Laphroaig Willem Dafoe 14YO, 53.7%

THE VIDEO

This, on paper, is one of the most refreshing celebrity involved whisky collaborations. Willem Dafoe has been gracing our screens in numerous blockbuster and independent films, all doing it with his own unique charm. A charm that is reflected in the classic style of Laphroaig. A fourteen year old single malt that is initially matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in ex-Oloroso casks for two years; it retains a wanted amount of boggy, peaty Laphroaig with some slick sherry sweetness to add texture and complexity. The flavours move between classic Islay and through into some wonderful Asian cuisine aromas and tastes, finishing with an earthy, concentrated aroma that morphs between salty & sweet. There’s no denying that this is a great tasting single malt from Laphroaig. Now for the elephant in the room.

The tasting notes on this aren’t that different from the core bottle of Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry bottled at 48%. I love that bottle and it’s one of the thongs I wanted Laphroaig to do for so long, this Willem Dafoe selection is higher in ABV and a little older, but I’m not quite sure that it’s worth doubling the price for. This would have been an absolute home run of a bottle if the price point was below £100, but given the higher RRP of £135/£140 isn’t particularly justified for me. It’s a unique collaboration and an interesting liquid, but being in the same vein as one of your most popular core range bottles leaves this sticking out like a sore thumb. Naturally, the cask selection is what it is, you bottle what tastes good. I do think they missed out by not going deep into the Dafoe lore and calling this The Green Goblin release. In general, it’s missing the point with its price and a lot of the humour that normally comes with Laphroaig marketing. Again, the idea of luxury making the purchase by consumers a doubt when they see the price.

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