Laphroaig, the renowned Islay distillery celebrated for its heavily peated and intensely smoky single malt scotch whiskies, has thrilled whisky aficionados by reintroducing a much-missed favorite: the 18-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky. Discontinued eight years ago, this iconic expression is making a grand comeback, adding to the anticipation and excitement among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
Image credit: Laphroaig/House Of Malt
For those familiar with Laphroaig, its signature bold, smoky flavor profile is unmistakable and a staple in many bars and liquor stores. Owned by Suntory Global Spirits, Laphroaig’s reintroduction of the 18-Year-Old whisky marks a significant moment for the brand and its loyal fans. This whisky is matured exclusively in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, which impart a distinctive smoky character and add layers of flavor, including intense vanilla and sweet ripe fruits. According to detailed tasting notes, the 18-Year-Old boasts flavors of freshly cut leather, sunbaked seaweed, orange, honey, ginger, and tobacco, all culminating in a signature woody peat smoke finish that Laphroaig lovers cherish.
Teddy Joseph, Global Brand Ambassador for Laphroaig, expressed his enthusiasm for the return of this beloved whisky, emphasizing its depth of character and sweet smokiness. He noted that the 18-Year-Old offers a rich sensory experience, from the nose’s freshly cut leather and seaweed to the palate’s blend of fruity and spicy flavors, finishing with a lingering smoky taste. The 18-Year-Old is currently available on the Laphroaig website for £180 (approximately $230), although shipping to the USA is not available at this time. Fans are encouraged to check with local specialty liquor stores or online retailers to secure a bottle.
Image credit: Laphroaig/House Of Malt
In addition to the 18-Year-Old, Laphroaig has expanded its range with two other new expressions that are sure to delight whisky enthusiasts. The first of these is the annual Cairdeas release, a series that began in 2008 and is initially offered to the Friends of Laphroaig club before being made available to the general public. Each year, the maturation makeup of Cairdeas changes, and the 2024 edition, named Cask Favorites, pays homage to two past releases: the 2019 Triple Wood and the 2021 PX Cask. This 10-Year-Old whisky undergoes a complex aging process in a combination of “over-charred” first and second-fill ex-bourbon barrels and quarter casks, finishing in PX sherry casks. The result is a deep, dark whisky with intricate notes of marmalade, ginger, grape candy, spice, dark berries, caramelized brown sugar, and the intense smokiness that Laphroaig is known for. With an ABV of 52.4%, a few drops of water can help open up its complex flavors. Cask Favorites is available for $110.
The second new addition to the lineup is Elements 2.0, the latest release in the Elements series that started last year. This series is dedicated to experimenting with distillation techniques, and for Elements 2.0, the focus was on fermentation. Laphroaig extended the usual fermentation time from 55 hours to an impressive 115 hours to highlight fruity notes while preserving the characteristic smokiness. The official tasting notes for Elements 2.0 describe flavors of green apples, honey, cream soda, soft peat reminiscent of a smoldering bonfire, and smoked seafood. Priced at $165, Elements 2.0 represents Laphroaig’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
Image credit: Laphroaig/House Of Malt
Both Elements 2.0 and Cairdeas 2024 are available for preorder from ReserveBar, allowing enthusiasts to secure these unique expressions. The return of the 18-Year-Old might be a bit more challenging to find, but it's worth checking with local specialty liquor stores or online retailers to see if they have it in stock.
Laphroaig’s reintroduction of the 18-Year-Old, along with the new Cairdeas and Elements 2.0 expressions, showcases the distillery’s dedication to both tradition and innovation. Each release offers a distinct experience, from the complex smoky and fruity notes of the 18-Year-Old to the experimental flavors of Elements 2.0 and the rich, layered profile of the Cairdeas Cask Favorites. For whisky lovers, these releases provide an opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of Laphroaig’s offerings, reaffirming its place as a beloved and iconic distillery in the world of single malt scotch whisky.
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About Laphroaig
Laphroaig is a revered Scotch whisky distillery located on the island of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland. Founded in 1815 by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston, Laphroaig has a long and storied history in the world of whisky-making. The distillery is renowned for its distinctive style of single malt Scotch whisky, characterized by its bold, peaty flavor profile and maritime influence.
Laphroaig whiskies are crafted using traditional methods and the finest quality ingredients, including locally sourced barley and water from the distillery's own spring, the Kilbride Stream. The whisky-making process at Laphroaig involves malting the barley over a peat fire, imparting the characteristic smoky and earthy flavors that are synonymous with the distillery's whiskies. Fermentation, distillation, and aging in oak barrels further contribute to the complexity and depth of flavor in Laphroaig's expressions.
One of Laphroaig's most iconic expressions is its 10 Year Old single malt, which serves as the flagship whisky of the distillery. This whisky is celebrated for its intense peat smoke, medicinal notes, and hints of brine and seaweed, making it a favorite among fans of heavily peated whiskies. In addition to its core range of whiskies, Laphroaig offers a variety of other expressions, including older age-statement whiskies, cask-strength releases, and limited-edition bottlings, showcasing the distillery's versatility and creativity.
Laphroaig has a passionate and dedicated following among whisky enthusiasts worldwide, drawn to the distillery's bold and distinctive flavor profile. The distillery's picturesque location, nestled along the rugged coastline of Islay, adds to its allure, providing visitors with a unique and memorable whisky-tasting experience. Whether enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or in cocktails, Laphroaig whiskies offer a taste of Islay's rich whisky-making heritage and a sensory journey unlike any other.
