Laphroaig's New Scotch Is a Briny, Peaty Homage to Whisky Makers Past

Laphroaig is known for whisky with distinct character that's emblematic of Islay. But for its newest series, Laphroaig showcases the individuals that helped turn it into one of the world’s most-heralded Scotch whisky brands. The first chapter in the new Strong Character series is a 33-year-old single malt that celebrates the distillery’s co-founder, Donald Johnston.

Aged in a mix of American oak and European oak ex-sherry hogsheads, Laphroaig Strong Character Chapter One is said to reflect the resolute vision that led Johnston and his brother Alexander to establish the distillery in 1815. 

The whisky delivers a mix of smoky and bold flavors, beginning with aromas of sweet fudge, heather honey, freshly baked sourdough, crème brûlée, apple custard, and a briny zing. The Sherry influence kicks in on the palate, with notes of Christmas cake and holiday spices combining with the distillery’s known smoky peat tones, which can also be found throughout the finish alongside distinct savory notes of smoked ham and cured mackerel.

“There’s a growing desire amongst whisky drinkers for not only the flavors behind a distillery but also the story,” says Teddy Joseph, global brand ambassador at Laphroaig. “Laphroaig has such a rich and compelling history, and the new Strong Characters series offers whisky drinkers the chance to delve deeper and discover the pioneers and stories that have made the brand what it is today. We were also lucky enough to work with Bill Bragg, and his atmospheric imagery captures the history and spirit of life in this uncompromising isle.”

British artist Bill Brag created illustrations for the collection by using his signature black and white images to illustrate the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the brothers.

 “Donald’s story is unique. I sketched a lot of him as this falling figure, as it’s such a dramatic and shocking end to his story, essentially giving his life to his craft,” says Brag. “All my projects start in black and white. I think it was a really good pairing with this project, as people often describe Laphroaig as a combination of unapologetic peatiness in an elegant whisky. It’s rough and smooth, and I wanted to retain a little of that in the drawings themselves. Boldness meets elegance, which perfectly matches the whisky’s character.”

Bottled at 43.8 percent ABV, the Laphroaig Strong Characters Chapter One arrives with a price tag around $1,285.

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