sea-salt sensation to finish.

MATURATION: Double matured with three quarters aged in Madeira casks and the final quarter aged in White Port casks.

Maker Notes

This is the man who shaped us, built us, into what we are today. Ian Hunter resides in the soul of our whisky, and in the Laphroaig Ian Hunter Book 4: Malt Master, we honour his memory with a whisky every bit as rare and distinctive as he. A tribute to Hunter’s love for being boldly different, this is a whisky with real character born of the signature Laphroaig peat.

IAN HUNTER IS THE MAN WHO MADE LAPHROAIG WHAT IT IS TODAY.

He was an uncommon soul, with his own distinct manners and moods, not too unlike the whisky he gave to the world. We honour his memory with this series of rare and collectable aged whiskies in his name. Book 4, the latest in our limited series, celebrates Ian Hunter’s establishing of our malting floors and his legacy as the Malt Master of Laphroaig. 

Ian secured the distillery’s lease in 1922, broke into America in the time of Prohibition, was the catalyst for a revolution in the use of American White Oak and is the reason why we are still among a handful of distilleries to maintain our own malting floors today. He put his heart and soul into ensuring Laphroaig was a whisky like no other. 

In Ian Hunter Book 4 we pay tribute to Ian Hunter’s dedication to Laphroaig with a whisky every bit as rare and distinctive as he is. This 34-year-old single malt was carefully crafted from our own floor-malted barley and aged in the American White Oak casks Hunter was first to procure. Perhaps not for everyone, but for the discerning few, this will be a taste like no other. We invite you to enjoy.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Rich honey.

NOSE: Rich, with the classic Laphroaig smoke sitting beneath.

PALATE: Pineapple and peach notes.

FINISH: A long, ashy finish.

MATURATION: Matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry casks