Laphroaig Scotch Whisky
Laphroaig Scotch whisky distillery was founded in 1810 by Alex & Donald Johnston with production starting in 1815.
In 1836 the distillery became the sole ownership of Donald Johnston. Unfortunately Donald died after tumbling into a vat of part-processed whisky in 1847.
Laphroaig was allowed in to the USA as a "medicinal spirit" during prohibition. Ian Hunter, the owner at the time, gave some US officials some samples of his malt whisky and the iodine medicinal flavours won them over.
During the 1930s Bessie Williamson arrived to take up a temporary job at the distillery and stayed for forty years. Over the following years Ian hunter passed over his “knowledge”, as he saw her as the one person to carry on the Laphroaig tradition. On his death in 1954 Bessie Williamson inherited the distillery.
Being pragmatic Bessie knew for Laphroaig to grow it would require the support and resources that only a large company could supply, so during the 1960s she sold the distillery to Long John International.
Allied Domecq in turn purchased Long John in 1990.
In 1994 Prince Charles gave Laphroaig his Royal Warrant.
In 2005 the Laphroaig distillery was taken over by Fortune Brands Inc.
Laphroaig Whisky Tasting Notes
Distillery Style
Nose : Very medicinal (TCP).Earthy and smoky.
Palate : Full bodied. Sweet, seaweedy, salty, medicinal.
Finish : Long, sweet and peaty.
