Laphroaig Distillery

The most richly-flavoured of all Scotch whiskies

The Brand

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 for 200 years.

These origins can be found in Islay itself - its harsh climate and tough landscape have created a hardy people whose single-mindedness and honesty is as distinctive as Laphroaig.

Renowned for being the world’s richest single malt Scotch, Laphroaig’s award-winning family of whiskies consists of a selection of core, travel tetail and rare expressions.

Each the end result of a spirit matured in a range of different woods and casks, and the product of a 200 year old tradition of hand-cutting our peat for unique whisky making. We hand-cut our peat the traditional way because it’s not mud, it’s flavour.

Here is Distillery Manager completing a tasting;

History

On the far edge of the Scotch whisky map, it's supposed that the art of distillation was first brought to Islay by Irish monks. Being remote, it’s an art that flourished in the hands of the islanders, whose illegal operations tested the resolve and means of the tax man.

Eventually, the law relaxed, various whisky makers set up legitimate distilleries, among them a pair of farmers, Donald and Alexander Johnston, who in 1815 founded their distillery on the island’s south coast. Laphroaig, so called after its location, ‘broad hollow by the bay.’ 

It would remain in family hands for the next 139 years.

Find out more about the history of Laphroaig below, using the scroller on the timeline to travel back in time.

Milestones

2014 - Laphroaig Select and Laphroaig Cairdeas 2014 ‘Amontillado’

2013 - Laphroaig Cairdeas 2013 ‘Port Wood’

2012 - Laphroaig Cairdeas 2012 ‘Origin’ and 500,000 Friends of Laphroaig

2011 - Laphroaig Cairdeas 2011 ‘Ileach Edition’

2010 - Laphroaig Cairdeas 2010 ‘Master Edition’

2009 - Laphroaig Cairdeas 2009

 

2004 - Launch of Quarter Cask and Friends of Laphroaig 10th anniversary

1998 - Awards and notoriety

1994 - By Royal Appointment

1935 - Bessie Williamson takes over running of Laphroaig

1929 - Laphroaig goes global

 

 

Contact

Port Ellen, Isle of Islay

PA42 7DU

01496 302418

 

Best Hotels Near Distillery

• Port Ellen Hotel
• Port Charlotte Hotel
• The Islay Hotel
• The White Hart
• Glenegedale House

Scotland's West Coast Whisky Trail

Explore The Whisky Coast from Isle of Arran, Campbeltown, Islay, Highlands and Skye, to the Isle of Lewis

Further Information

Friends of Laphroaig

A little piece of Islay real estate for all our Friends

 Our acres of peat fields are not only essential to produce the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies, they are a tangible reward for our global community, Friends of Laphroaig.

Started way back in 1994, Friends of Laphroaig are fans, friends and followers of our unique whisky from all four corners of the globe. Never short of an opinion or two they help us explore new expressions, attend tastings and sometimes even make the trek to Islay itself.

We’re fortunate and proud to have each and every one of our FOL’s, so we make sure that being a Friend does come with benefits.

Chief amongst these is your chance to become a ‘whisky landlord’ - receiving an honorary plot in our treasured peat fields. A one square foot of land you can (sort of) call home. Those who make the pilgrimage to their peaty plot are rewarded with a dram of Laphroaig as ‘rent’ for their land.

Interested? Get in touch for more details on how to join.