Caol Ila 1969 & Laphroaig 1967

Laphroaig is the Islay whisky with the medicinal touch. Today, it is owned by Beam Suntory and enjoys tremendous success. Working flat out, it sources most of its malt from the nearby Port Ellen maltings but manages to retain 15% of its needs via the traditional malting floors at the distillery. While it is seen to be the most ‘extreme’ of the Islay malts, in recent times there has been a focus to provide more variety through a variety of expressions, including no age statements, as Laphroaig has built upon its brand and attracted new fans to Islay to own their bit of peat bog. The distillery dates back to 1815, and occupies an iconic waterside setting on Islay. Immediately recognisable to any ferry travellers as they slowly approach the isle. Originally founded by the Johnston brothers, unfortunately, one suffered a fatal accident in the distillery during 1847, but ownership is retained within the family for generations. The winds of change began with Bessie Williamson taking management control in 1954 before corporate owners arrived in the 1960s. One thing is noticeable about Laphroaig throughout the decades and that’s its enduring popularity and almost constant production, things that won’t change anytime soon.