Laphroaig

Laphroaig is a Scotch whisky distillery located on the island of Islay, part of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The distillery is renowned for its richly peated, smoky whiskies, which are considered some of the most strongly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies.

History

Laphroaig was established in 1815 by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston. The Johnston family owned and ran the distillery until the last member of the family, Ian Hunter, passed away without an heir in 1954. The distillery was then passed to one of Hunter's managers, Bessie Williamson, who ran it until her retirement in 1972. The distillery has changed hands several times since then, and is currently owned by Beam Suntory, a subsidiary of Japanese company Suntory Holdings.

Production

Laphroaig is one of the few distilleries that still malts its own barley, using traditional floor malting methods. The barley is soaked in water from the Kilbride Stream, then spread out on the malting floor to germinate. After germination, the barley is dried in a kiln, where it is exposed to the smoke from a peat fire. This gives Laphroaig its characteristic smoky flavour.

The whisky is then distilled in copper pot stills, and aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years, although many expressions of Laphroaig are aged for much longer. The distillery produces a range of whiskies, from the standard 10-year-old to the rare and highly prized 30-year-old.

Taste and aroma

Laphroaig is known for its distinctive, powerful flavours. The whisky has a strong peaty smoke aroma, with notes of seaweed and a hint of sweetness. The taste is full-bodied and rich, with a long, warming finish. Some people describe the taste as medicinal, with notes of iodine and seawater.

In popular culture

Laphroaig has been referenced in various forms of media, including television shows like Parks and Recreation and Mad Men, and in books by authors such as Ian Rankin and Haruki Murakami.

See also

• Scotch whisky
• Islay whisky
• List of whisky brands
• List of distilleries in Scotland