Laphroaig QA Cask launches in travel retail

The Laphroaig QA Cask, the anticipated follow-up to last year’s Laphroaig PX Cask, is being launched in travel retail this month.

The Laphroaig QA Cask is the second in a series of travel retail exclusives from Beam

The second in a series of three travel retail exclusive whiskies was first unveiled at TFWA Cannes in October last year, but will now be sold through select retailers including World Duty Free Group, Heinemann and Aelia.

With an RRP of €55 for a one-litre bottle, the Laphroaig QA Cask is double matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and un-charred American oak barrels (known as Quercus Alba), then bottled at 40% abv.

Distributor Maxxium UK describes the Scotch as fusing Laphroaig’s signature Islay peat smoke with warm, spicy vanilla wood notes.

“The launch of this exclusive range is a demonstration of our commitment to travel retail, a great environment for the trial and discovery of new whiskies,” said Beam’s EMEA travel retail business manager, Antony Kime. “Laphroaig is a global icon and well established as an innovator and by continuing to introduce new expressions we are encouraging an on-going interest in malt whiskies and providing shoppers with the opportunity to buy something unique when they are travelling.”

The range will be completed with the launch of the Laphroaig An Cuan Mor, which will be released later this year.