PRONOUNCED LAH-FROYG
A NIP ABOUT LAPHROAIG
Laphroaig is an Islay single malt scotch whiskey known for its signature smoky, medicinal flavour.
Laphroaig gets its name from its location, 'broad hollow by the bay' because of its location on Scotland's south coast where its distillery was founded.
According to the foundations stone, the Laphroaig peat kilns were built in 1840 making them almost as old as the distillery itself.
It is the most frequently aged to 10 years, although 15-year-old variety is common. The 27, 30 and 40 year olds are now both rare and expensive, and unfortunately their 18 year old was discontinued in late 2015.
A NIP OF HISTORY
The distillery was established in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston. These two founders were from the Clan Donald and the family anglicised the name to Johnston.
Laphroaig has a rich history from its creation, to hostile competition, the family, and all the way to Bessie Williamson who was the first woman to manage a Scotch Whisky distillery during the 20th century.
Laphroaig distillery has since been constantly acquired and passed around before settling:
- It was sold to Long John International in the 1960s
- 1973 Long John and the Distillery was acquired by Whitbread
- 1989 the distillery was sold by Whitbread to become a part of Allied Domecq
- 2005 Domecq was acquired by Fortune Brands
- 2011 Fortune Brands was then split up forming its spirits business into Beam Inc
- 2014 Beam was then purchased by Suntory Holdings
LAPHROAIG TODAY
2015 was Laphroaig's double centenary year, celebrating 200 years.
Given the significance of 2015, this was the year that Laphroaig's whiskey makers are remembered, past and present. All of the brewers and makers that have walked and worked in the distillery are all responsible for helping make Laphroaig what it is today:
The world's richest single malt whiskey.
HOW TO TASTE YOUR WHISKY LIKE A SIR
The first step to tasting the whisky is examining it closely. Do it against a white background if you can, because the colour of a whiskey can tell you a lot about it. The colours can tell you what kind of cask the whisky was matured in, where it was made and how long it aged.
Then what you do is smell it with your mouth slightly open. This is the most important part of the tasting. Just be aware that some whiskies can be over 50% ABV, which can be intense if your nose isn't accustomed yet. Try to focus on each aroma and what they remind you of. Break down the smells as much as you can.
The best and final part, tasting the whisky. Start with a small sip, try washing the first sip around your mouth for a few seconds to prepare your palette. Keep taking small sips and holding them in for a bit at a time so that you can focus on each flavour like you did with the aromas.
With whiskies being strong, you can add a few drops of water to the whisky to really open it up and lower the alcohol percentage to allow more aromas and flavours to come through.
Now that you have some background knowledge on Laphroaig, you can grab yourself a bottle with confidence and join in on your whiskey snob friends if you have any.
Available at Good Stuff participating Liquor Legend outlets. So be sure to find yours today.