Laphroaig, known for its distinctive peat-forward whiskies, has launched Strong Characters, a new series of limited-edition single malts dedicated to the individuals who shaped the distillery’s legacy.
This inaugural release has been matured for 33 years in a combination of American oak barrels and European oak ex-sherry hogsheads.
The expression pays homage to co-founder Donald Johnston, a man whose determination and passion were instrumental in establishing Laphroaig’s reputation over two centuries ago.
This inaugural release has been matured for 33 years in a combination of American oak barrels and European oak ex-sherry hogsheads…
Laphroaig’s history is intertwined with the rugged landscape of Islay and the resilience of those who built the distillery in 1815. Donald Johnston, along with his brother Alexander, laid the foundation for the brand, establishing the distillery on Islay farmland, driven by a vision to create a unique whisky infused with the island’s peaty essence.
A tribute to Laphroaig’s whisky legacy
The bottle features monochromatic illustrations by British artist Bill Bragg. The accompanying booklet tells the story of Johnston’s life and legacy, illustrated in Bragg’s signature black-and-white style.
“Donald’s story is unique,” Bragg says. His artwork portrays Johnston as a figure falling through time, symbolising the founder’s ultimate sacrifice for his craft. Johnston died in 1847, after falling into a vat of boiling pot ale at the distillery.
Teddy Joseph, Global Brand Ambassador, highlights the importance of storytelling in the whisky world: “There’s a growing desire amongst whisky drinkers for not only the flavours behind a distillery, but also the story. The Strong Characters series offers whisky drinkers the chance to delve deeper and discover the pioneers and stories that have made the brand what it is today.”
Laphroaig Strong Characters tasting notes
Bottled at 43.8% ABV, Laphroaig Strong Characters promises a sweet and savoury tasting experience. On the nose, expect notes of vanilla crème brûlée and stewed rhubarb, mixed with apple and custard, against a backdrop of sea spray indicative of Laphroaig’s coastal origins.
On the palate, official tasting notes speak of rich Christmas cake and spice, along with the distillery’s characteristic peat smoke.
Available in limited quantities, Laphroaig Strong Characters sells for £960. Whisky lovers will be able to purchase it exclusively at The Whisky Shop from October 6, with wider availability starting October 8.
Two new exclusive bottlings have been released by The Whisky Exchange, offering dram-fans a chance to explore contrasting whisky styles from Ireland and Japan – one is a 20-year-old Redbreast, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, the other a single-cask Mars Komagatake, the latest entries in its Sumo Series. The Redbreast offers mature pot still character,…
Midleton Distillery has confirmed the arrival of its Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage, the latest edition in an Irish whiskey series now into its 43rd annual incarnation, and the 6th Vintage under the careful watch of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman. Bottled at 40% ABV, the 2026 expression continues a tradition that sees the distillery’s Master…
Diplomático Rum, the Venezuelan super-premium spirits house, has announced the UK launch of Chancellor. Positioned as a flagship expression for connoisseurs and long-term collectors of rare spirits, fewer than 1,000 individually numbered bottles will be released worldwide. Diplomático Rum, founded in 1959, has built its reputation on blending expertise, heavy pot-still distillates and long-term maturation,…
The Luxe Review 
Laphroaig, known for its distinctive peat-forward whiskies, has launched Strong Characters, a new series of limited-edition single malts dedicated to the individuals who shaped the distillery’s legacy.
This inaugural release has been matured for 33 years in a combination of American oak barrels and European oak ex-sherry hogsheads.
The expression pays homage to co-founder Donald Johnston, a man whose determination and passion were instrumental in establishing Laphroaig’s reputation over two centuries ago.
Laphroaig’s history is intertwined with the rugged landscape of Islay and the resilience of those who built the distillery in 1815. Donald Johnston, along with his brother Alexander, laid the foundation for the brand, establishing the distillery on Islay farmland, driven by a vision to create a unique whisky infused with the island’s peaty essence.
A tribute to Laphroaig’s whisky legacy
The bottle features monochromatic illustrations by British artist Bill Bragg. The accompanying booklet tells the story of Johnston’s life and legacy, illustrated in Bragg’s signature black-and-white style.
“Donald’s story is unique,” Bragg says. His artwork portrays Johnston as a figure falling through time, symbolising the founder’s ultimate sacrifice for his craft. Johnston died in 1847, after falling into a vat of boiling pot ale at the distillery.
Teddy Joseph, Global Brand Ambassador, highlights the importance of storytelling in the whisky world: “There’s a growing desire amongst whisky drinkers for not only the flavours behind a distillery, but also the story. The Strong Characters series offers whisky drinkers the chance to delve deeper and discover the pioneers and stories that have made the brand what it is today.”
Laphroaig Strong Characters tasting notes
Bottled at 43.8% ABV, Laphroaig Strong Characters promises a sweet and savoury tasting experience. On the nose, expect notes of vanilla crème brûlée and stewed rhubarb, mixed with apple and custard, against a backdrop of sea spray indicative of Laphroaig’s coastal origins.
On the palate, official tasting notes speak of rich Christmas cake and spice, along with the distillery’s characteristic peat smoke.
Available in limited quantities, Laphroaig Strong Characters sells for £960. Whisky lovers will be able to purchase it exclusively at The Whisky Shop from October 6, with wider availability starting October 8.
The Whisky Exchange debuts 20 Year Old Redbreast Irish Whiskey and Mars Komagatake Japanese single cask exclusives
Two new exclusive bottlings have been released by The Whisky Exchange, offering dram-fans a chance to explore contrasting whisky styles from Ireland and Japan – one is a 20-year-old Redbreast, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, the other a single-cask Mars Komagatake, the latest entries in its Sumo Series. The Redbreast offers mature pot still character,…
Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage Irish Whiskey has arrived, run don’t walk to secure yours
Midleton Distillery has confirmed the arrival of its Midleton Very Rare 2026 Vintage, the latest edition in an Irish whiskey series now into its 43rd annual incarnation, and the 6th Vintage under the careful watch of Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman. Bottled at 40% ABV, the 2026 expression continues a tradition that sees the distillery’s Master…
Diplomático debuts ultra-rare triple-cask Chancellor rum with just 900 bottles worldwide
Diplomático Rum, the Venezuelan super-premium spirits house, has announced the UK launch of Chancellor. Positioned as a flagship expression for connoisseurs and long-term collectors of rare spirits, fewer than 1,000 individually numbered bottles will be released worldwide. Diplomático Rum, founded in 1959, has built its reputation on blending expertise, heavy pot-still distillates and long-term maturation,…
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