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.
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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.
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English whisky continues to gather momentum, and in Bristol, Circumstance Distillery is emerging as one of its more intriguing voices. Still relatively young, the category has moved beyond curiosity status, with a growing number of producers exploring what English conditions, and sensibilities, can bring to the spirit. For the curious, English whisky must comply with…
Loch Lomond Whiskies marks The 154th Open with Tawny Port and Malbec-finished single malts
Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled two limited-edition single malts to mark the 154th staging of The Open at Royal Birkdale. The bottlings continue the distillery’s long-running partnership with the championship, now in its ninth year, and promise another intriguing study in cask finishing, with Tawny Port and Argentinian Malbec both bringing distinct layers of fruit…
Limited edition Ardbeg Dolce whisky brings Marsala sweetness to Islay peat for Ardbeg Day 2026
Islay distillery Ardbeg is marking this year’s Ardbeg Day with a limited-edition whisky that draws an intriguing line between the rugged coast of Islay and the sunlit sweetness of Sicily. The new Ardbeg Dolce arrives as the distillery’s 2026 festival bottling, combining spirit matured in Marsala dolce casks with classic bourbon cask Ardbeg to create…
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