Berry Bros debuts 24YO Laphroaig

Wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has marked its 325th anniversary with the release of an exclusive Laphroaig 1999 whisky.

Berry Bros chair Lizzy Rudd selected a single malt from Islay distillery Laphroaig to celebrate the milestone, with the liquid matured over the course of three decades, since 1999.

Rudd said: “We started bottling casks under our label in the early 19th century so to celebrate our 325th anniversary, we wanted to offer something truly exceptional.

“This exclusive bottling from Laphroaig is a testament to our long-standing commitment to curating the finest spirits.”

Described as having ‘depth, complexity, and character’, the whisky features a variety of notes, from pineapple, coal soot and mango on the nose, to peat smoke and tropical flavours on the palate. The finish lingers and gives ‘subtle vanilla, spice and bonfire ash’.

Only 232 bottles are available and it can be picked up on the Berry Bros & Rudd website for £800 (US$1010).

“Every so often, when tasting through our repository of casks, one barrel begins to separate itself from the pack. When this happens, it feels beholden on us to find the ideal moment for such casks to shine at their brightest,” said Rob Whitehead, spirits buyer at Berry Bros & Rudd.

He added: “Selflessly tasting an earmarked special cask repeatedly over several years helps us to pinpoint the optimum age for bottling – thus capturing the whisky at the height of its development.

“We had been tracking this barrel for a while and, with unknowable serendipity, its particular apogee coincided with our 325th anniversary celebrations.”

In October, Berry Bros & Rudd released a collection of spirits produced by 10 sustainable distillers. Next spring, the company will also open its first dedicated spirits ship in St James’s, London as part of its 325th anniversary celebrations.