Laphroaig whiskey: history, overview of taste and types
The Isle of Islay, located in the west of Scotland, is known among spirits connoisseurs as the home of the best single malt. A striking representative of the famous single malt scotches is Laphroaig whiskey - a drink with a powerful character, oily texture and a pronounced smokiness of the bouquet.
The taste of island products, saturated with the aromas of the sea and peat, cannot be confused with anything else.
Despite the fact that fans of the legendary whiskey note a gradual decrease in the smoky accents in the drink, it is still recognizable and loved in many parts of the world. Each adhesive tape from the brand's line has several significant gold awards.
The history of Laphroaig whiskey
It is assumed that the art of distilling on the island of Islay appeared thanks to Irish monks. However, many years passed before it turned into a profitable business. Brothers Alexander and Donald Johnston were among the pioneers who founded legal enterprises in the fertile territory.
Before they opened their own distillery on the island's south coast, they leased a plot of land in the Laphroaig Valley to raise cattle. The brothers used surplus food to produce whiskey.
By 1815, it became clear that the distillation of scotch brings more income than cattle breeding. By now, the Laphroaig Valley has become known as the area that supplies the best single malt spirits for blending. A local source has played a significant role in creating an exceptional reputation, providing the start-up entrepreneurs with soft, mineral-free water with a slight peat flavor.
In the 30s, Alexander, having sold his share in the business, emigrated to Australia, and Donald ran the distillery until his death. According to legend, the founder of the company ended his life right in a vat of whiskey, into which he fell by accident. Later the company was managed by the descendants of the Johnston brothers.
The fame of smoky molts grew, but they were used exclusively for blending.
At the end of the XIX century, the management of the distillery passed into the hands of sisters William Hunter and Catherine Johnston, who tried to defend the right of the distillery to produce single malt spirits for sale, not for blending. Legal wars between the neighbors: the malt supplier, Laphroaig, and their buyer, Mackie and Co, lasted for several decades.
The main rival in attempts to maintain the share of the permanent ingredient in blends used any methods, not always legal: from blocking the source and luring leading specialists to attempts to buy the company and build an exact copy of it. However, the mystery of Laphroaig remained unsolved: no one managed to repeat the bouquet of the famous whiskey.
In the 1920s, the company's owners were able to buy out the leased land, increase the distillery's capacity and enter the international market. Deliveries to Latin America, Canada and Europe were organized. Laphroaig producers even managed to get around the "dry law" in the United States by convincing the employees of a specialized agency of the medicinal properties of the drink.
The specific aroma of island scotch with tones of iodine and seaweed played a role here, although, they say, the tasting of whiskey.
In the 1930s, Ian Hunter took the helm of a large company and became the first scotch producer to use American barrels for aging drinks. He carefully guarded the secrets of Laphroaig and entrusted them only to Bessie Williamson, who came to the company as a temporary employee. The girl who appeared on the company's doorstep with a single suitcase in her hand did not expect to stay here for 40 years and become the owner of the legendary distillery. She ran the company until the early 70s, shortly before selling it to Long John International.
Types of Laphroaig whiskey
The main line of Laphroaig whiskey consists of 7 drinks:
10 YEAR OLD
Classic golden scotch, produced according to the recipe of Ian Hunter, which is the basis for the entire collection of the brand.
Peat-dried malt gives the drink a rich flavor. Characteristic for "Laphroaig" bold, smoky bouquet with a hint of seaweed and salt, full-bodied, with a lingering finish, filled with sweetness, this whiskey sounds most vividly.
Strength: 40%.
The best single malt scotch of 2019 according to Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible".
25 YEAR OLD
An exceptional drink born from the "marriage" of spirits aged in bourbon barrels with whiskey matured in sherry casks. 25-year-old red gold-colored scotch bottled at cask strength of 48.9%.
The aroma contains the sweetness of sherry, shaded by peat, sea and fruit notes.
The rounded flavor is characterized by accents of smoke, apple, and spices.
The lingering finish warms, leaving a peat and salt flavor in the mouth.
LORE
The richest drink in the Lafroyg collection in terms of flavor characteristics.
Combines spirits from different barrels aged from 7 years to 21 years.
Aroma: smoky and marine with a touch of ash and bitter chocolate.
Taste: intensely peaty, full-bodied, with a spicy hint of hot pepper.
Finish: short, dry and long, sweet. Color: bright golden. Strength: 48%."Best No Age Statement Scotch 2019" according to the "Whisky Bible".
QUARTER CASK
A drink that has passed a double stage of maturation in different types of American oak barrels.
Due to close contact with wood, notes of toffee and caramel appeared in the aroma, and the taste became drier and sweeter.
The bouquet contains not only the signature peat accents, but also hints of banana and coconut that are not typical for Laphroaig scotches.
The multilayered drink pleases with a brilliant golden color, deep, full-bodied character, lingering smoky aftertaste, seasoned with delicate sweetness and spices.
Strength: 48%.
SELECT
A complex drink, close to the classic spirit of Lafroyg, but more versatile.
Created from spirits aged in three types of barrels. Combines bright tones of oak, peat and signature sweetness.
The bouquet contains hints of red fruits, ash and smoke, flavored with warm dryness.
Rich aftertaste surprises with accents of marzipan, lime and flowers.
Alcohol content: 40%.
TRIPLE WOOD
A unique whiskey of pure golden hue and creamy texture, born as a result of three-stage aging in different types of barrels.
Signature smoked peat tones are diluted with soft notes of fruit and spices.
The aroma combines the sweetness of raisins, nuts, ripe apricots, seasoned with a light smoky hue.
The balanced aftertaste combines the subtle sweetness of sherry and vanilla with a smooth caramel finish.
Alcohol content: 48%.
CAIRDEAS FINO
A special drink of increased strength (51.8%), which has undergone a two-stage maturation: first in bourbon barrels, then in sherry barrels.
Color: golden amber.
The bouquet is dominated by toasted almonds, dried fruits, sea salt and traditional peat.
In addition to these drinks, the company produces exclusive versions of scotch dedicated to the famous "friends" of the brand and important dates.
Interesting facts
The short name "Laphroaig" in a free translation from Gaelic sounds like "a picturesque valley on the shore of a wide bay".
In 1994, the distillery was visited by Prince Charles, who not only placed an order for the supply of whiskey to the royal table, but also gave permission to use the appropriate inscription on its label.
The same year, the Friends of Laphroaig advertising project was launched. Each customer who becomes the owner of a bottle of whiskey packed in a tube receives a special code.
After registering on the site, the user becomes a "friend of Laphroaig," which entitles him or her to own 1 square foot of land on the Isle of Islay, which is located on the territory of the company.
As a rent for the use of the site, the company annually provides the buyer with 1/8 ounce of whiskey.
You can get a "fee" by visiting the factory.
Laphroaig drinks are often found in books, songs and movies. Some of the most famous references include Thomas Gifford's novel Assassins, texts by Boris Grebenshchikov, and the films Like Crazy and Scandalous Diary.
Update: 02.04.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon