Friday, June 26, 2015

PRINCE CHARLES RAISES A TOAST TO THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAPHROAIG DISTILLERY

His Royal Highness Prince Charles, visited the Laphroaig Distillery on Islay today to help commemorate the 200th anniversary of the brand. The Prince also known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, led a toast to the anniversary by raising a dram of limited edition Laphroaig 15 Year Old single malt.

Laphroaig is the only single malt Scotch whisky to bear a Royal Warrant, a mark of recognition to those who supply goods or services to the Royal Households.

Prince Charles (Duke of Rothesay) visiting the Laphroiag Distillery

This was the Princes third visit to the Laphroaig Distillery in the last 25 years. The Royal Warrant was issued during the year of his first visit in 1994, and he returned as part of his 60th birthday celebrations in 2008.

The Princes visit also marks the launch of The Laphroaig Legacy Fund, a charitable initiative aimed at supporting Islay's people, community and environment in 2015. The Legacy Fund has been created to both celebrate the distillery's past and help to secure the future of its community by supporting local projects and businesses that are promoting the sustainability of Islay living.

This year, bottles and casks of 40 Year Old whisky signed during the Duke's last visit will be auctioned to raise money for the fund. A corporate donation from Beam Suntory and £1 donation from every bottle of Laphroaig 21 Year Old and Cairdeas sold through the Laphroaig Visitor Centre and Online Shop in 2015 will also be put towards the fund.

Commenting on today’s royal visit, John Campbell, Distillery Manager at Laphroaig, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Duke back to Laphroaig  to commemorate what is a momentous year for our distillery and brand. We are extremely grateful for his ongoing support over the years, which has helped enable us to preserve the unique heritage of the Scottish whisky industry and to give back to our community. Our 200th anniversary is an opportunity for us to continue to support the region through The Laphroaig Legacy Fund, celebrate our position as an integral part of the local economy, and help ensure that the community of Islay can prosper into the future."

Laphroaig, which was this year crowned Best Visitor Attraction in Scotland 2014/2015 by the Scottish Thistle Awards, is also celebrating its 200th anniversary with limited edition commemorative releases of Laphroaig 15 Year Old, Laphroaig 32 Year Old, and Laphroaig 21 Year Old.

The visit to Islay marks the end of a week of Scottish engagements for the Prince and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Source: Beam Suntory