Founded by farmers, Laphroaig is a whisky that truly comes from the land. With the soft, peaty water from Kilbride spring, and the quality grass and moss that over time turns into peat, Laphroaig has a liquid profile like no other on Islay.
The accounts and statements in this document form the timeless DNA of the Laphroaig brand. These truths shape the brand and help to define its future direction.
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THE DECK
MOMENTS
The Founder's Dream
Made for friends, Laphroaig embraces the strong community and collective mindset of the island. It is a whisky fit for Royal consumption, but with a spirit that is humble and welcoming to all.This document outlines the history of the Laphroaig brand, the personality and celebrated stories, and the distinguishing characteristics of the liquid itself.
Laphroaig Timeline
1815
Laphroaig is founded by farmers and brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston
1923
Ian Hunter elevates the quality and expands the distillery
1929
Ian Hunter begins to legally export Laphroaig to America
1954
Bessie Williamson takes over as the first female distillery owner (one of the first females in the industry)
1968
The House Style is established with the changing of the wash stills
1994
Prince Charles appoints Laphroaig with the Royal Warrant (the only single malt to have this honour)
March 14, 1994
Iain Henderson introduces 'Friends of Laphroaig' to engage more drinkers
2004
First distillery to launch a non-age statement
Stories
HISTORY CELEBRATED
TRUE TO THE ORIGINS
FOUNDED BY FARMERS
Founded by farmers, Laphroaig is inherently connected to the island, its produce, and its provenance. Our whisky is shaped and influenced by our unique terroir – the soft, peaty water from the nearby Kilbride spring; the sea salt and iodine from our shoreline location; the moss and grass that turns into peat; the polarising island temperatures – all of these elements come from the land, and they are what makes Laphroaig, Laphroaig.
FOR FRIENDS
In 1994, Ian Henderson introduced ‘Friends of Laphroaig’ to engage fans, friends, and followers of our unique whisky, and invite them in. A global community, Friends of Laphroaig help us explore new expressions, attend tastings, and receive an honorary plot of land in our peat fields under the title ‘whisky landlords.’ And those who make the pilgrimage to their peaty plot are rewarded with a dram of Laphroaig as ‘rent’ for their land.
THE ROYAL WARRANT
His Royal Highness Prince Charles visited for the first time in 1994, granting the distillery his Royal Warrant, and making Laphroaig the only single malt to receive this honour. Each bottle now carries the distinctive royal coat of arms, which is also inscribed on the walls of the original distillery buildings. Prince Charles visited again in 2008 as part of his sixtieth birthday celebrations, and in 2015 to celebrate Laphroaig’s 200th year.
PIONEERS OF FEMALE OWNERSHIP
Bessie Williamson was a force to be reckoned with. Her tenacious spirit, talent, and integrity led her to become one of the first women to own and run a whisky distillery. A true islander, she strengthened Laphroaig’s close links with Islay life, joining in with the annual peat cutting, and dancing to Gaelic songs at the Saturday night ‘ceilidhs.’ During Bessie’s tenure, Laphroaig saw marked upgrading and success overseas as its fame and sales grew.
People
A COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY
THE FOUNDERS
Donald & Alexander Johnston
At the turn of the 19th century, brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston leased farmland on Islay and began their business of raising cattle. They grew barley for feed, to see the animals through the long winter months on the harsh Scottish island, but were consistently left with excess barley. For Scotsmen on Islay, excess barley was best used for making whisky, and that’s exactly what the brothers did.
In 1815, Donald and Alexander officially founded the Laphroaig distillery. Word spread around the island that the whisky being produced at Laphroaig was particularly good, due to the source water being very soft, peaty, and lacking in minerals. Donald and Alexander soon realized that making whisky was more profitable than farming cattle, and it became their main profession.
Donald became sole owner of Laphroaig in 1836, after buying out his brother’s share of the distillery for a sum of £350. But in 1847, Donald was involved in a fatal accident at the distillery; it is said he fell into a vat of hot wash. Upon his sudden death, ownership passed to Donald’s son Dugald, who was only 11 at the time. The distillery was subsequently run by Dugald’s uncle, John Johnston, and a local farmer Peter McIntyre until Dugald came of age. At the age of 21, Dugald took over the running of the distillery alongside his cousin Alexander Johnston.
In 1815, Donald and Alexander officially founded the Laphroaig distillery. Word spread around the island that the whisky being produced at Laphroaig was particularly good, due to the source water being very soft, peaty, and lacking in minerals. Donald and Alexander soon realized that making whisky was more profitable than farming cattle, and it became their main profession.
Donald became sole owner of Laphroaig in 1836, after buying out his brother’s share of the distillery for a sum of £350. But in 1847, Donald was involved in a fatal accident at the distillery; it is said he fell into a vat of hot wash. Upon his sudden death, ownership passed to Donald’s son Dugald, who was only 11 at the time. The distillery was subsequently run by Dugald’s uncle, John Johnston, and a local farmer Peter McIntyre until Dugald came of age. At the age of 21, Dugald took over the running of the distillery alongside his cousin Alexander Johnston.
THE VISIONARY
Ian Hunter
In 1908, Ian Hunter – son of Alexander’s sister, Isabella Hunter – took over as distillery manager. This was the start of a period of massive growth for Laphroaig, elevating its reputation as a single malt around the world.
The distillery and surrounding land came into the family’s full ownership in the 1920s. The present-day maltings were completed, doubling the distillery’s capacity, and new wash stills and spirit stills were installed.
In 1929, Ian managed to convince the US Customs and Excise that his product’s pungent seaweed and iodine nose was evidence of its medicinal properties, and began to legally export Laphroaig to America.
Around the 1930s, Ian asked his accountant to recommend somebody for summer work. He proposed his niece, Miss Elizabeth Williamson, known as ‘Bessie’. This was to be a key move for the future of Laphroaig.
During the War years, the rules for exporting sherry in casks had changed, resulting in a scarcity of fresh ex-sherry butts. The industry was pushed to re-using exhausted casks. Preferring not to compromise the distillery’s high standards, Ian pioneered the use of the more readily available American bourbon casks, which he broke down and re-coopered as slightly bigger hogshead casks. By 1950, the majority of Laphroaig’s spirit was laid down in ex-bourbon American oak, and it became part of the liquid profile.
Ian was a serious and studious man and left his mark on the distillery in more ways than one. His building works are still visible today, as are his methods, beliefs, and attitudes when it comes to whisky production.
The distillery and surrounding land came into the family’s full ownership in the 1920s. The present-day maltings were completed, doubling the distillery’s capacity, and new wash stills and spirit stills were installed.
In 1929, Ian managed to convince the US Customs and Excise that his product’s pungent seaweed and iodine nose was evidence of its medicinal properties, and began to legally export Laphroaig to America.
Around the 1930s, Ian asked his accountant to recommend somebody for summer work. He proposed his niece, Miss Elizabeth Williamson, known as ‘Bessie’. This was to be a key move for the future of Laphroaig.
During the War years, the rules for exporting sherry in casks had changed, resulting in a scarcity of fresh ex-sherry butts. The industry was pushed to re-using exhausted casks. Preferring not to compromise the distillery’s high standards, Ian pioneered the use of the more readily available American bourbon casks, which he broke down and re-coopered as slightly bigger hogshead casks. By 1950, the majority of Laphroaig’s spirit was laid down in ex-bourbon American oak, and it became part of the liquid profile.
Ian was a serious and studious man and left his mark on the distillery in more ways than one. His building works are still visible today, as are his methods, beliefs, and attitudes when it comes to whisky production.
THE PIONEER
Bessie Williamson
In 1932, Bessie Williamson left Glasgow University with an MA. Upon her uncle’s recommendation, she traveled to Islay to work a summer office job at Laphroaig. She arrived with just one suitcase, unaware that it would be 40 summers and the love of a lifetime before she left.
Bessie took the reins of Laphroaig in 1954, becoming one of the first female owners and distillers in the entire industry. A true islander, she strengthened Laphroaig’s close links with Islay life, joining in with the annual peat cutting, singing, and dancing to Gaelic songs at the Saturday night ‘ceilidhs.’
Anticipating a higher demand for single malt whiskies in the USA, Bessie began to strengthen their ties. Under her direction, Laphroaig saw marked upgrading and success overseas, allowing the whisky to be enjoyed to this day. Thanks to her strong business acumen, she was also appointed ambassador to North America by the Scotch Whisky Association.
In the 1960s, Bessie gradually sold Laphroaig to Seager Evans & Co via its Scottish asset Long John Distillery. Seager Evans (later rebranded as Long John International) acquired its first share in 1962 and completed the acquisition of Laphroaig in 1967. A year later, the big spirit still was installed, and the size and shape of the wash stills changed.
Bessie took the reins of Laphroaig in 1954, becoming one of the first female owners and distillers in the entire industry. A true islander, she strengthened Laphroaig’s close links with Islay life, joining in with the annual peat cutting, singing, and dancing to Gaelic songs at the Saturday night ‘ceilidhs.’
Anticipating a higher demand for single malt whiskies in the USA, Bessie began to strengthen their ties. Under her direction, Laphroaig saw marked upgrading and success overseas, allowing the whisky to be enjoyed to this day. Thanks to her strong business acumen, she was also appointed ambassador to North America by the Scotch Whisky Association.
In the 1960s, Bessie gradually sold Laphroaig to Seager Evans & Co via its Scottish asset Long John Distillery. Seager Evans (later rebranded as Long John International) acquired its first share in 1962 and completed the acquisition of Laphroaig in 1967. A year later, the big spirit still was installed, and the size and shape of the wash stills changed.
Bessie retired in 1972 and died 10 years later. John McDougal, who succeeded Bessie as distillery manager, remembered her most fondly:
“It was an honour to work with Bessie Williamson and I will never forget her words of wisdom. So far as I am concerned, she has never left Laphroaig.”
THE PATRIARCH
Iain Henderson
In 1989, the now legendary Iain Henderson became manager at Laphroaig during the takeover by Allied Lyons (UK). Iain was considered as one of the last old-school managers and the public face of Laphroaig, a role which he loved. He remained as manager until he retired in 2003.
It was under his guidance that Laphroaig 10 Year Old became the world’s fastest-selling single malt.
One of the legacies of his time at the distillery was the creation of Friends of Laphroaig which started from a brainstorming session. In the early 1990s, Laphroaig’s sales were declining, and they needed to figure out what to do with the brand – either sell it or resurrect it.
They decided to combine Iain’s in-house ‘Letter from Islay’ with the idea of leasing plots of land to consumers. Today there are more than 900,000 Friends, each with their own square foot of peat bog.
It was under his guidance that Laphroaig 10 Year Old became the world’s fastest-selling single malt.
One of the legacies of his time at the distillery was the creation of Friends of Laphroaig which started from a brainstorming session. In the early 1990s, Laphroaig’s sales were declining, and they needed to figure out what to do with the brand – either sell it or resurrect it.
They decided to combine Iain’s in-house ‘Letter from Islay’ with the idea of leasing plots of land to consumers. Today there are more than 900,000 Friends, each with their own square foot of peat bog.
“When I arrived I wanted to understand what the most important element of the distillery was. At this time we were having long, dry summers, sometimes 14 weeks without a drop of rain. That gave me the time to understand the impact the raw materials and the seasons had on the product of this majestic liquid.”
– Iain Henderson
Place
ISLAY OUR HOME
ISLAY, OUR HOME
Our home is the breath-taking, rugged island of Islay, cast adrift off the West Coast of Scotland. Islay (‘eye-la’) lies more westerly than Land’s End and further south than Edinburgh or Glasgow.
In winter, Atlantic storms can isolate the island, sweeping ferries off course and forcing back aircraft. In spring, the island becomes a garden warmed by the Gulf Stream.
Over the millennia, Islay’s island geography and weather have shaped the communities that live and work here. Strong, independent, and uncompromising folk with a deep sense of community spirit.
Mysteries of Islay’s history are still being unearthed. Hillsides are littered with standing stones erected by Bronze Age Celts. Later, the island became an early Christian settlement and visited by St. Columba it then became a Viking stronghold.
Today, the island has approximately 3,500 inhabitants, and the main commercial activities are agriculture, fisheries, malt whisky distillation, and tourism. Scottish Gaelic is spoken by approximately a quarter of the population of the island.
In winter, Atlantic storms can isolate the island, sweeping ferries off course and forcing back aircraft. In spring, the island becomes a garden warmed by the Gulf Stream.
Over the millennia, Islay’s island geography and weather have shaped the communities that live and work here. Strong, independent, and uncompromising folk with a deep sense of community spirit.
Mysteries of Islay’s history are still being unearthed. Hillsides are littered with standing stones erected by Bronze Age Celts. Later, the island became an early Christian settlement and visited by St. Columba it then became a Viking stronghold.
Today, the island has approximately 3,500 inhabitants, and the main commercial activities are agriculture, fisheries, malt whisky distillation, and tourism. Scottish Gaelic is spoken by approximately a quarter of the population of the island.
OUR ELEMENTS
Laphroaig is a Gaelic word meaning ‘the beautiful hollow broad bay’ – a direct expression of the distillery itself.
The unique terroir influences our whisky in 4 key ways:
Liquid
House Style Liquid
THE MOST DISTINCTIVE, PEATY SCOTCH WHISKY.
Heroing the Islay Peat:
Iodine, Seaweed, Saltiness, Tar Barrel Smoke as a counterpoint to the fresh fruity notes from the malt.
Rooted in the unique terroir and house process:
The Islay Peat, The water from Kilbride Spring, The Traditional Floor Malting Process, Upward Lyne Still Arm, and Cold Smoking Process.
A true product of the land on Islay.
A TRUE PRODUCT OF THE LAND ON ISLAY.
Experience
THE FIRST SIP
'A BIG PEATY SLAP IN THE FACE'
To be enjoyed with friends
Enjoyed neat to appreciate the purity and intensity of the Islay peat, the medicinal notes with a depth of flavours (fruitiness and vanilla), and a soothing sweetness in the finish.
Laphroaig 10 is enjoyed with water to bring out the earthy notes and the peaty smoke.
Laphroaig 10 is enjoyed with water to bring out the earthy notes and the peaty smoke.
Personality
Personality & Behavior
STRENGTH OF CHARACTER
We are…
FORTHRIGHT BUT OPEN-MINDED
Strong in our convictions whilst embracing the richness of diverse opinions
METICULOUS BUT IMPASSIONED
Every last detail considered with total devotion and beautiful simplicity
CHARMING BUT UNPRETENTIOUS
A disarming nature and the warming welcome of a well-seasoned host
