Product Information:
The Ian Hunter Story Book #5 is the culmination of Ian Hunter series, a collection of aged single malts celebrating and paying homage to the lasting impact that one remarkable man had on Laphroaig’s history. This final release celebrates the lasting legacy of the final member of the Johnston family to own and manage the Laphroaig distillery. This is an exceptionally rare whisky in a very limited series – owning it is to own part of Laphroaig's history and heritage.
The fifth and final instalment in this iconic series is a 34-year-old single malt with intriguing flavours of classic Laphroaig peat combined with accents of fruity blueberry and sweet, rich butterscotch. This combination of classic and modern flavours showcases the evolving vision and individuality that Ian Hunter had in mind for Laphroaig whisky, making it certainly a legacy of spirit that will endure.
Maker:
Remote and rugged is how you can describe Islay, on the western coast of Scotland, lies a distillery that has captured the hearts and palates of whisky enthusiasts around the world. Laphroaig, pronounced as "La-froyg," is a name that resonates with those who appreciate the distinct and powerful flavours that only a peated Islay whisky can deliver.
Established in 1815 by brothers Alexander and Donald Johnston, Laphroaig's rich history is intertwined with the rugged beauty of its island home. The distillery stands proudly on the southern coast of Islay, overlooking the dramatic Atlantic Ocean, which plays a significant role in shaping the character of its whiskies. What sets Laphroaig apart from other whiskies is its unmistakably smoky and peaty profile. The distillery sources its malted barley from the nearby Port Ellen maltings, where it is dried over a peat fire, infusing the grain with the distinct flavours of the island. The resulting whisky is a true reflection of its terroir, with an intense and complex flavour profile that is often described as a balance between smoke, maritime brininess, and a hint of sweetness.
Distillery:
Laphroaig is blessed with its proximity to the Kilbride Stream, they've got a plentiful supply of peaty, mineral-rich water. The water is used as a coolant throughout the whisky-making process and in fact is one of Laphroaig’s main ingredients, lending soft, peaty, flavoursome notes to our whisky. As for the soil, well, their peat bogs are unlike anything found on mainland Scotland. Unlike other scotch producing sites, there are no forests on Islay, so the plants that fuel the peat are primarily heather, lichen, and moss. These give Laphroaig its herbal, qualities that are distinctive to the island, and the whisky. Also in the mix is old sea vegetation from when Islay was under water. The influence of this on the peat gives Laphroaig its maritime character and is one of the biggest points of difference from mainland peat.
Nose - Iodine, Burnt Wood, Vanilla Fudge
Lightly peaty with notes of iodine and burnt wood. Floral green malt, sweet candyfloss and vanilla fudge, and subtle blueberry and raspberry accents.
Palate - Spicy, Barbecue Ash, Dried Flowers
Sweet and spicy, with hints of classic Laphroaig peat and cold barbecue ash. Salted caramel and butterscotch, roast chestnut, a hint of peach, dried flowers and white pepper.
Finish - Peaty, Malty, Praline
Peaty and malty, with brown sugar notes and lingering sweetness.
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Islay
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 45.5%
