Beam Suntory launches Laphroaig Lore

Beam Suntory has launched Laphroaig Lore, the Islay whisky distillery’s richest, and typically smoky, single malt to date.

Crafted by distillery manager John Campbell, Laphroaig Lore is drawn from a variety of casks including first-fill bourbon barrels, quarter casks and Oloroso sherry hogsheads to create a unique richness.

As the name suggests, this new offering from Laphroaig is inspired by the knowledge and traditions passed down from generation to generation of its distillery managers, blenders and craftsmen.  

Campbell comments: “Over the generations, distillery managers like me have made their own contributions to the quality and character of Laphroaig. From the founding of Laphroaig, these custodians have each made their own mark, whether it was drying the malting barley at lower temperatures than most, using two sizes of spirit still, pioneering the use of ex-bourbon barrels, or reintroducing the quarter cask to Scotch whisky-making. Each of these decisions have made Laphroaig the unique, premium whisky it is today. We make the whisky we make because of what has been passed on down to us.

“Laphroaig Lore is the story of Laphroaig itself. It’s a massive whisky, as bold as it is deep, and one that I sincerely hope does justice to the many generations of Laphroaig distillery managers. It’s our story, bottled, the richest of the rich.”

Laphroaig Lore is bottled at 48% ABV and available in Germany, UK, South East Asia, US, Canada and Nordics from 18 March 2016. RRP £75 (RRP)/70cl. 

21 March 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor