Laphroaig distillery has revealed its 2019 Càirdeas release, a bottling reserved exclusively for its Friends of Laphroaig collective.
Càirdeas Triple Wood Cask Strength is an exclusive bottling launched to celebrate the Friends of Laphroaig, as well as the annual Fèis Ìle festival on Islay, which runs this year from 24 May-1 June.
Laphroaig releases a new Càirdeas bottling – meaning friendship in Gaelic – each year.
The 2019 edition, of which 36,000 bottles have been produced, has been matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, before maturation in quarter casks and ex-oloroso European oak Sherry casks.
Bottled at a cask strength of 51.4% abv without chill filtration, the whisky is said to contain notes of ‘rich toffee, dates, maple srup, praline and crème caramel.
John Campbell, Laphroaig distillery manager, said: ‘Our friends are very important to us at Laphroaig.
‘It’s a polarising whisky, so it means a great deal that our fans remain loyal to our liquid and continue to push for newer expressions. Friends of Laphroaig gives us a great opportunity to engage with our supporters and give back to them with this exclusive Càirdeas whisky.’
Càirdeas 2019 is now exclusively available for Friends of the Laphroaig to purchase online for £77 per 70cl bottle, although several bottles will be available to distillery visitors during Fèis Ìle.
The 2018 edition was a no-age-statement malt matured in first-fill Bourbon casks before a second maturation in fino Sherry hogsheads.
