It’s Laphroaig, but not as you know it: I taste 33 Year Old Strong Characters whisky, alongside new Laphroaig 18YO

Laphroaig has unveiled Strong Characters, the first in what is promised to be a series of limited-edition single malt whiskies dedicated to those who shaped the Islay distillery’s history.

The first bottling, Chapter 1, is a 33 Year Old celebrating the life of co-founder Donald Johnston. Donald and brother Alexander set up the distillery on Islay farmland in 1815. 

Fittingly, the Laphroaig 33YO takes advantage of some of the oldest whiskies in the brand’s warehouse.

“We ended up looking at whiskies that were predominantly laid down in 1989, representing all four seasons,” says Master Blender Calum Fraser.

The release has an ABV of 43.8% and is limited to 1000 pieces. It comes packaged with evocative illustrations by artist Bill Bragg (pictured top). 

“I’m really happy with how the project turned out,” proclaimed the artist. “I love working in black and white, which is a natural fit with Laphroaig. I spent a week researching in Islay. You see the black and white themes everywhere on Islay, the buildings, even the landscape.

“This contrast is what I was going for, to bring Donald’s story to life…” 

The release has an ABV of 43.8% and is limited to 1000 pieces. It comes packaged with evocative illustrations by artist Bill Bragg…

Strong Characters: Chapter 1 is joined by a new 18 Year Old in the Laphroaig line-up, the first to be offered by the distillery since 2016.

To launch its inaugural Strong Characters expression, and (re)introduce the 18YO, Laphroaig held an exclusive shindig at Muse by Tom Aikens. The chef is an unapologetic fan of the distillery, and crafted a menu for the event specifically to pair with Laphroaig’s premium drams. 

An ornate beef tartare, turnip and walnut confection was partnered with the best-selling Laphroaig 10 Year Old, while veal sweetbread, prepared with fermented barley and whisky, showcased the new 18YO. 

For the main event, the 33 Year Old was introduced with a serving of scallop, artichoke and chestnut, followed by succulent venison, dumpling and parsnip.  

Laphroaig 33 Year Old Strong Characters: Chapter 1 tasting notes

If you think you know Laphroaig, think again. This is a very different dram from the iconic distillery. 

Unlike its perennially popular 10 Year Old and newly released 18YO, which are both single maturation whiskies, the recipe for the 33YO is more complicated. Only one third was fully matured in a single cask type, specifically refilled American Oak hogsheads. The remainder were re-vatted into different cask types.

The result is surprisingly mellow and refined. On the nose, the 33YO entices with notes of sweet fruit compote, and salty caramel. On the palate, there’s warming cinnamon spice and Christmas cake, overlaid on an almost tropical backdrop of pineapples and bananas.  Left to evolve in the glass, you’re eventually rewarded with Laphroaig’s signature peat smoke. It’s complex, bewitching and utterly delicious.

Laphroaig 18 Year Old tasting notes

The first 18 Year Old to join the Laphroaig range since 2016 (it effectively replaces the brand’s 16YO) proves to be a sophisticated treat. Previously removed because of inventory restraints, the 18YO is now back as a core expression, albeit one with frugal distribution. 

As a dram it’s light and fruity, bursting with citrus notes. 

This release has been harvested from 40 barrels (which given the angel’s share, actually equates to around 25 full barrels, explains Calum Fraser). The recipe is very similar to the Laphroaig 10YO: it’s matured in American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, however its bottled at 48% ABV, and non-chill filtered with natural colour (it’s significantly lighter in hue than the 10YO, which is darkened by colouring).

Because it’s non chill filtered, the mouthfeel is also very different – oily and unctuous.

On the nose, smoke is evident but muted. There’s baskets of fruit, led by oranges and satsumas. The palate follows this citrus through, adding freshly baked upside down cake, toasted pastries and sweet chocolate raisins to the mix. 

The Laphroaig 18YO sells for £160 per bottle, and is available from Master of Malt. Laphroaig Strong Characters: Chapter 1 is available from The Whisky Shop, priced at £960.