Laphroaig unveils ‘richest of the rich’ single malt

The Islay distillery Laphroaig has launched a new single malt – Laphroaig Lore – which it describes as its “richest to date”.

Aged in a combination of first-fill Bourbon barrels, quarter casks and oloroso Sherry hogsheads, Lore is described as the richest single malt Laphroaig has ever made (Photo: Laphroaig)

Produced from a variety of casks including first-fill Bourbon barrels, quarter casks and oloroso Sherry hogsheads,, Laphroaig Lore is described by distillery manager John Campbell as a “massive whisky” and “the richest of the rich”.

The new-release single malt has “rich and smoky” aromas with “seaside minerals and a hint of ash and bitter chocolate drops”, while “vanilla follows with oily unroasted chestnuts and a hint of fudge with a malty sweetness”. The palate is described as “richly peaty with a spicy chilli bite”.

“Laphroaig Lore is the story of Laphroaig itself,” Campbell said. “It’s a massive whisky, as bold as it is deep, and one that I sincerely hope does justice to the many generations of Laphroaig distillery managers. It’s our story, bottled: the richest of the rich.”

Laphroaig said the recipe for its new single malt emerged in 1800, created by brothers Alexander and Donald Johnston before the Laphroaig distillery officially came into existence in 1815.

The recipe was developed in the 1920s by Laphroaig distillery manager Ian Hunter, who pioneered the use of old Bourbon casks.

Further refinements were made to the recipe by the 20th century’s only female Scotch whisky distiller, Bessie Williamson, and other distillers such as Laphroaig veteran Iain Henderson.

Laphroaig Lore is bottled at 48% ABV and will be available from 18th March 2016 priced at £75.