Laphroaig Select takes its name from the special selection of American and European casks, chosen for the unique character that they give during maturation. Our Inspiration for our new Global expression has been taken from history – 70-80 years ago, the time of the last family member-owner of the distillery, Ian Hunter.

Ian was one of the biggest influences in the history of Laphroaig indeed he was one of the first distillers to travel to bourbon county in the USA to identify new sources of casks that would give him greater consistency as well as new flavours. He later married this ‘new’ style of Laphroaig with his traditionally matured (European cask) Laphroaig.

Inspired by his early work, we have used Oloroso sherry butts, straight American white oak (non-filled with bourbon), PX seasoned hogsheads, Quarter Casks and finally of course first fill Bourbon Casks. This varied cask maturation technique enabled us to create 6 new flavour combinations that were then tested with our FOL’s to choose their favourite style and indeed name.