LAPHROAIG UNVEILS SECOND EDITION IN ITS ELEMENTS SERIES OF EXPERIMENTAL ISLAY SINGLE MALTS
Elements 2.0 focuses on the impact of an extended fermentation to push flavor boundaries,
further celebrating the iconic and rich taste profile of Laphroaig whisky
Islay, Scotland – (July 1, 2024) – Islay distillery Laphroaig has unveiled Elements 2.0, the second in its exploratory series of bold whiskies that experiment with different distillation techniques. This new single malt showcases the flavor impact of extending the fermentation period, producing a fruiter whisky that still retains the peaty character that makes Laphroaig so distinctive.
In creating Laphroaig Elements 2.0, the distillery team went beyond the traditional approach to distillation and maturation to uncover interesting and unusual ways to experiment with the making of Laphroaig.
Disrupting the usual 55-hour fermentation process, Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is created from a number of longer fermentations ranging up to almost five full days in the tun – a total of 115 hours. The tun was specially aerated to maintain mash conditions, much like practices of old; a process that helps emphasize the fruitier notes of Laphroaig Islay single malt while maintaining its signature peaty character. The resulting product, Elements 2.0, is a bold, pale gold, non-chill filtered whisky with a fruity nose and palate.
Barry MacAffer, Distillery Manager for Laphroaig, commented, “Our Laphroaig Elements Series is all about blending years of traditional whisky making with new, progressive techniques. There’s no whisky that encapsulates Islay quite like Laphroaig – but this hasn’t stopped us experimenting in a way that preserves our iconic character. Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is an unexpected fruitier whisky with the same peaty character you’ve come to know and love – made possible by over double the typical fermentation period. I’m keen to hear what our Friends think of this whisky which follows in the successful footsteps of Elements 1.0.”
Each expression in the innovative Elements Series features a series of subtle details on pack, cataloging the experiments that have gone into making each bottle and the hands behind them, allowing Friends and lovers of Laphroaig an unrivaled glimpse into the magic of the whisky-making process.
Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is the second expression in the Series and is available in the US as of July at a suggested retail price of $165.00 (700ml). It follows the 2023 launch of Elements 1.0 – a spicy and peppery whisky that is a culmination of three experiments.
TASTING NOTES
Bottled at 59.6% ABV
Nose: Fruity and subtly coastal. Stewed apples, vanilla custard and zesty orange peel with subtle peaty notes.
Palate: Fruity, sweet and salty. Green apples and honey, with cream soda and soft peatiness of a smoldering bonfire and smoked seafood
Finish: Sweet with an increasingly warming smokiness to finish
About Laphroaig® Whisky
Laphroaig is the number one selling Islay single malt globally and is synonymous with this famous whisky region. Established in 1815 by the Johnston brothers, Laphroaig has stayed true to its bold flavor and distinctive character for over 200 years. Today, Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries that continues to craft whisky using traditional techniques like floor malting barley and using a “cold smoking” process to create its signature smoky flavor. Laphroaig’s commitment to bold character has earned us a dedicated following of brand fans, the Friends of Laphroaig. Launched in 1994, the same year HM King Charles granted the brand a Royal Warrant, the program has since grown to a truly global community of thousands of whisky lovers representing over 170 countries.
About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Suntory Global Spirits, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com
