The third release of the Ian Hunter Series celebrates the legacy of the last of the Johnston family to own and manage the distillery, and his fight to protect its source of water - The Kilbride Stream. This whisky was distilled in 1987 fully matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for 33 years, bottled at cask strength, non-chill filtered. Every year a new chapter will be told, uncovering the extensive history behind Laphroaig and the characters who created it, making this a collection unlike any other, and one that is treasured by Laphroaig fans across the world.
Tasting notes
Intense copper
Delicate aromas of pears, apricots and lots of condensed sweetness, followed by notes of honey and rose petal, a dash of nutmeg, and finishing with ashy-dry peat
A sweet, thick, fruity mouthfeel to start that covers the palate. Then a tremendous second wave of aniseed, followed by creamy liquorice notes.
A very long finish with lingering vanilla and peaty aromas.
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.
