Marking a permanent return to core whisky range
ISLAY whisky brand Laphroaig has brought back its 15 Year Old single malt whisky expression marking a return for the age statement following an absence of over a decade.
The expression has been brought back as a permanent addition to the distillery’s core range to offer a more complex take on Laphroaig’s signature style.
The single malt housed inside the bottle has been matured for 15 years in American oak bourbon casks to help capture the intense flavour that the brand has become renowned for and combines its signature smokiness with sea salt and a touch of sweetness. The additional years of maturation has also allowed the distiller’s signature peat smoke to “soften and integrate” to create a balanced final spirit.
Tasting notes for the whisky have been described as opening with a vibrant citrus aroma on the nose that is layered with a subtle hay scent, BBQ smoke and soft touches of vanilla and clove. On the palate, consumers can expect to taste a bold combination of sea salt and smoke that is complemented by cracked black pepper and warming spices including cinnamon, cloves and coriander.
This gives way to a fruitiness on the finish with juicy peach and ripe grapefruit tastes to offer a refreshing lift at the end leaving a long, smoky finish that balances savoury with a gentle sweetness.
The Laphroaig 15 Year Old expression is available now from the distillery’s website in a 700ml bottle and comes with an RRP of £85 and comes bottled at 46% ABV. The expression will also roll out to purchase from specialist retailers in September.
Dr. Calum Fraser, master blender for Scotch and Irish at parent firm Suntory Global Spirits, said: “We’re been waiting very patiently for our whisky to be ready to bring back the legend that is Laphroaig 15 Year Old. Alongside the 10 Year Old and 18 Year Old we can now complete the set.
“This whisky shows how beautifully Laphroaig evolves with time, resulting in markedly different complexity. The peat smoke has mellowed and married bright citrus and gentle sweetness, while still retaining the unmistakably bold character that defines Laphroaig.”
