Laphroaig releases second 36YO whisky

Beam Suntory-owned Laphroaig has revealed the first bottle in its new rare whisky series, The Archive Collection: a 36-year-old single malt.

The expression pays tribute to the Islay distillery’s whisky makers, who have looked after the spirit through its three-decades-long maturation, having been first distilled back in 1985.

Barry MacAffer, distillery manager for Laphroaig, said: “The Archive Collection is the pinnacle of our range, showcasing the passion and craftsmanship in every bottle we produce.

“This exceptional spirit balances the depth of character for which we’re famous alongside the unique flavours that can only be found in the rarest of Laphroaig whiskies.”

The Archive Collection: 36 Years Old has been matured in American ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a second-fill oloroso Sherry hogshead.

Bottled at a cask strength of 40.2% ABV, its notes consist of tropical tones that play with dark toffee and vanilla. It is also said to carry Laphroaig’s signature peat, smoke and salt, with a ‘surprising fruitiness in the glass’.

For the hand-blown bottle that the whisky comes in, Laphroaig drew inspiration from the sea glass found on beaches of the brand’s Islay home. Only 400 bottles are available for an RRP of £3,750 (US$4,663).

This isn’t the first 36-year-old expression that the brand has released – in September, Laphroaig unveiled The Wall Collection, which shares the same age statement while predominantly highlighting peat. Both bottlings are the oldest whiskies released by the distillery in two decades.

Laphroaig said this was the first expression in the series, with more releases to come next year.

Recently, the distillery had a packaging makeover that reduced its carbon emissions by 30%.