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.
The evocatively titled Pineapple Bananza is the latest addition to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experimental Heresy range; it’s a small-batch Irish single malt whiskey created in collaboration with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. Batch 38: Pineapple Bananza stands out for both its origin and production style. Irish whiskey is an infrequent guest in the Society’s portfolio,…
Isle of Skye distillery Torabhaig has introduced its first permanent core single malt. Crafted in small batches, Torabhaig Taigh is matured in a combination of first-fill and refill bourbon casks, with the addition of Madeira casks to round out the profile. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, with no chill filtration and no added colour.…
A new spirits house showcasing novel Asian ingredients and distilling traditions has launched with four core expressions spanning vodka, gin, whisky and rum. Founded by entrepreneur Michel Lu, The Orientalist Spirits positions itself as an ‘all-Asian’ portfolio, drawing on ingredients, techniques and flavour profiles sourced from across the continent. Lu, whose background spans fashion, music…
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.
Triple-distilled Pineapple Bananza Irish single malt joins SMWS Heresy range
The evocatively titled Pineapple Bananza is the latest addition to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experimental Heresy range; it’s a small-batch Irish single malt whiskey created in collaboration with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. Batch 38: Pineapple Bananza stands out for both its origin and production style. Irish whiskey is an infrequent guest in the Society’s portfolio,…
Isle of Skye distillery Torabhaig unveils Taigh as first core single malt, brings poetry to peat whisky
Isle of Skye distillery Torabhaig has introduced its first permanent core single malt. Crafted in small batches, Torabhaig Taigh is matured in a combination of first-fill and refill bourbon casks, with the addition of Madeira casks to round out the profile. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, with no chill filtration and no added colour.…
From Shangri-La to London bar, The Orientalist launches ‘slightly premium’ all-Asian spirits range
A new spirits house showcasing novel Asian ingredients and distilling traditions has launched with four core expressions spanning vodka, gin, whisky and rum. Founded by entrepreneur Michel Lu, The Orientalist Spirits positions itself as an ‘all-Asian’ portfolio, drawing on ingredients, techniques and flavour profiles sourced from across the continent. Lu, whose background spans fashion, music…
Share this: