Scotland, Isle of Islay. Distillery operational. Owner: Beam - Suntory

Few distilleries have inspired as much excitement among collectors as Laphroaig, and this with just a single expression of its single malt, the Laphroaig 10 Year Old. Nonetheless, since the end of WWII, it has released a large number of bottlings, each varying from one market to the next. Its heavily peated style has developed according to the barrels used for maturation (sherry/bourbon). Its ABV, varying from 40% to 60% for its cask strength bottlings, favours one characteristic of its profile over another. And yet, it is still the Laphroaig 10 Year Old and has been for 70 years and counting. This expression forms a collection of its own thanks to its numerous importers and labels, including Filippi Fausto to Bonfanti, Cinzano, R.H.Elsbach & Co and Carlton Import. Laphroaig is, however, also renowned for its outstanding vintages 1960, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980 and 1981 and versions aged 15 - 40 years. All in own, a world of its own.

A Laphroaig distilled in 1990 and bottled by Highgrove. Part of the profits made by Highgrove are donated to charity endeavours supported by the Prince of Wales. Highgrove House is the Prince’’s country residence in Gloucestershire, England. Prince Charles has promoted sustainable and organic agriculture there since 1985. He is known for his green fingers and the estate is famous for its park and many gardens, including a vegetable garden, French garden and oriental garden. Other products from the estate and local artisans are also sold under the Highgrove brand. Several casks of Laphroaig have been bottled for the range, as the Islay distillery is a particular favourite of the Prince, who is quite the whisky fan and visited the site in 1994, awarding it the Royal Warrant.