The late, lamented – wait, no, it’s back!

£79.00

Exclusively at The Whisky Shop. We’re immensely proud to have a UK exclusive for July and August on this old favourite, returning to the iconic Islay distillery’s core lineup after a 10-year absence. Laphroaig’s reputation for intensity somewhat precedes it – a great, peaty, medicinal brute of a dram, occasionally blamed for putting innocent first-time whisky drinkers off the spirit altogether.

It’s not without reason, and in fact the distillery often makes a virtue of its intimidating image, immortalising some particularly memorable descriptions as ceramic tiles in their visitor centre (our much-quoted personal favourite: ‘like the smoking ruins of a vanquished enemy fortress.’ Instantly relatable.)

And yet – and yet. Laphroaig has always been a more nuanced dram than its reputation suggests, with maritime notes and bright citrus, sometimes tropical fruits a constant, leavening presence. Smoky, peaty flavours fade as a whisky ages, allowing other elements to breathe a little deeper; and the new Laphroaig 15 Year Old, while still powerful, is a softer proposition than its younger siblings, its longer maturation in American oak lending a surprisingly gentle complexity to a still profoundly peaty and coastal palate. A must for fans of the distillery and lovers of heavily peated whiskies alike. Bottled at 46% abv, non-chill filtered and natural colour.

A burst of fresh, zesty orange and grapefruit on the nose, mingled with subtly earthy dried hay. A hint of barbecue smoke adds depth, undertones of soft vanilla and clove a warm complexity. A salvo of bold smoke and sea salt opens the oily palate, with black pepper, cinnamon and ground coriander followed in their turn by juicy peaches and ripe citrus. The finish is long, smoky, and saline, with a finely balanced, compensating sweetness.