Laphroaig Distillery...

Laphroaig (La-froyg) is the story of a community. An uncompromising, tough and determined group of people who work to ensure that this defining whisky has always remained true to its origins. The western isle of Islay is covered with deep and ancient peat bogs. At Laphroaig, "the beautiful hollow by the broad bay," the malt is kept on malting floors in time-honored tradition. The white oak casks full of aging whisky are stored in a warehouse on the sea, where the wood breathes in the briny sea-mist, air of salt and seaweed, as waves lap against the warehouse at high tide. The most challenging and individual of malt whiskies, the smokiest and peatiest of them all, Laphroaig is The Definitive Islay Malt.

No one knows the full history of Laphroaig, as it is lost in the mist of time. It's clear that the Irish had been distilling here for many years and that the locals picked up the skills when they left, but because it was illegal, the small stills on the farms were rarely discussed - just a nod and a wink in the right direction!

What we do know though, is that the Johnstons started farming here around 1800, and that soon after messers Charles and Willie Doig were asked to do some 'work on a distillery' at Laphroaig. By 1815 Laphroaig's reputation had spread and the tax man was getting suspicious so they 'officially' established 'Johnston & Johnston' - the legend of Laphroaig had begun.

Take it neat or with a splash of soft water. Roll it around on your tongue. Release the pungent, earthy aroma of the blue peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the barley and the delicate, heathery perfume of Islay's streams. Like the islanders it may seem a little aloof at first, but make the effort, broach acquaintance and we can guarantee you'll have a warm and genuine friend for life.