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Add Whisky Monkeys as a Google favoriteXOP, the premium label from independent bottler Douglas Laing, has unveiled a striking new release. Meet the XOP Sea Dragon Edition—better known as an 18-year-old Laphroaig.
This whisky hails from the Laphroaig distillery and has matured for 18 years in a refill butt. It’s also bottled at cask strength, at 48% ABV.
XOP Sea Dragon Edition whisky features a commanding dragon
What immediately stands out is the bottle’s stunning design. The whisky lives up to its name, with a bold dragon emblazoned on the front. Of course, the liquid takes center stage, but unfortunately the official tasting notes haven’t been released.
What we do know is that Laphroaig’s maritime character shines through, where medicinal smoke meets oak and ash. Then again, that’s exactly what you’d expect from a Laphroaig release.
Single cask whisky
The official website states the following:
Our Xtra Old Particular range carries only aged and rare Single Cask Scotch Whiskies from some of Scotland’s most acclaimed and celebrated Distilleries, including those that are long-closed. Each one a marvel in its own right, XOP is bottled at Natural Cask Strength, exceptionally old and truly spectacular.
Where to buy the XOP Sea Dragon Edition (and at what price)?
Bottles will ship later this month. You can order via Douglas Laing’s official website. The price is 402.95 euros per bottle.
FAQ
- What is Douglas Laing?
Douglas Laing is an independent Scottish family company that has been bottling premium whiskies since 1948, including single malts and blended malts.
- What is Douglas Laing known for?
The brand is renowned for its Small Batch releases and characterful ranges such as Big Peat, Timorous Beastie, and Scallywag.
- Does Douglas Laing make its own whisky?
No. Douglas Laing doesn’t own a distillery; they select and bottle carefully chosen casks from Scottish distilleries.
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- There is no distillery equipment there and also no licences to produce or sell alcohol.TRC19-12-2025
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- Three emails sent (two with videos, linked to a Google Drive Share). 1. The original video. 2. The video with subtitles as it was shared on YouTube 3. Screen grab of the YouTube channel where the video was blocked due to Pernod Ricard lobbying. The story was covered on Drinks Intel at the time - link here - https://drinks-intel.com/subscriber-news/pernod-ricards-the-chuan-pure-malt-whisky-not-sourced-solely-from-china-global-drinks-intel-exclusive/Yvonne10-10-2025