As we reach the end of another remarkable year for Laphroaig, I wanted to reflect on the journey we’ve shared throughout 2023. And special acknowledgement is owed to the dedicated team members whose tireless efforts and commitment to peaty whisky have been the backbone of our success.

First and foremost, let’s raise a glass (filled with Laphroaig, of course) to our new production team members. DJ and Andy started on our malt floors, Cat is now running the stills, and with our new warehouses needing filled, we have welcomed Robert, James, Brian, Robbie and Katie to our expanding warehouse team. You’ve all embraced the spirit, both literally and figuratively. Welcome to the family!

Now, let’s talk about our visitor centre. The only place where even non-whisky drinkers leave with a newfound respect for the amber nectar. I want to thank our wonderful team for their passion, knowledge, and unwavering patience when dealing with tourists who pronounce our name in a dozen imaginative ways. You’ve made Laphroaig an immersive experience for all who venture onto our shores. Keep spreading the whisky love, one sip at a time!

But wait, there’s more! We have a brand-new addition to our clan: our very own Islay Brand Ambassador Kayla embodies the essence of Laphroaig, with a charm that could turn an enemy of peat into a loyal follower. Kayla brings the magic of our distillery to whisky enthusiasts worldwide, converting hearts, minds, and taste buds along the way.

Now, let’s talk about those lovely liquid gems we’ve released over the past year. From the bold and peaty expressions that make your taste buds dance a merry jig to limited editions that we have enjoyed sharing. Each bottle has been crafted with care, passion, and a touch of mischief. Let’s raise another glass to the masterminds behind these divine creations.

As we bid adieu to 2023 and leap into the excitement of 2024, I want to wish each and every one of you a year filled with laughter, joy, and an ever-deepening appreciation for the water of life. May you discover new flavours, share memorable drams with old and new friends, and continue to support our beloved Laphroaig team.

So, my fellow Friends of Laphroaig, let’s clink our glasses, set off fireworks with our peaty explosions, and create a New Year’s toast that will echo through time. Because when it comes to Laphroaig, we know how to celebrate like no other!

Yours in peaty revelry,
Barry MacAffer

visit Laphroaig.com

Laphroaig Distillery, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Argyll & Bute Scotland, PA42 7DU, United Kingdom

As we welcome the New Year, the greatest joy lies in the moments shared with friends and loved ones, no matter the distance between us.

A Night on Earth – The Journey is the latest edition in our exclusive series. It captures the essence of new beginnings and the unforgettable moments when we gather from every corner of the globe.

Elevate these moments with an extraordinary single malt from our curated collection and make this celebration truly exceptional.

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MacNairs Lum Reek
10 Year Old
Cask Strength Batch 2

£62.99

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Bottling Notes:

Taking inspiration from MacNair’s discovery of the delights of a dram beside a smoky peat fireplace, Master Blender Billy Walker has drawn upon his half century’s experience in blending to develop a recipe fit for a traditional Scottish toast to long life: “Lang may yer Lum Reek”

In Batch Two Billy has created a sublime Blended Malt where the smoke of Islay is blended with the finest Speyside and GlenAllachie whiskies. The spirit was then rested in Spanish sherry casks.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Waves of grilled honeycomb, ginger and vanilla with cinnamon, campfire smoke and treacle

Palate: Bursting with dark chocolate, burnt orange peel and honeycomb.

Finish: Smoked spices, butterscotch and roasted coffee beans.

WHISKY OF THE YEAR 2024
LOCH LOMOND 18 YEAR OLD

Choosing our Whisky of the Year is never easy, but thanks to our panel of industry experts and the attendees at our judging event in London, we whittled down a shortlist of six whiskies to one winner for the year ahead: Loch Lomond 18 Year Old.

This year’s shortlist included whiskies from Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, a smoky red wine cask-finished single malt, a rich Speyside whisky and a fruity, coastal malt. Save £8 on our Whisky of the Year 2024 or browse the rest of our shortlisted whiskies for more impressive Christmas gift contenders.

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With the Christmas season all wrapped up, e have some suggestions below as to how you might spend any upcoming downtime exploring your passion for whisky.

GOT 30 MINUTES?

Designed to give you a feel for how the EWA learning platform works, our Free Resources offer the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon dram. From How to Pronounce Scotch Whisky Distillery Names to Where to Start with Scotch Whisky, The A-Z of Scotch Whisky and The Scotch Whisky Tasting Toolkit, there’s plenty to get stuck into. We even have an Ultimate Quiz for Scotch Whisky Lovers if you’re feeling particularly competitive with family and friends.

GOT AN HOUR?

Our standalone Modules (£25) are a great way to spend an hour or so online. Focus on Flavour details the various stages during the Scotch whisky production process where key flavours are created. Wake Up Your Whisky Nose offers an overview of how your sense of smell works, with practical tips to boost your aroma memory. Both modules encourage you to consider your favourite drams a little differently and offer a greater appreciation of what goes into the glass.

GOT A DAY?

While there’s no deadline or time restriction for completing a Certificate course, we think there’s around 8-10 hours of material in both the Certificate in Scotch Whisky and Certificate in Irish Whiskey (£120). These detailed modular courses cover the fascinating history and business of each category, before journeying through the entire production process from grain to glass. With expert contributors including Dr Gordon Steele and Vic Cameron (Scotch) and Matt Healy and Fionnán O’Connor (Irish), you can be sure that you’re learning from the very best in the industry.

GOT A FEW WEEKS?

Immerse yourself in the world of single malt whisky when you study our flagship Diploma course online. For 2024, we’re pleased to announce the return of three-week guided study sessions for the Online Diploma in Single Malt Whisky (£1,015). While the immediate start, self-study option remains available and open to all, we’ve added three courses throughout 2024 which instead run to a schedule (start dates: 12 April, 2 August and 1 November). With live tutorials, regular drop-in dram sessions and a Community section, you’ll be in good company with likeminded whisky lovers from across the globe.

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Bowmore 22 Year Old “Aston Martin” Limited Edition 102 Proof Islay Single Malt Scotch (750ml) $399.99 View

This rare Scotch is a partnership between Bowmore master blender Ron Welch and Astin Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman. Inspired by the Golden Ratio and perfect proportions that make the world’s best Scotch both balanced, harmonious and timeless, the duo partnered to create this sublime Islay Single Malt.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Wyoming Whiskey 10 Year Old Anniversary Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $189.99 View

In celebration of their 10-year anniversary, original Master Distiller, Steve Nally, and Master Blender, Nancy Fraley, have barrel selected and batched a rich and balanced 10-year-old bourbon worthy of the milestone. 68% Corn, 20% Rye, 12% Malted Barley. Tasting notes from WW: COLOR: Deep copper to mahogany NOSE: Heady notes of Rye Manhattan cocktails with brandied cherries, mincemeat pie, Medjool dates in thick syrup, cayenne pepper-candied pecans, and baklava drizzled with orange blossom honey. PALATE: Candied yams with pecans and toasted marshmallows, black currant liqueur, sweet cornbread muffins with honey butter, and cinnamon toast with blackberry-maple syrup. MOUTHFEEL: Soft, warming alcohol, with caramelized wood sugars and a tingle of rye spice enveloping the mouth cavity. FINISH: Lingering notes of dark dried fruit mingled with warming brown baking spices.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Learn how to pair whiskey and cigars like a PRO

Our regular contributor Maggie Kimberl explains her tried-and-tested method

With so many options to choose from, picking a whiskey to drink and a cigar to smoke can be tough decisions — especially if your budget is limited. Thankfully, Whisky Magazine regular contributor and American Whiskey Magazine content editor Maggie Kimberl has a tried and tested methodology she’s been teaching for over a decade that will help you learn how to pair cigars and whiskey like a PRO!

Whether you prefer cigars from Cuba, Nicaragua or the Dominican Republic, and Scotch, Japanese, or American whiskey, this guide to pairing whiskey and cigars is for you. Instead of telling you which whiskies she thinks will work well with particular cigars, Maggie’s approach will teach you the skills you need to make the decision for yourself, to suit your taste and budget. The great thing about this methodology for pairing cigars and whiskey is that it works for Scotch, bourbon, and, well, any style of whisky you like!

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OUR FAVOURITE
SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALTS

Rich, bold and often with distinctive notes of dried fruit and spice, single malts from Speyside continue to be loved by drinkers and connoisseurs the world over. If you’re looking to expand your Speyside collection, here are our pick of some whiskies we think encapsulate this style, from a cask-strength favourite from Glenfarclas to a heavily sherried 15-year-old from Tamdhu.

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