The 2017 vintage is the third limited edition of Laphroaig's aged releases. This 27-year-old whisky has been matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks and Refill quarter casks. Smoky and fruity, displaying flavours of citrus, leather and sea air. The casks were stored in Laphroaig's famous Warehouse No1 and then hand-selected for final maturation. This rare whisky features Laphroaig's characteristic peat smoke, tempered by time and sea salt. Unexpectedly fruity! The long maturation has created a delightfully furrowed note, reminiscent of sun-ripened nectarines and tangy limes, giving the whisky a modern, fresh touch despite its age. Green tobacco leaves and leather undertones linger in the finish.
Tasting notes
The smokiness is softened by fruity aromas of lime, nectarines and vanilla
The oily texture that coats the palate is dominated by tropical fruits, toasted nuts and an earthy peaty note that doesn't overpower the other flavours, slowly giving way to marine and medium spicy notes.
Antique leather and green tobacco leaf.
Laphroaig has a long history dating back to 1815. Founded by the brothers Donald and Alec Johnston, who at the time raised cattle. One day they decided to distil whisky, soon word spread out around Islay that the whisky produced at Laphroaig was remarkably good. It became clear that distilling whisky was more profitable than raising cattle, that is how Laphroaig whisky was “officially” born. The distillery remained in family hands for the next 139 years.Later on, in 1921, after many turns, Ian Hunter took over the running distillery and revitalised it.Today Laphroaig is one of the most iconic Islay's distilleries that continues to use the original malting floors as well as a 200-year-old method of cold smoke peating. The hand-cut peat found near the sea is transferred to ancient kilns, cold smoked until the right level of peat smoke is obtained. This process gives the barley layers of rich smoky and medicinal notes, contributing to the unique flavour of the whiskies.Laphroaig's smoky and iodine character embodies the identity of Islay and is often referred to as the most flavourful o all Scotch whiskies.
