Beam Suntory, in collaboration with Maxxium Travel Retail, has launched a double-matured expression of its Laphroaig Scotch single malt whisky exclusively into European travel retail.
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Laphroaig Brodir Port Wood is matured in ex-Bourbon barrels followed by a second maturation in European oak casks seasoned with Ruby Port |
Laphroaig Brodir Port Wood is the second in a series of limited-edition Laphroaig expressions selected for annual release. The first, Laphroaig Brodir 13yo was introduced in 2012 at the Viking Line Whisky Fair. Brodir – ‘brother’ in ancient Norse – is said to celebrate Scotland’s connection with the Nordic region and culture and this latest release from the leading Islay malt continues that commemoration.
Laphroaig Brodir Port Wood is matured in ex-Bourbon barrels followed by a second maturation in European oak casks seasoned with Ruby Port. It is the combination of woods and the influence of port that adds a “complexity to this expression that differs from its predecessor”, said Beam Suntory.
Laphroaig Brodir Port Wood (48%abv) retails at €110 for a 700ml bottle.
The new expression joins a series of Laphroaig travel retail exclusives released during 2012 and 2013: Laphroaig QA Cask, Laphroaig PX Cask and Laphroaig An Cuan Mór. It will be communicated and made available to ‘Friends of Laphroaig’, an active online and offline community that links and rewards fans of Laphroaig (numbering more than 500,000 Friends worldwide), as well as whisky connoisseurs and Islay enthusiasts.
Beam Suntory Global Travel Retail Marketing Director Michael Cockram commented: “Laphroaig Brodir Port Wood is an exciting product that builds on the already acclaimed range of travel retail exclusives. This new expression gives a wider audience the chance to experience a premium Islay single malt Scotch whisky that has been selected specifically for this channel.”
Maxxium Travel Retail Managing Director Glen Williams added: “Laphroaig is a coveted brand and the travel retail channel provides the perfect platform to introduce an exclusive product such as Brodir Port Wood. Laphroaig has a loyal following and new expressions of this brand are highly sought after. We anticipate this special launch will follow the success of its predecessor and other expressions in the portfolio, generating excitement within the category.”
Tasting Notes
Brodir Port Wood is said to have an initial honey sweetness moving to dry, then creamy and floral. Heavy saltiness followed with liquorice root flavour, it develops into a heavy charcoal finish mixing with citrus notes that linger.
