Laphroaig 15 Years Old 200th Anniversary Limited Edition
Sometimes referred to as the most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies, Laphroaig is one of the most iconic island distilleries. With its smoky and iodine flavours, Laphroaig embodies the Islay identity.
Although the exact etymology isn’t known, Laphroaig is said to mean “broad hollow by the bay” in Gaelic. This references its location, a small basin on Islay’s southern coast. However, it officially operated under the business name of D. Johnston & Co throughout most of its history after Donald and Alexander Johnston, who in 1815 founded their distillery on the island’s south coast.
Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile.
First launched in 1985, this particular bottling was said to be Prince Charles’ favourite. It was replaced in the core range by an 18 year old expression in 2009.
This is the 2015 limited edition revival of the expression, bottled to celebrate the distillery’s 200th anniversary.
Nose: Mild peat smoke, iodine, blood orange, vanilla and a pleasant mint note.
Taste: Sweet with caramel and grapefruit, light spiciness (pepper), nice maritime, a little vanilla.
Finish: Medium, great combination of smoke and sweet fruit.
