The Islay based Laphroaig Distillery, has today announced
the launch of the first expression from a new limited-edition collection of whiskies,
that explores the role of cask finishing.
Laphroaig – The Wall Collection – Peat (42.5% ABV) is a 36
Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, which was initially matured in ex-Bourbon
casks, before being finished in casks that previously held younger,
heavily-peated Laphroaig.
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| Laphroaig - The Wall Collection - Peat |
This first release in the new series, which celebrates Laphroaig’s most defining characteristic; peat, is said to deliver notes of passionfruit, strawberries, moist sultanas, soft leather and sweet cinnamon spice on the nose. Followed by notes of sweet orange peel, pineapple, runny honey, vanilla, custard tart and a hint of marzipan on the palate.
To capture the iconography of peat, illustrator Laura Carlin
has hand-painted each of the 200 bottles using the same paint that adorns the
walls of Laphroaig’s Warehouse No.1, home to the iconic black lettering that
has overlooked the bay for 30 years. Taking the emblematic peat bricks as
inspiration, Laura has created a visual interpretation of peat in this
remarkable whisky through hand painting, resulting in one of the most striking
bottles of whisky available in the world.
Commenting on the launch, Barry MacAffer, Distillery Manager
at Laphroaig, said: “The Wall Collection is hugely exciting for us as it
celebrates two of the most enduring and iconic elements of our whisky and our
distillery, the peat we use to imbue our barley with its distinctive deep,
smoky flavour and the striking white walls of our distillery. And the whisky
itself is every bit as special as the bottle. Matured in ex-bourbon casks, this
spirit has been finished in a heavily peated cask so we’ve been able to
reintensify the smokiness that usually takes a back seat in older whisky. This
extraordinary bottle is unlike anything else we’ve released before.”
Laphroaig – The Wall Collection – Peat, will be available
later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £4,500.
Posted by Steve Rush