Region: Islay (Scotland) Distillery: Laphroaig Age: 18 Years ABV: 48% Cask: Ex-Bourbon Size: 700 ml This is an original-release bottling of Laphroaig 18 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The expression was first introduced in 2009 as a replacement for the Laphroaig 15 Year Old and was discontinued around the end of 2016. It was relaunched in 2024 as a modern annual release. Both the older and modern releases are bottled at 48% ABV and matured for 18 years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. However, the older release offers a more mature, malt-forward interpretation of Laphroaig 18 Year Old, with a softer and more rounded expression of Islay peat. This 2009-era bottling displays a deep amber-gold colour and an oily, waxy, distinctly old-school malt character. On the nose, gentle Islay peat smoke mingles with vanilla, soft spice, wild heather and honeyed malt. Compared with the modern release, the peat is softer and less medicinal, allowing the malt and oak character to shine through. This makes the earlier bottling particularly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts seeking the discontinued style of Laphroaig 18 Year Old.
