Laphroaig’s new release in time for whisky festival

Laphroaig has announced the 2019 annual release of its Càirdeas series, in time for the annual Feis Ile festival on Islay.

Càirdeas Triple Wood Cask Strength is an exclusive bottling which celebrates the Friends of Laphroaig.

The unique expression is a special triple maturation, first matured in ex-bourbon barrels, then in quarter casks and finally in European oak casks which previously held oloroso sherry. It is then barrier filtered and bottled at cask strength to create a punchy dram with Laphroaig’s signature richness of flavour and smoky taste.

On Islay there is a saying: ‘We don’t make friends easily but the ones we do are for life.’

Launched in 1994, Friends of Laphroaig are fans, friends and followers of the distillery from all over the world. Never short of an opinion or two they help Laphroaig explore new expressions, attend tastings and sometimes even visit the distillery at Laphroaig’s home on Islay.

To reward the loyalty of its following, each year Laphroaig launches exclusive bottlings within the Càirdeas series.

Càirdeas means ‘friendship’ in Gaelic and, each year, a limited-edition bottling is crafted by distillery manager and fifth generation Islay native, John Campbell, available exclusively to Friends of Laphroaig.

The unique edition is launched to coincide with the Feis Ile festival, which transforms Islay for seven days each summer into a global hub of whisky lovers. Some 3000 visitors descend on the Islay distilleries to enjoy exclusive tastings, talks from key figures in the industry, and revel in a shared passion amongst likeminded strangers.

Laphroaig is one of the largest and most famous distilleries on the island, and the Càirdeas release is a celebration of the people who visit.

John Campbell, Laphroaig distillery manager, said: ‘Our friends are very important to us at Laphroaig. It’s a polarising whisky, so it means a great deal that our fans remain loyal to our liquid and continue to push for newer expressions. Friends of Laphroaig gives us a great opportunity to engage with our supporters and give back to them with this exclusive Càirdeas whisky.’

The whisky is available online exclusively to Friends of Laphroaig and at the distillery now for an RRP of £77