Laphroaig 38 Year Old Archive Collection
A taste of history from Laphroaig
Laphroaig’s bold, medicinal smoke is its signature. For over two centuries, the distillery has produced some of the most distinctive single malts to come out of anywhere, let alone Islay.
With the Archive Collection, Laphroaig invites whisky lovers to explore that identity in rare and extraordinary form.
The second release in the Archive Collection is a 38-year-old single malt that exemplifies what long ageing can do to the signature Laphroaig character. Rather than blunting it, time has redefined it, evolving the peaty ferocity into deep, savoury richness and mature smoke.
Collectors, connoisseurs, and peat devotees alike will appreciate this significant chapter in Laphroaig’s long and storied book, especially as only 400 copies are being published.
From raw smoke to refined spirit
This is Laphroaig, 38 years on – softer, deeper, wiser. The second entry in the Archive Collection preserves a chapter of distilling history, where intensity meets elegance.
Laphroaig 38 Year Old Archive Collection
The Laphroaig Archive Collection 38 Year Old was distilled in the 1980s and matured across three carefully chosen cask types.
It began life in American bourbon casks, it picked up gentle vanilla and coconut notes. A long rest in second-fill oloroso sherry hogsheads added nutty depth without overpowering the core. Finally, a finishing period in European oak seasoned with oloroso sherry imbues the whisky with bold dried fruit, dark chocolate, and savoury spice.
Each step imparted layers of richness while the once-fiery peat gently mellowed. Expect notes of mature smoke, antique leather, roasted chestnuts, and a wisp of iodine. The phenols are still there, but they ruminate rather than roar. Bottled at 41.3% ABV, this is a true collector’s piece and a contemplative pour.
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