Laphroaig

Laphroaig is a Scotch Whisky, the only one to carry the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales.

The Laphroaig Distillery was established in 1815, in Port Ellen, Argyll, Scotland. The name Laphroaig derives from its location, as in English it translates to “beautiful hollow by the broad bay”. The distillery was originally operated by Alex and Donald Johnston, of Clan MacDonald. The distillery stayed in the family until 1887, when it was came under the control of the Hunter Clan. In 1954, the company was given to Bessie Williamson, as there was no natural heir to Ian Hunter, the owner at that time, at his death. Laphroaig is currently owned by Future Brands.

Laphroaig attracts a unique fan of Scotch Whisky. The company policy is to attempt to recreate Scotch Whisky as it would have been made 100 years ago. To achieve this, the Laphroaig distillery employs a number of various techniques, the use of bourbon barrels, both wash and spirit stills, water from the Kilbride Dam, the avoidance of chill filtering and possibly most importantly, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask. This all results in a Scotch Whisky which is considered to have a stronger than typical taste and until 2005 a higher than typical alcohol percentage (43% versus a normal 40%, in the 10 year blend). This unique taste has earned Laphroaig the honor of bearing the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales, as reportedly the 15 year age is his favorite type of Scotch Whisky.