Laphroaig QA Cask & Laphroaig PX Cask 2 x 1L

Laphroaig was founded in 1815 by two brothers from the unassuming Johnston family on the south coast of Islay. Named after the location that the distillery itself was created upon, the name loosely translates to the ‘broad hollow by the bay’. In 1994 the Prince of Wales awarded it the Royal Warrant, an accolade attested to no other whisky on earth. Rumour has it that it was the Prince’s most favoured whisky.

Having said that, Laphroaig is often perceived as quite an acquired taste amongst the faint of heart, perhaps due to its intense peaty, smoky and rich flavours. During the prohibition, an American Surgeon General was adamant that it was unfit for recreational consumption, and instead declared it to be strictly utilised for medical purposes only.

Today, it is the biggest selling single malt from Islay, and one of the last distilleries using its own floor maltings.

For the Travel Retail market. QA stands for Quercus Alba, which is the Latin name for the American White Oak. While traditionally this wood is first used by the Bourbon industry this release has been finished in new oak casks which brings the vanilla notes very much to the fore.

PX Cask is the first to enjoy maturation in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, widely referred to as “PX” casks. Pedro Ximenez sherry is naturally sweet made from dried Pedro Ximenez grapes.

The three types of barrels used in the maturation each impart a subtly different character, from American oak to Quarter Cask to Pedro Ximenez sherry. The last maturation in the ex-PX Cask provides the rich, sweeter and full bodied notes which perfectly complement the peat-smoke tang of Laphroaig, creating an expression which needs to be appreciated over time to fully explore.

Initially only available in Travel Retail.

40% ABV / 1L

48% ABV / 1L

Please examine all images of the lot, any packaging and labels carefully and satisfy yourself as to their condition before making a bid.