The expression is a single malt that explores the flavor impact of an event at Laphroaig distillery. Following a kiln fire that burned longer and at significantly higher temperatures than usual, the spirit led to a unique whisky at 110.6 proof.

The Elements Series examines how small changes in production can bring new depth to the final product. The third release in the Series continues this tradition, following the success of Elements 1.0 in 2023 and Elements 2.0 in 2024, which experimented with changes in wort, mash size and malt makeup, and extended fermentation respectively.

“Our Elements Series focusses on pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky making while retaining the distinctive character that defines Laphroaig,” said Laphroaig Distillery Manager George Campbell. “The period of unexpectedly hot kiln smoking presented a unique opportunity to explore how such an event could influence the flavour of Islay’s iconic dram. Elements 3.0 adds an exciting new twist to our multi-award-winning range, and I’m eager to hear what our Friends think of this latest addition.”

“Through the Elements Series we have been able to experiment and gain a deeper insight into the many variables that contribute to Laphroaig’s rich and characterful profile,” Laphroaig Lead Whisky Maker Sarah Dowling added. “Our third release is a fascinating example of how innovation in the distillery can lead to delightful discoveries, enhancing our understanding of the origin of specific flavour compounds. Elements 3.0 not only offers a new way to experience the bold and distinct taste of Laphroaig but also explores aspects that impact the smoky flavour, making it a must-try for whisky explorers and enthusiasts.”

Each release in the Elements Series is designed to highlight the specific experiments behind its creation, with packaging that alludes to the experiments and the people involved, providing a unique look into the magic of the whisky-making process.

Laphroaig Elements 3.0 is available now for $165.

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Crafted from specially selected peated whiskies and those matured in custom French oak barrels, this new edition pushes boundaries while paying tribute to the Flaming Heart legacy. Debuting in 2006, the expression is a fusion of rich peat smoke and new French oak influence in complex layers. To mark its quarter-century milestone, Compass Box seeks to make the loudest flavor statement by using the fewest components, intensifying the whisky’s smoky heart while enriching its character through custom cask maturation.

Whereas previous editions have featured a proportion of unpeated whiskies aged in bourbon or sherry casks, this eighth rendition, at 97.8 proof, relies on an ensemble of peated whiskies and those extra-matured in custom French oak barrels, namely malt whisky from the Benrinnes Distillery malt whisky from the Talisker Distillery, malt whisky from the Laphroaig Distillery Single Malt and “Williamson” Islay Malt.

“This release isn’t just a nod to where we’ve been; it’s a declaration of where we’re headed,” says James Saxon, Whiskymaking Director at Compass Box. “The bold character of Flaming Heart: 25th Anniversary Edition reflects everything Compass Box stands for: daring innovation, craftsmanship, and our constant pursuit of unforgettable flavor.”

Music has been a constant theme behind the Flaming Heart releases, which take their name from M. Ward’s 2001 folk and blues classic. For Compass Box’s eighth Flaming Heart release, the label design focuses on flames and a protective chamber of oak. The two cherubs surrounding a burning heart that have traditionally appeared on the woodcut effect design since the 2010 edition, they now appear as coopers, inspecting an oaken structure inside which is the heart on fire – thus symbolizing Compass Box’s 25 years of whisky making passion.

Compass Box’s Flaming Heart: 25th Anniversary Edition is available now for $165.

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The new single malt showcases the flavor impact of extending the fermentation period, producing a fruiter whisky that still retains the peaty character that makes Laphroaig so distinctive. In creating Laphroaig Elements 2.0, the distillery team went beyond the traditional approach to distillation and maturation to uncover unusual ways to experiment with the making of the whisky.

Disrupting the usual 55-hour fermentation process, the expression is created from a number of longer fermentations ranging up to almost five full days in the tun–a total of 115 hours. The tun was specially aerated to maintain mash conditions, much like practices of old; a process that helps emphasize the fruitier notes of the whisky while maintaining its signature peaty character. The resulting product is a bold, pale gold, non-chill filtered whisky with a fruity nose and palate.

“Our Laphroaig Elements Series is all about blending years of traditional whisky making with new, progressive techniques,” said Barry MacAffer, Distillery Manager for Laphroaig. “There’s no whisky that encapsulates Islay quite like Laphroaig – but this hasn’t stopped us experimenting in a way that preserves our iconic character. Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is an unexpected fruitier whisky with the same peaty character you’ve come to know and love – made possible by over double the typical fermentation period. I’m keen to hear what our Friends think of this whisky which follows in the successful footsteps of Elements 1.0.”

Each expression in the Elements Series features a series of subtle details on pack, cataloging the experiments that have gone into making each bottle and the hands behind them, allowing fans of Laphroaig a glimpse into the magic of the whisky-making process. It follows the 2023 launch of Elements 1.0 – a spicy whisky that is a culmination of three experiments.

Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is available for $165.

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This year’s expression celebrates 30 years of friendship, a ten-year-old expression that pays homage to Laphroaig’s 2019’s Triple Wood and 2021’s PX Cask. Married together by Master Blender Calum Fraser, as an aged statement celebrating the very first Càirdeas expressions, the result is 104 proof spirit.

Developed in ex-Bourbon barrels, this single malt combines the peaty flavor of Laphroaig with notes of freshly ground ginger, charred citrus fruits, and a whisper of bonfire notes embers through on the finish.

Laphroaig is one of the few distilleries that still uses a traditional malting floor, and this is where Laphroaig’s Càirdeas malt starts its life. It begins as malted barley, gently dried and infused by the smoke from its signature cold smoking process in ancient peat kilns. It’s then mixed with the waters of the Kilbride Stream, one of Islay’s unique natural features, before being distilled. The spirit is matured twice — first in over-charred first and second-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and quarter casks before being finished in PX casks.

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2024 Cask Favourites Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available now for $109.99.

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Warehouse 1 has been exclusively matured in first-fill Maker’s Mark bourbon casks and aged in Laphroaig’s landmark warehouse. Each cask reflects the unique maritime character of Warehouse 1, which has stood for almost 200 years – the impact of its four-story structure and exposure to the sea are reflected in the strength of this bottling.

The release of this limited-edition bottling from the Laphroaig Càirdeas series was developed by John Campbell with newly appointed Laphroaig Distillery Manager Barry MacAffer now taking the reins. Càirdeas, meaning friendship, represents the Friends of Laphroaig, which has brought together Laphroaig’s most devoted fans and followers since 1994.

“I am thrilled to announce the launch of our 2022 Càirdeas edition, named after the iconic Warehouse 1, answering the call from Friends of Laphroaig to make a Càirdeas release that reflects a classic Laphroaig,” said Laphroaig Distillery Manager Barry MacAffer. “This limited-edition bottling has been created not only for the community, but by them. Warehouse 1 will also be launched in time to celebrate Laphroaig Day at Fèis Ìle Festival 2022, which returns as a non-virtual event for the first time since 2019. We are all very excited to see both familiar and new faces at Fèis Ìle Festival once more.”

The brand celebrated Laphroaig Day on May 31st at this year’s Fèis Ìle Festival. It offering a number of activities, including a masterclass with MacAffer, cask tasting and bottling as well as warehouse tours.

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2022 Warehouse 1 is available for $100.

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Whether you have never heard of Burns before, or you’ve celebrated his legacy with a dram at previous suppers, on Tuesday (January 25), Burns Distilled invites guests to learn about and pay homage to famed poet from the comfort of your own home during this one-of-a-kind virtual Burns Night Supper.

The evening will be hosted by Andrew Weir (Braveheart), a renowned Burns performer. He’ll be joined by Tracie Franklin, a well-known whiskey educator. The duo has shared the Burns’ Supper stage before and will bring together a dynamic performance with some of Broadway’s finest musicians, guest performers, including Richard Rankin (Outlander), Steven Cree (Discovery of Witches) and a few more surprises in the works.

Every Burns’ Supper must include Scotch, so the show will be punctuated with spirited tastings led by David Ferguson from Isle of Arran Distillers, Craig Bridger from Jura Whisky, Rachel MacNeill on behalf of Bowmore, and a final toast led by Master Ambassador Simon Brooking from Laphroaig.

There are two ways you can enjoy the Burns Distilled experiences at home. Streaming tickets are available for $24.50 and includes access to the event via unique access code; ability to participate in all interactive components of the event and an in-home Burns Supper experience pack delivered via digital download. Tickets available January 25, 2022 6PM EST.

If you’re looking for a little more fun, the Full Experience + Tasting Ticket is $79.50 and Includes all Streaming Ticket access above as well as one Burns Supper in a Box (four samples of Scotch whisky – Arran The Robert Burns Single Malt, Bowmore 12 Year Old, Jura 18 Year Old and Laphroaig Quarter Cask, one glencairn, one book of Burns, 1 haggis crisps and 1 cookie), commemorative program art and more! 21+ only. Tickets available while supplies last.

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The Ian Hunter Story consists of five annual releases, set into crafted books that document the story of Hunter’s legacy. Every year a new chapter is unveiled, uncovering the extensive history behind the brand and the characters who created it.

The 2021 release of The Ian Hunter Series is a 33-year-old non-chill ­filtered whisky with creamy licorice notes, fully matured in ex-bourbon barrels so the original character shines through. The third book of Ian’s story is dedicated to his tireless work in protecting what he believed was worth fighting for, and what consumers enjoy as Laphroaig to this day.

Book Three charts the history of the Kilbride Stream, as well as Hunter’s role in ensuring this source of raw beauty was protected, not to mention the crucial role it played in keeping the spirit of Laphroaig alive. After a long running dispute, he took a case to court, before eventually scrambling to buy the land all the way up to the source of the Kilbride Stream, converting the distillery to steam and thereby ensuring that it was less reliant on water for power. The water was secure, and so was Laphroaig’s future as a single malt. Hunter’s legacy of protection has now passed on to the Friends of Laphroaig, whose plots of land stand guard at the water’s edge.

“We are thrilled to share the release of Laphroaig’s newest expression and third installment of the rare and collectable Ian Hunter Story; the third book in our series pays homage to Ian Hunter’s unparalleled dedication to protecting Laphroaig’s lifeblood – it’s water source,” said Simon Brooking, Beam Suntory’s Global Scotch Ambassador. “The 33-year-old whisky matured in ex-bourbon barrels is a unique peated single malt whisky, making the release a wonderful addition to Laphroaig’s rich collection.”

Following the huge success and demand of both Ian Hunter Book One and Book Two, the limited-edition whisky is available for $1,250.

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The inaugural release in this series taps Laphroaig for its finishing. The El Tesoro Mundial Collection: The Laphroaig Edition is a limited-edition bottling bringing together two worlds of craft spirits, marrying the distilling tradition of Tequila with the barrel-aging expertise of Scotch. The expression integrates the peaty profile of an Islay whisky with El Tesoro’s rich, agave Añejo, showcasing the potential for innovation within the tequila category. El Tesoro Master Distiller Carlos Camarena worked closely with the Laphroaig distillery team to create this expression, aged first for nine months in ex-bourbon barrels and then finished for four months in Laphroaig 10-Year-Old casks.

“We are thrilled to introduce this beautiful, exciting new spirit in collaboration with our friends at Laphroaig,” says Carlos Camarena, third generation family proprietor and Master Distiller for El Tesoro. “While we continue upholding the traditional processes that have made El Tesoro the treasure of Jalisco, we also like to experiment with ways to bring Tequila production to a different level. The Laphroaig finish imparts a slight whiff of smoke on the nose but not heavy peat as one might expect. It is just enough to create a specific spiciness that shows how well the peatiness of Laphroaig intertwines and complements the deep, rich agave flavors we are most proud of with our El Tesoro Añejo.”

“We have deep respect for the Tequila-making tradition in Mexico, and we recognize El Tesoro as a trailblazer in the quest to bring elevated sipping Tequilas to the market,” says Simon Brooking, Beam Suntory Brand Ambassador for Laphroaig. “We are honored to provide our 10-Year-Old Casks to bring a special new product to our shared fans and fine spirits connoisseurs around the world.”

Beginning with this release, new Mundial Collection editions will be introduced in the coming years, each edition having been finished in different types of casks.

El Tesoro Mundial Collection: The Laphroaig Edition is available now for $125.

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Since 1815, Laphroaig has been creating premium single malt Scotch whisky, and the new Sherry Oak finish offers an exciting new flavor profile for lovers of the Scotch’s distinguished taste.

“We are thrilled to announce the release of the newest Laphroaig expression. Sherry Oak is an exquisite addition, taking our iconic Laphroaig 10-Year-Old and finishing it in Oloroso Sherry casks, which lend depth and sweetness,” says John Campbell, Laphroaig Distillery Manager. “This is a perfect accompaniment to any whisky collection and a celebrated expansion of the Laphroaig range. Laphroaig drinkers are the most passionate Scotch drinkers in the world and with this new offering, we’re delighted to give them another Scotch option that embraces our commitments to craftsmanship and innovation.”

The Scotch ages for 12-18 months in Oloroso Sherry casks adding complexity and balance. Each cask is carefully selected to complement the discernible character and much-loved taste of Laphroaig.

Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Sherry Finish is bottled at cask strength (48% ABV) and is limited to 4,450 cases globally. Available now, the Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Sherry Finish Scotch retails for $89.99.

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This limited release — only 258 bottles — will be available.embodies the spirit of the Cailleach Beira, who is said to be the Mother of all other deities in Scottish folklore. She is said to be the personification of winter, ushering in the change of the seasons with her tidal mood, and washing her plaid shawl in the Corryvreckan whirlpool off the coast of Islay. 

The 19 Year Old Laphroaig 2001 Single Malt: Cailleach Beira joins a series which boasts a strong performance record in international awards. The first release in this series was a 45 Year Old Ben Nevis 1972 Single Malt, represented by the Cù-Sìth from Scottish folklore, a mythical hound with a murderous bark which is said to stalk the highlands of Scotland. The second bottle in the series was a 22 Year Old Arran 1997 Single Malt, represented by selkie.

Intended to bond the stories of Scotland’s history with the finest expressions of its spirit, the Cask 88 Scottish Folklore series will consist of six unique, single cask expressions, each featuring a mythical beast who has roamed the highlands, stalked the lowlands or inhibited the islands. “It’s a pleasure to have such an iconic single malt as part of our collection inspired by Scottish folklore,” said Cask 88 Director Patrick Costello. “This particular single cask caught our attention because of its complex and brooding personality that reminded us of Cailleach Beira herself. Originally intended as a warming dram to guide through the change of seasons, changes to our release schedule have given our Cailleach Beira the chance to walk in the sun.”

The 19 Year Old Laphroaig 2001 Single Malt: Cailleach Beira is available via Cask 88 for approximately $600.

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