Laphroaig 16 was created for the famed Islay distillery’s 200 year anniversary. Initially released as a limited edition, the single malt Scotch Whisky was so well received that they decided to give it another iteration. It’s the perfect dram for late summer evening spent on the porch or cozy night by the fire come autumn.
This golden elixir spent 16 years patiently maturing in ex-Bourbon barrels, which is where its leather and famed vanilla sweetness come from. Those notes play beautifully with Laphroaig’s rich and smoky style.
On the nose, drinkers will find sweet leather, oaky spices, vanilla and wood character with gorse flowers and heather fragrance, roasted chestnuts with rich maple syrup, as well as a touch of black pepper. The palate is sweet with treacle and caramel, Manuka honey, and thyme, but also intense wood smoke, creosote, lots of floral notes of heather and bergamot, and a chili mouthfeel. The finish is long lasting, smoky, sweet and salted seaweed, medicinal character. Laphroaig believes its best served neat with ice, with ice or a drop of water.
Bottled at 48% ABV, Laphroaig 16 is going for £89.00 ($112 USD). The bottle will be available (while supplies last) as of September 9, but you are able to preorder it in advance. In Europe, it will be exclusively available via Amazon.
The history of Laphroaig dates back to the early 19th Century, when two brothers, Donald and Alexander Johnston, leased 1000 acres on Islay for rearing cattle. In 1815, they founded their distillery on the island’s south coast. Laphroaig, meaning “broad hollow by the bay,” was named for its location. It remained in the same family’s hands for 139 years. Among many firsts, Laphroaig was home to the first female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson. Currently, the brand is owned by Beam Suntory.