Laphroaig honors its savior with an extraordinarily old and rare whisky

Friday, 28 August 2026 at 09:33

Laphroaig 35 year old Strong Characters_ Chapter 2

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Laphroaig has unveiled a new and remarkable whisky, one that once again sends us diving into the history books. The Islay distillery is releasing a 35-year-old single malt as the second edition in the Strong Characters Collection. Only 5,500 bottles will be available worldwide.

The new release pays tribute to Dugald Johnston, son of Laphroaig founder Donald Johnston. This series isn’t just about well-aged whisky—it also celebrates the people who were indispensable to the distillery’s story.

A liquid tribute to Dugald Johnston

In 1847, during a challenging period for Islay, Dugald Johnston took the helm at Laphroaig. The island had faced economic hardship, the aftereffects of famine, and a declining population. Even so, Johnston succeeded in expanding the distillery.

Over the next two decades or so, Laphroaig’s production more than tripled under his leadership, all while preserving the whisky’s unmistakable character. The first bottle in the Strong Characters Collection was a 33-year-old release honoring Donald Johnston.

35 years in ex-bourbon casks yields striking tasting notes

While the first release in the series showcased the influence of sherry casks, Laphroaig takes a different path with this 35-year-old whisky. It has matured exclusively in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels.

According to the official tasting notes, this results in a strikingly layered profile. The nose reveals fresh-baked pastry, apple, and cherry. On the palate, smoke and spice intertwine with a creamy mouthfeel and a subtle touch of raisin. The finish carries notes of anise and pepper before the signature Laphroaig peat smoke reemerges.

Nose: Initially sweet, followed by notes of fresh-baked pastry, apple, and cherry.
Palate: An inviting smokiness leads, with spicy accents. Creamy mouthfeel, with a gentle hint of raisin in the background.
Finish: A lingering anise character with a light peppery edge, slowly unfurling into the original peat smoke.

The whisky is bottled at 43.8% alcohol by volume (ABV).

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Glenfiddich 18 Year Old	77,63 euros
The Perfect Measure 25 Whisky and Spirits Advent & Tasting Set	99,80 euros
20 Whiskies That Changed The World Tasting Set	119,82 euros
Port Charlotte 10 Year Old	47,87 euros
Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo	60,15 euros

Not many older Laphroaig casks left

According to master blender Dr. Calum Fraser, very few of Laphroaig’s oldest casks remain, making this 35-year-old release especially noteworthy. Fraser describes the whisky as a softer, more nuanced side of Laphroaig that still stays true to the house style.

Extra care was taken with the presentation as well. Illustrator Bill Bragg designed the label and packaging, featuring black-and-white artwork inspired by life around the historic Islay distillery.

The Laphroaig 35 Year Old Strong Characters carries a recommended price of £880 (€1,000) and is limited to 5,500 bottles worldwide. It is available via the distillery’s website.

FAQ

How old is the new Laphroaig Strong Characters whisky?
The second release in the Strong Characters Collection is 35 years old. The whisky honors Dugald Johnston, who played a pivotal role in Laphroaig’s history.
What casks was the Laphroaig 35 Year Old aged in?
The whisky matured exclusively in American white oak ex-bourbon casks. It was ultimately bottled at 43.8% ABV.
How many bottles of the Laphroaig 35 Year Old are being released?
Only 5,500 bottles of this exceptional 35-year-old Laphroaig are being released worldwide. The recommended price is £880.