The Laphroaig Strong Character series features illustrations by British artist Bill Brag and begins with a 33-Year-Old single malt devoted to co-founder Donald Johnston
Laphroaig has unveiled the Strong Character series, an ongoing collection of releases dedicated to the distillery’s founding figures. The first expression in the series is a 33-year-old single malt Scotch whisky dedicated to the Suntory Global Spirits-owned distillery’s co-founder, Donald Johnston.
The Laphroaig Strong Character first edition, Donald Johnston, is a 33-year-old single malt that aged in American Oak and European Oak ex-Sherry hogsheads. The release is said to reflect the resolute vision that led Donald and his brother Alexander to establish the distillery in 1815.
The collection features illustrations by British artist Bill Brag, who’s artistic style looks to capture the essence of Laphroig’s history. He used his signature black and white images to illustrate the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the brothers.
“Donald’s story is unique,” says Brag. “I sketched a lot of him as this falling figure, as it’s such a dramatic and shocking end to his story, essentially giving his life to his craft.” Adding, “all my projects start in black and white. I think it was a really good pairing with this project, as people often describe Laphroaig as a combination of unapologetic peatiness in an elegant whisky. It’s rough and smooth, and I wanted to retain a little of that in the drawings themselves. Boldness meets elegance, which perfectly matches the whisky’s character.”
Staying true to the name of the series, the 33-year-old single malt features the bold and robust smoky characteristics Laphroaig is known for. The nose offers aromas of sweet fudge, heather honey, freshly baked sourdough, crème brûlée, rhubarb, apple custard, and a briny, salty zing. On the palette, the Sherry influence provides notes of Christmas cake and holiday spices, with a smoky, savory finish featuring smoked ham and cured mackerel.
“There’s a growing desire amongst whisky drinkers for not only the flavors behind a distillery but also the story,” says Teddy Joseph, Global Brand Ambassador at Laphroaig. “Laphroaig has such a rich and compelling history, and the new Strong Characters series offers whisky drinkers the chance to delve deeper and discover the pioneers and stories that have made the brand what it is today. We were also lucky enough to work with Bill Bragg, and his atmospheric imagery captures the history and spirit of life in this uncompromising isle.”
Priced at £960 or $1,283, the Laphroaig Strong Characters first edition is bottled at 43.8% ABV and is available for purchase exclusively at The Whisky Shop on October 6th and select retailers come October 8th. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Earlier this year, Laphroaig unveiled Elements 2.0, the second release in its experimental Elements series.
