Laphroaig adds Madeira cask to Cairdeas range

Islay Scotch whisky distillery Laphroaig has released the 2016 edition in its Cairdeas range, which has undergone a second period of maturation in traditional Madeira wine casks.

Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira undergoes a second maturation in traditional Madeira casks

Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira has been fully matured in ex-Bourbon barrels before the second maturation and is bottled at 51.5% abv.

Distillery manager John Campbell creates a new edition in the Cairdeas range each year “in honour of” the Friends of Laphroaig loyalty group, of which there are more than 6000,000 members from across more than 150 countries.

“Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira is what I like to consider friendship, distilled,” said Campbell. “This year’s bottling is special because it’s so different from our previous releases.

“The ageing of the liquid in Madeira casks makes 2016’s Cairdeas exceptionally flavourful and robust, while still maintaining Laphroaig’s characteristic peat and smoke. The result is a truly special whisky.”

Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira is now available in limited quantities in the US market at an RRP of US$74.99.

Last year, Laphroaig, owned by Beam Suntory, released a new edition in the Cairdeas range that was produced using the distillery’s “finest malting floor’s malt”.