Laphroaig 1987/2021 34 Year Old The Ian Hunter Story 2022 Book 4 - 70cl/46.2%

Laphroaig Distillery, located on the southern coast of Islay, Scotland, was founded in 1815 by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston, descendants of Clan Donald. Originally part of a farming operation, the site may have been used for illicit distilling as early as 1810. The distillery gained fame for its heavily peated single malt, using local peat from the island's bogs, which imparts a distinctive medicinal, smoky flavor influenced by the Atlantic sea spray. By the 1920s, under Ian Hunter's ownership, Laphroaig was marketed as a single malt and expanded to four stills in 1924. During U.S. Prohibition, it was sold as "medicinal" whisky due to its strong iodine notes. In 1954, Hunter bequeathed the distillery to Bessie Williamson, its first female manager, who modernized operations while preserving traditions. Today, owned by Beam Suntory, Laphroaig remains committed to floor malting about 15-20% of its barley on-site, emphasizing terroir with Islay's water and peat. Its bold, polarizing style—balancing intense smoke, salt, and subtle sweetness—has earned a cult following, with innovations like cask finishes and limited editions showcasing its maritime heritage.

This Laphroaig 34 Year Old is the fourth installment in "The Ian Hunter Story" series, a prestigious limited-edition collection honoring Ian Hunter, the distillery's iconic owner from 1921 to 1954 who shaped its global legacy. Distilled in 1987 and bottled in 2021 (released in 2022 as Book 4: Malt Master), it matures in a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, bottled at 46.2% ABV without chill-filtration or added coloring to preserve its authentic character. This expression celebrates Hunter's mastery in malting, emphasizing Laphroaig's commitment to traditional floor malting and peated barley. Presented in a luxurious book-style packaging with archival photos and notes, it's a collector's gem, with only a limited number of bottles produced worldwide. The whisky exemplifies aged Islay peat, where time tempers the intensity into refined elegance. On the nose, it reveals smoky richness with dried fruits like raisins and figs, tobacco leaves, eucalyptus, fresh straw, heather honey, black pepper, and cinder toffee. The palate is peaty yet sweet, evoking barbecued pork with honey marinade, juicy peach and orange blossom, subtle iodine, earthy floral notes, tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya, guava, passion fruit, and coconut undertones. The finish is long and complex, with earthy peat, soot, cranberry juice, chocolate-covered elements, and a lingering maritime salinity. Ideal for sipping neat, this whisky appeals to connoisseurs seeking depth from extended maturation, blending Laphroaig's signature smoke with sherry-influenced sweetness.