Laphroaig 35 yo Strong Characters Dugald Johnston 1847-1877

 

 

 

43,8°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

American White Oak Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Two years after the first chapter in this ‘Strong Characters’ series, the second chapter is finally here, dedicated to Dugald Johnston, son of Donald, who took over the distillery in 1847 following his father’s sudden death. Brit Brady has designed the label, which appears to illustrate this episode. As for the whisky itself, it has been aged for 35 years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, allowing the distillate to express itself fully. 5,500 bottles are being released. I wonder if they’re going to dedicate a bottling to every single distillery manager. Because there are still a good dozen of them, and at the rate of one bottle every two years, we’ll be at it until 2050. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A perfect Laphroaig, with just the right amount of tar, smoke, disinfectant and iodine to delicately envelop the ripe fruits, lemon, pineapple, vanilla, redcurrants, green apples and white peaches. Fruit cake soaked in fuel oil, candied cherries. Lovely airy fullness, sea breeze, mineral intensity. On the palate, a salad of macerated fruit, thick peat, waterlogged wood dotted with moss and mushrooms, hazelnut cream, almond paste. Spices that are by no means overpowering, yet possess great depth. A finish as long as a sociology lecture, full of bandages and chloroform, black pepper, butter biscuits. Honey, dried papaya. Sea spray. 

 

In Short, 

This is the oldest Laphroaig I’ve tasted so far, and it’s quite magnificent. There’s so much tar and fuel oil on the nose that I thought it might have been aged in sherry casks. The finish is endless, and on the palate it’s very smooth, like a marvellous oasis amidst a whirlwind of intense flavours. Well done, but you’ll need to think about bringing the prices down a bit. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             The Opposition - Very Little Glory 

Laphroaig 10 yo Original Cask Strength Batch 015

 

 

 

56,5°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Recharred Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

For over two years now, there’s been no news of a new batch of the 10-year-old Cask Strength, it’s really sad. I asked the distillery’s new Brand Ambassador about this, and he assured me that the series isn’t over, that they’re just adapting to demand. And apparently, demand isn’t strong enough. I’m consoling myself with Batch 15, bottled in December 2021 and released in August 2022. It was matured in Bourbon casks that were re-charred for the occasion; I think they were charred right down to the staves. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Tar, asphalt, burnt-out car wrecks, peat with thick smoke full of coal and soot, pebbles of limestone and granite. Touch of medicine and disinfectant. Shoe polish and engine oil. Faint whiffs of alcohol. On the palate, very oily, linseed oil, Muscat grapes and redcurrants, buried walnuts, chocolate fondant, coffee grounds, puddles of fuel oil, powerful spices, nutmeg and black pepper. A rather long finish, lignite, dark tobacco, stretto coffee, liquorice and caramel, cola nuts, remarkable bitterness.

 

In Short, 

I’m surprised there’s no sherry in there, as it’s quite fruity on the palate. As for the rest, it feels like sticking your head under the bonnet of an old car, whilst eating liquorice sweets and drinking coffee. Totally radical and totally brilliant. If you don’t like it, that’s your loss. It’s worth noting that it’s very different from Batch 14, which was much more citrusy and honeyed. This one is very dark, with red berries and dried fruit on the palate. The price is perfectly reasonable for what it is.  

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Clan of Xymox - Broken Heart

Williamson 2014 British Dragonflies 11 yo

 

 

 

61,4°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Archives

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

Normally, when the name ‘Williamson’ is used, in honour of Bessie Williamson, the only woman to have run a distillery in the 20th century, it is to conceal the fact that it is actually a Laphroaig. At Archives, they haven’t quite grasped the concept, as the bottle states: ‘Williamson distilled at Laphroaig Distillery’. What’s the point of calling it ‘Williamson’ if you’re allowed to say it’s a Laphroaig? ‘Williamson’ is also used to describe young, fiery Laphroaigs, and this one is certainly fiery, given the stated alcohol content. At Archives, a Dutch company founded in 2011, bottlings are always cask strength, which is why the alcohol content can sometimes be very high. But there’s nothing to stop you adding a little water to your glass. This one was bottled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Heads and Tails, an independent bottler based in Canada. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The smoke hits you right in the face. Thick, laden with ash, deeply maritime. Iodine and seaweed, a violent sea breeze, sea foam and fish scales. Shards of rock, chalky mineral nuances, quartz, flint. Behind all this, sweet butter, a dash of vanilla and a few plums and bananas. Orange peel. On the palate, it’s quite oily, almond oil, juicy pears, lychees, perhaps a bit of coconut. Then the spices come through, fierce, white pepper, cumin, horseradish. The finish is rather intense, though not as much as I’d expected, nor is it particularly long, dark tobacco, charcoal and liquorice. It’s very medicinal and salty, used bandages soaked in disinfectant, cold ash, cough syrup with a faintly sweet note. 

 

In Short, 

It’s actually more of a Williamson than a Laphroaig, because right from the first sniff it’s a storm of smoke and iodine. It’s as if you’re standing on the railings of an old fishmonger’s boat, with fuel oil leaking and piles of fish wriggling about on the deck. But on the palate, it’s still quite fruity, and the finish is superb, very medicinal, and the alcohol seemed well integrated to me. A very good Laphroaig, then, or rather, a Williamson, which lacks just a touch of genius to be perfect. 

Score : 89+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                      To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             New Day Dawn - Whatever It Takes

Laphroaig 11 yo Living Souls

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Refill Bourbon Barrels 

Independent Bottling 

By Living Souls 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

As I’ve really enjoyed it so far, I’m continuing to explore the Living Souls range, and I must say I’m delighted every time. Here we have a relatively young Laphroaig, matured in a blend of refill bourbon casks that bring out the best in the spirit. I’d have liked to know how many bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A bewitching smokiness and a few mineral hints, which barely mask the white grape pulp, liquid honey, lumps of charcoal, gravel, a subtle medicinal note. Candied banana, vanilla icing, heavy peat, a pinch of icing sugar. Ointment. On the palate too, the fruit is more pronounced, it’s sweet, buttered toast, lychees, almond paste, then the spices emerge, quite strongly, cumin, clove, black pepper. Quite oily overall. A very long finish, but not overly aggressive, royal jelly, puddles of petrol, prickly pears, dried tobacco, rustic wood, the peat resurfacing, liquorice, an ounce of bitterness.

 

In Short, 

This is the classic Laphroaig profile, with just the right amount of minerality, coastal character, medicinal and oily notes. But above all, there’s plenty of fruit, and the balance is beautifully maintained. Everything works very well together, and the price is really good value. If I were you, I’d hurry up and buy it. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                    Dead Serpent - Destruction

Laphroaig 2013 The Single Malts of Scotland 9 yo c. 190

 

 

 

61,4°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Elixir Distillers often release Laphroaigs of this sort, where the distillate is showcased in all its youthful vigour. This whisky is just 9 years and 11 days old and was drawn from a single hogshead that has allowed it to flourish. 332 bottles have seen the light of day. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Vanilla cream, traces of chalk, ointment and powdered almonds. Grey smoke from dust, floor wax, toasted cereals, goose fat, hints of petrol, methylated spirits. Medicinal notes in the background. On the palate, it’s a little simple but pleasant, juicy pears, cloves, white fruits, more vanilla, then cumin, horseradish. The finish is slightly better, and even long, deep, oily, coconut extract, chocolatey charcoal, dried bananas, velvety figs. Exotic wood and heather honey.

 

In Short, 

This one hasn’t quite managed to avoid a few flaws. On the nose, it’s unbalanced, with too much creamy vanilla, and the alcohol is very noticeable. On the palate, it’s a bit light, but pleasant. Fortunately, the finish saves the day somewhat, as it’s very good. Overall, I’d say it has a friendly profile with character despite its flaws, but one expects better from a product in this range. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend buying it, there are plenty of better-made Laphroaigs, and often cheaper too. 

Score : 87 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                Bonnie Tyler - It's a Heartache

Laphroaig 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland Specially Selected By The Nectar 7 yo

 

 

 

56,2°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

You should never overlook a young Laphroaig, which is why I decided to try this one last night. It’s very straightforward, matured in a hogshead and aged for just 7 years. But give or take 8 days, it was 8 years old. 265 bottles were drawn from the cask. It’s a special bottling, though, as it was specially selected by The Nectar, a colleague from Elixir Distillers, which is based in Belgium. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Diesel oil, soot, bandages and disinfectant. Tons of iodine, sharp limestone, various types of rock. An overturned salt shaker. Dusty smoke. A half-full ashtray. In the background, vanilla, white butter, banana. Gradually, the fruit notes become more prominent. On the palate, it is mellow and oily, lychees, white grapes, then spicy, cumin, cloves, grey pepper. Crushed almonds. A very powerful finish, crème fraîche, hazelnuts, untreated wood, greasy coal, fuel oil, petrol. Sugared almonds. A zest of lemon.

 

In Short, 

It’s so quintessentially Laphroaig that we ought to invent a name for it, Megalaphroaig, Absolutphraig, or something like that. It has all the distillery’s signature characteristics, each perfectly in place, but amplified a thousandfold, enhanced by the whisky’s youth and the barely perceptible influence of the cask. For a fan of this style like me, it’s a marvel, but for someone who doesn’t like it, it’ll be a nightmare. You can still find it on certain websites, sometimes at a reasonable price, sometimes not at all. Choose wisely.

Score : 88+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

                                           Sexual Purity - The Room

Laphroaig 25 yo Cask Strength 2023

 

 

 

47,3°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

American Oak Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Cask Strength 

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

It seems this is the very last 25-year-old Cask Strength in this series, which began in 1998. We’ve been waiting for the new batch for three years, but it hasn’t arrived, and we have to come to terms with this painful news: there won’t be any more. Just like the 10-year-old Cask Strength we’ve been waiting for for two years, it seems the distillery is radically overhauling its lineup. And so, as the very last 25-year-old, it has a first distinctive feature: it was aged entirely in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels. No sherry this time. The second unique feature is that the alcohol content is fairly low, which will make it easier to drink. As for the coloring, it’s still unclear, I found a website that claims it isn’t colored, but nothing is mentioned on the others. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is ethereal, particularly dark and earthy. Greasy ash, sea salt, fairly pronounced medicinal notes, sharp iodine, kelp and dried seaweed. All of this is rubbed with lemon peel, it's bursting with citrus, yet it’s also charcoal-like, cavernous, dusty. The peat is very present. A touch of exotic fruits, pineapple, grapefruit, Frécinette banana. Dark chocolate, a dash of vanilla. On the palate, it’s oily, honeyed, heavily peated, but with a wonderful smoothness, lychees, almonds, white peaches. Light mineral notes, limestone, a pinch of salt. Very long finish—not extremely strong, but expressive and herbaceous. Barley sugar, pencil lead, gypsum, bits of charcoal, cucumber, melon, earth, coffee, and tobacco. A dusting of cinnamon. 

 

In Short, 

I loved the nose, which is pure Laphroaig. No doubt the aging exclusively in Bourbon casks brings out the distillery’s character, and it’s truly incredible. On the other hand, on the palate and in the finish, it’s excellent, smooth and balanced, perfect, but it lacks just a touch of power due to the low alcohol content. As with the previous editions I’ve tasted, I’m blown away by the persistence of the peat and the mineral, medicinal, and coastal notes. Even after 25 years, the whiskey retains all its radicalism, but it’s much more harmonious and complex. The price, of course, is very high, even higher than usual, it seems to me. But how can I put it? You don’t haggle over the price of a piece of history. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                              Chrysta Bell - Sycamore Trees

Laphroaig 15 yo 2026

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

American Oak Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2026

Unchillfiltered

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Laphroaig 15 Year Old was first released around 1985. At the time, it had an alcohol content of 40% and was fitted with a screw cap. It was then known as Prime 15 Year Old. Then, during the 1990s, the alcohol content was increased to 43% and a cork stopper was introduced. I don’t know exactly when production of this 15-year-old ceased, but apparently it was in 2009, although some mention bottlings that may have taken place in the early 2010s. In any case, it was a huge disappointment for all the distillery’s fans. Then there was the 15-year-old ‘200th Anniversary of Laphroaig’ in 2015, but that was a limited edition. Next came the Cairdeas 15-year-old in 2017, another limited edition. And here it is again today, more than fifteen years later! This time, it’s 46% ABV and is advertised as ‘non-chill-filtered’ on some websites, which pleases me. The whisky is aged entirely in American oak casks that previously held bourbon, and I don’t think there are many first-fill casks in the batch, which leaves plenty of room for the spirit to shine.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The full expression of Laphroaig, harsh smoke, tar, grassy peat, dust, disinfectant, ointment, with a delicate honeyed sweetness, heather, candied angelica, a whisper of citrus, and a generous dose of iodine, powerful, a few pebbles and seafood. On the palate, it is velvety, polished fruit, mirabelle plums, bananas, vanilla, varnished wood, the peat comes through later, cold ash, dry earth, measured spices, pepper, cloves. The finish is quite long, full of ash, asphalt, coffee, volcanic rock, shards of coal, black chalk, dark tobacco, an ocean of fuel oil.

 

In Short, 

Rather than simply a return to the distillery’s history, what we are invited to experience today is a genuine reconciliation, for the discontinuation of the 15-year-old has always seemed unjustified. But this 15-year-old is not the same as the one from back then, it is more robust, more Laphroaigish, with a finish that really gets your hands dirty, very long and charcoal-like. I found a lovely contrast between the sweet flavours of the cask and the distillery’s strong identity, which is perfectly evident here. I think it is an excellent whisky at a fair price, and I’ll definitely be buying a bottle. That said, I tasted it alongside the Springbank 10-year-old, and the latter is a cut above. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                                 Blood Desire - Darkness Dance

Laphroaig 30 yo 2024 Release

 

 

 

45,8°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

American Oak Ex-Bourbon Casks, European Oak Ex-Sherry Hogsheads and Butts 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Occasionally, the distillery releases a 30-year-old whisky, always as a limited edition. This might be to pay tribute to Ian Hunter, or to celebrate an anniversary. In 2024, two 30-year-old whiskies were released, including this one, which does not commemorate any particular event or person. It is simply a 30-year-old, slightly diluted, resulting from a blend of European sherry casks and American bourbon casks. It was intended to be an annual release, but there has been no news of a new batch in 2025, nor this year. Perhaps not enough were sold. There were 10,500 bottles available for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The balance is magnificent, with, on the one hand, skilfully measured coastal notes, a very subtle medicinal touch, fresh iodine, and, on the other, juicy citrus fruits, a chalky smokiness, a faint hint of vanilla. On closer inspection, one detects vegetal notes, parsley, thyme, a spoonful of lard. Salt and icing sugar. A few tropical fruits emerge, mango, papaya. On the palate, it is also perfectly balanced, white grape, rich minerality, peat permeating the fruit, orange and grapefruit, light spices. A very long finish, slowly taking over everything, noble varnished wood, a zest of lime, a full ashtray, burnt tyre, liquorice and dark chocolate, freshly ground coffee beans. Dark tobacco, tar. Hazelnuts. 

 

In Short, 

It’s truly superb, as one might expect, though the exotic fruit notes are a little subdued, and it lacks the depth and complexity of the 25-year-old – at least the ones I’ve tasted. I can see why it hasn’t been as successful as hoped, it isn’t quite as good as one might have expected. It is, however, a sublime bottling, very well-balanced, though perhaps lacking a little character, except on the finish. Buying it is obviously a significant investment, so it might be best to think twice. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Go Kurosawa - Moon, Please

Laphroaig 33 yo Strong Characters Donald Johnston 1810-1847

 

 

 

43,8°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

American Oak Bourbon Casks and European Oak Sherry Hogsheads

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

With this prestigious release, the distillery and its team aim to pay tribute to one of its founders, Donald Johnston. It marks the first chapter in a series dedicated to the artisans behind one of the finest distilleries in the world. For the occasion, an alliance of Bourbon and Sherry casks has been created, and the bottle is adorned with a luxurious packaging illustrated by Bill Bragg. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Crème brûlée, a variety of pulpy tropical fruits, candied lemon, which blends with an ethereal limestone, evanescent iodine and fine salt. Subtle vegetal notes, rosemary, eucalyptus, which harmonise with a liquorice-tinged smokiness, rhubarb tart, angelica, and a melt-in-the-mouth toffee, baked apples. Waxed wood, a dash of vanilla, dried blond tobacco. On the palate, it is onctuous, almond paste, lychees, seafood salad, a good layer of ash and seaweed, juicy white fruits and citrus, grapefruit, oranges, runny honey, very discreet spices, red pepper, cinnamon. An immensely long and deep finish, incredible given the low alcohol content, tall grasses, sliced lime, full ashtray, wood varnish, pine resin, coffee grounds, smoke delicately filthy, cured ham, crushed hazelnuts, dark chocolate. 

 

In Short, 

There’s not much else to say other than wow – everything is perfect, everything is just right, the briny, slightly medicinal notes and tropical fruits, the intense smokiness and the superbly balanced spices – all of this makes for something absolutely exceptional that will linger in your memory for weeks. I did, however, prefer the 34 yo, whose nose would have converted me to Laphroaigism, were such a religion to exist. As for the price, it’s a small sacrifice to make for the salvation of your soul. 

Score : 91+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Mono - Run On

Laphroaig 25 yo Cask Strength 2022

 

 

 

53,4° 

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Ex-Bourbon Barrels and Oloroso Sherry Butts

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Let’s compare the 25-year-old Ardbeg with its counterpart from Laphroaig. Laphroaig has been producing 25-year-olds for a very long time now. Since 1998, a Cask Strength version has been released nearly every year. It has been matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels. It is impossible to know whether it has been coloured or not, as no source specifies this, which generally means that it has been coloured. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A perfect balance between iodine notes, a dirty yet elegant peat, laced with soot and medicinal notes, and vibrant fruits, papaya, pineapple, flambéed banana, lychee, white grapes, mirabelle plums, lime, a whisper of vanilla, old wood. On the palate, thick honey, melting caramel, peaches, orgeat syrup, rose water, underpinned by a thick, vegetal peat that is, however, very well tamed. Subtle and varied spices. A superb finish, incredibly long, charcoal nuggets, soot here and there, lemon tart, bewitching smoke, balsamic vinegar, baked apples, rustic cereals. Dried seaweed, moistened ashes.

 

In Short, 

It’s a bit like the 25 yo from 2020, which I’m talking about here, in other words, the qualities of youth, vigor and a peaty intensity, combine here with the qualities of age, subtlety, complexity and the influence of the cask, to create a well-rounded whisky. Except that with this one, it’s even better, there’s a fairly high alcohol content that gives it a certain intensity, and fruity, exotic flavours that take you to heaven. I could go on talking about it for ages, but I must get to the price. It’s half the price of the Ardbeg, which is actually the same age, but it’s still a bit too expensive for me, unfortunately. Perhaps with a bit of luck at auction, I’ll one day have the privilege of getting my hands on a bottle. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Child of Night - Unafraid

Laphroaig 2015 Old Islay 10 yo

 

 

 

52°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

Angus MacRaild and Iain MacClune, who founded Decadent Drinks in 2020, have launched a new range called the Islands Hopping Series. The concept involves travelling from one island to another across the British archipelagos and experiencing their most iconic whiskies. The first was a 21-year-old Bowmore released in February, the second a 20-year-old Ledaig (Old Mull), the third a 21-year-old Bunnahabhain, and this is the fourth, a 10-year-old Laphroaig aged in a single first-fill bourbon cask, slightly diluted to 52% ABV. Angus told me that at cask strength it was around 57–58% ABV. In the tradition of the Old Orkney range, these bottlings are called Old Islay. The aim is no doubt to revive old-style whiskies. For this one, 301 bottles are being released.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Right from the start, a gritty smokiness, a very pronounced coastal character, iodine, sea spray, seawater, seaweed, the tide, kelp, and a huge medicinal note, bandages, disinfectant, Betadine, melted plastic. There is indeed a whisper of vanilla and some yellow fruit in the background, but it’s subtle. The whole is very well crafted and very balanced, a bit austere, mineral. On the palate, it goes even further, the medicinal intensity is still there, peat, salinity, oysters and limestone, perhaps a hint of lychee and coconut, not overly strong spices, clove, grey pepper. A very long and explosive finish, gravel, soot, liquorice, a few dried fruits steeped in medicine, burnt rubber, roots. 

 

In Short, 

It’s so quintessentially Laphroaig, so typical of the distillery that there’s nothing else to say, except that despite its divisive flavours and aromas, it seems very well-balanced, easy to drink and almost self-evident. Yes, there is something old-fashioned about this whisky despite its boldness, or at least reminiscent of the old whiskies as we imagine them today. As for the price, it is high for a 10-year-old, but the quality is there, it tastes significantly older. I didn’t hesitate for long before picking up a bottle. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Jon Henrik Fjällgren - Old Paths

Laphroaig 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland 11 yo c. 210

 

 

 

65,2°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

Refill Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Elixir Distillers has made a big splash this year with a series of six Laphroaig whiskies, all distilled in 2014 and released at the same time, all aged for 11 years, and all but one matured in the same type of cask, a Refill Hogshead. One was selected by La Maison du Whisky and is reserved for the French market. I wrote about it here. Another is reserved for the German market, and yet another for the New Zealand market. This one is reserved for everyone, and it has the distinction of having a very high alcohol content. 326 bottles have been released into the wild, and some are still available at the time of writing.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Woody and very chalky nose, thick satiny vanilla smoke, almost suffocating, then perfect balance, orange zest, juicy pears, almond paste. Some maritime notes, the tide, whelks and other shellfish. Generous dose of iodine, medicinal touch, bandages and betadine. Very smooth on the palate at first, vanilla with a little oyster juice, liquid honey, fairly strong pepper. Fairly long and very powerful finish, cumin and cola, large pieces of charcoal, sticky caramel, varnished wood, hot chestnuts, dried bananas. 

 

In Short, 

It is truly a masterpiece of its kind. It has the power and everything that characterises the distillery, and at the same time a beautiful harmony, a wonderful balance at times. The nose is not perfect, but on the palate and in the finish, it is excellent. The alcohol is fairly well integrated, there are no real flaws. What's more, the price is very reasonable, it's a real bargain. What more could you ask for?

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Winona Riders - Dopamina

Laphroaig 2015 The Single Malts of Scotland Small Batch 10 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

Elixir Distillers has discontinued its Reserve Casks sub-range, replacing it with this new series, Small Batch. Among the first releases, this Laphroaig immediately caught the public's attention. Although reduced to 48% ABV, it is nevertheless the result of a blend of three refill hogsheads, and ten years is a respectable age.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very soft nose, almost fluffy, cotton, cotton candy, coconut, light and seductive smoke. Shortcrust pastry with a dash of vanilla, clouds of citrus, but gradually the peat rises. It becomes dirtier, with balsamic rock, gypsum, sea spray and ether. But the balance is maintained, nougat, brown sugar, the smoke becomes grimy, carrying nuggets of coal and soot. Chocolate lace, marzipan. On the palate, barley sugar, icing sugar, more coconut, vanilla ice cream, rose Turkish delight, lilac, cat's tongue biscuits, light mineral notes, then fairly strong spices, cumin and cloves. A fairly long finish with good body, tobacco, liquorice, fresh fig, a hint of aniseed, shortbread biscuits and hazelnuts.

 

In Short, 

The Laphroaig profile is very recognisable, yet at the same time it is smooth and subtle. The iodine notes and medicinal touch are definitely there, but they are balanced with white fruits and a pleasant sweetness. It is a rather old-school Laphroaig, nothing like the full-bodied, aggressive Laphroaigs that are sometimes found today. I find it simply excellent. For me, it's the perfect daily dram, perhaps even a little too good for that. What's more, the price is very reasonable, so you should snap it up. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Pirx - Silence in Two

Laphroaig 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland Collection Itinéraires 11 yo

 

 

 

57,5°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

There are four 11-year-old Laphroaigs distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2025 by Elixir Distillers, so it is important not to confuse them. Two are produced in tribute to whisky retail websites, Whisky Galore and Fassstark.de, one is available for general sale, and this one is reserved for the French market through the Collection Itinéraires, created by La Maison du Whisky for the Whisky Live Paris 2025. Only 359 bottles are available for sale, after 11 years and 2 months of ageing. Maturation in Refill Hogshead casks guarantees a pure distillate.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Fuel oil and iodine, limestone and chalk, medicinal notes, earthy and muddy peat, but not too strong, reeds, chives, peppermint. A generous zest of lemon, a few mirabelle plums and a floral note, crystalline vanilla, jasmine and rose Turkish delight. Tobacco leaves, coffee beans. On the palate, it is supple, lychee juice, slivered almonds, on thick peat, modelling clay, coarse salt, soot, ashes and pungent spices, cloves, cumin, black pepper. The finish is long, dirty, explosive, tarry, full of coal, rocks and salt, but also oily, shortbread biscuits, grapefruit, dark chocolate and liquorice, sleet, pebbles. 

 

In Short, 

A truly representative Laphroaig, it has everything we love about this distillery, but with a certain finesse that softens its aggressiveness and makes it more subtle. Anyone who likes this profile will be delighted, but it's nothing brilliant either, as it's not particularly expressive on the palate. The nose and finish, on the other hand, are perfect. The price is reasonable, and now I wonder why I didn't buy it.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Blackwater Holylight - Heavy, Why?

Laphroaig 2005 Artist #15 Something in the Water 20 yo

 

 

 

49,6°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

This Laphroaig underwent a completely straightforward maturation in a Bourbon Barrel. How will the distillate assert itself after this? Only 155 bottles were released for sale, the angel's share is significant. The label features Radhika Surana's artwork Meandering through Relationships III.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Typical Laphroaigish nose, crystalline peat and powerful iodine, sea spray, medicinal notes, some pulpy white fruits, even exotic ones, vanilla and mirabelle plum, a generous dose of citrus, captivating smoke, tar and cold ashes, seductive mineral notes, slate, chalk, but this time it's also a bit herbaceous, dry grass, cut hay, and the wood is quite present, roasted nuts, mahogany. On the palate, it's honeyed, with almond milk and green olive. Rich citrus, milk chocolate, then thick, dry and earthy peat takes over. Spices are not very expressive, but give it personality. The finish is not quite explosive, but rather long nonetheless, a large pinch of salt, cloves, coffee, some dried fruit, dates and figs. Crushed chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

It's very good, but not quite what I was hoping for. Although it has all the perfect characteristics of this distillery that I love, I feel it lacks punch and aggression. Perhaps the alcohol content is a little low, but I felt something was missing, despite a very successful nose. However, the price is extremely high, so it will be difficult to convince us that it's worth it.

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Katatonia - For My Demons

An Islay Distillery 26 yo Macbeth A Whisky Collection The Witches Series Second Witch

 

 

 

49,5°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

Oloroso Sherry Butt and 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

Still part of the extensive Macbeth collection launched in 2023 by Elixir Distillers on Livingstone's initiative, this 26-year-old native of the Isle of Islay is bound to attract attention. The result of combining an Oloroso Sherry Butt and a 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, the blend yielded 750 bottles. I'm not going to pretend I don't know the name of the distillery, it's Laphroaig.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very woody sherry, very dry and herbal, angelica and dried herbs, red fruit coulis on rocky ground. Forest honey, pine needles, spongy leather and a few maritime notes, sea spray, seaweed, a pinch of salt. Mahogany bark studded with redcurrants. The peat is discreet, but I still find soot and charcoal. On the palate, it is oily, dried fruit, dates, raisins, blond tobacco, orange peel, pomegranate, blackberries. It is slightly aniseed, thyme, rosemary, a wide variety of spices, a bit peppery. The finish is dominated by peat, meaty, vaguely fruity, long and powerful, liquorice, tar, clods of dry earth.

 

In Short, 

It should have been a great moment, and instead it was good, but I found a few flaws, a little too woody, not balanced enough. Probably just a passing bad feeling, because the reviews are generally very good for this bottle, but I'm not going to hide it either. I'd like to try it again to form a more definitive opinion, but for now, it's not a complete success.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Renaissance - Can You Understand ?

Laphroaig Elements L 2.0

 

 

 

59,6°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Laphroaig started the Elements series in 2023, with the idea of experimenting and bottling. Here, it's the fermentation time that's changed. Instead of using the distillery's usual fermentation time of 55 hours, the lab assistants went up to 115 hours, which is a very long time, and this in exceptionally aerated conditions. The mashing was carried out under totally traditional conditions. The rest is classic, aged entirely in Bourbon casks, with no mention of age, in order to highlight the only difference, the duration of fermentation. The result was named Whisky of the Year by the Whisky Advocate.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's immediately very fruity for a Laphroaig, with baked apples, pomegranate, red berries, braised vanilla and plums of all kinds. It's all wrapped up in a lovely fresh iodine, sea spray and foam, and a bewitching smoke that lets the fruit and soft floral notes shine through. On the palate, crème brûlée, brioche, candied ginger, pineapple and grapefruit, virulent spices and a good layer of herbaceous peat. The finish is fairly long, with caramel and coffee mingling with orange marmalade, honeyed walnuts, and again discreet coastal flavours, kelp and a pinch of salt.

 

In Short, 

It's very interesting, there's a lot of fruit, and it doesn't detract from the distillery's atypical profile, except perhaps for the medicinal touch. The blend is well done, with a certain balance. On the palate, however, I found it a little light, no doubt the hallmark of a whisky that is still too young. On the whole, I liked it, but I think it's too expensive. I'm well aware that you have to pay for experimentation, but Kilchoman does the same kind of weirdness, and it's much cheaper. That's why I'm asking these gentlemen to review their business plan, there's surely something to be done to optimise the price. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Vioflesh - Within the Veil

Laphroaig 1988 The Ian Hunter Story Book 5 : Enduring Spirit 34 yo

 

 

 

45,5°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

American White Oak Bourbon Barrels and 1st Fill European Oak Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Ian Hunter is one of the great names who have contributed to the success of the distillery, and one of the great names in whisky itself. He is said to have popularised the use of American oak to age whisky. He is also credited with the distillery's current malting area, which is still in use. So it's understandable that, from 2019, a series of bottlings entitled The Ian Hunter Story has been dedicated to him. This one is the final bottling in the series, released in September 2023, despite being bottled a year earlier on 22 August 2022. It is indeed Cask Strength despite the low alcohol content, and only one site states that it is not coloured, but it would be a crime to do so on such an old spirit. The number of bottles produced is not given.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A deluge of tropical fruit on the nose, papaya, pineapple, mango, prickly pear, guava, passion fruit, grapefruit, deep vanilla, lemon slices. All this with a lovely woody patina, beeswax, wildflower honey, birch resin, ripe apricots, mirabelle plums and greengages. Almost undetectable smoke, but haunting and dancing, charcoal toast, dry earth and a medicinal touch. Then the costal elements reveal themselves, iridescent salt, whiffs of crystalline iodine, delicate quartz. Chalky notes, but the fruit persists and gives the whole an airy character. On the palate, great sweetness, the fruit is more candied, with some sultanas, caramel syrup, a fine layer of peat, buckwheat pancakes, ewe's milk cheese. Shimmering spices. The finish is very long and quite explosive despite the low alcohol content, grey ash, pellets, vanilla beans. There are still hints of fruit and honey, chocolate and coffee.

 

In Short, 

I've tasted it three times in the space of two weeks, so I'm pretty sure of my notes, and I'm surprised not many people mention the abundance of exotic fruit in there. It's better than the old Bowmores. The peat is very subdued, but overall the balance is pretty fantastic. The palate and finish are marvellous, but the nose is still beyond that, it's a real epiphany, and now I think about it every day. It's an absolutely exceptional product, but the strongest thing about it is the price.

Score : 92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Samaris - Glaedur

Williamson 2012 Single Cask Collection Foundations 12 yo

 

 

 

59°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm 

Bessie Williamson is the only woman to have run a distillery in the 20th century in Scotland. And that, of course, was Laphroaig. In her honour, some independent bottlings are named Williamson, on the pretext of keeping the name of the real distillery a secret, but everyone knows, apart from a few newbies, that Williamson is Laphroaig. In general, Williamsons are rather young, but this one is nonetheless 12 years old, it grew up in a Bourbon Hogshead, and 278 bottles were crafted. It was selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Collection Foundations, and reserved in priority to the French market. 

Let's Taste It : 

A pure Laphroaig in all its splendour, powerful peat full of gravel, coal nuggets, dizzying smoke bursting with iodine, sea spray and nails, patches of tar, sticky fuel oil, and pronounced medicinal notes. In the background, white fruit, grapes, plums, bananas. Lemon pulp. Nice balance. The palate brings out the fruit, which is quite sweet despite the pungent peat, pepper and cloves, metallic and mineral sparkles, a very slight dash of vanilla. Limestone, quartz, tin. Powerful finish, like a tidal wave of charcoal and metallic rubble, concrete, on a beach whipped up by the sea breeze, greenish foam, with a few herbaceous touches behind, aniseed, honeysuckle, ginger. Crushed chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

This should be reserved for lovers of heavy peat and fans of Laphroaig, but it reaches a level of excellence rarely achieved with a 12-year-old. The balance is there, between the distinctive Laphroaig aromas and the lovely iodine and fruit notes. The peat and gravel still have the upper hand. But the nuances are subtle and the flavours deep. For me, it's a must-have, even if the price is quite high, but I was able to find it on special offer.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                          Darkher - Lowly Weep