Laphroaig has unveiled the 2022 edition of its Càirdeas Scotch whisky, ahead of this year’s Fèis Ìle festival. The latest release in the series was created to celebrate the “friends of Laphroaig.”
Laphroaig Càirdeas 2022 Warehouse 1 was matured in first-fill Maker’s Mark bourbon casks, inside the distillery’s historic Warehouse 1. The warehouse gives its whiskies a distinct maritime flavor due to its exposure to the sea on the southern tip of Islay.
On the nose, the whisky is peaty, sweet, and nutty with “medicinal” notes, featuring aromas of strong vanilla cake, fudge, heather-honey, golden syrup, walnuts, and nutmeg. The palate is full-bodied with powerful peat-reek and ashy notes of tar, which combine with sweet Manuka honey and burnt toffee. Oak spices, tannins, white pepper, plus dried herbs and flowers add an herbal touch. The finish is peaty and acidic with lingering herbal and spicy notes leading to a floral aftertaste.
The whisky was one of the last created by former distillery manager John Campbell, who left last year to join Lochlea Distillery. He was replaced by Barry MacAffer.
“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 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.”
Laphroaig Càirdeas 2022 Warehouse 1 is officially available as of today (31 May), aka Laphroaig Day. To celebrate Laphroaig Day, the brand is offering several activities as part of the Fèis Ìle festival, including a masterclass with MacAffer and a cask tasting and bottling session.
Bottled at 52.2% ABV, the whisky is priced at £92 ($116 USD) per 700ml bottle and available to purchase from the brand’s official website.
The 2021 edition of Laphroaig’s Cáirdeas was finished in a Pedro Ximénez cask.
