The new expression, bottled at 48% abv and available from 18 March with a UK RRP of £75, aims to celebrate the cult Islay distillery’s 200 years of whisky-making knowledge and tradition.

Laphroaig Lore includes whiskies matured in a variety of cask types, including first-fill Bourbon barrels, quarter casks and Oloroso Sherry hogsheads, and has been created by Laphroaig distillery manager John Campbell.

‘It’s a massive whisky, as bold as it is deep, and one that I sincerely hope does justice to the many generations of Laphroaig distillery managers,’ said Campbell.

He added: ‘Over the generations, distillery managers like me have made their own contributions to the quality and character of Laphroaig.

‘From the founding of Laphroaig, these custodians have each made their own mark, whether it was drying the malting barley at lower temperatures than most, using two sizes of spirit still, pioneering the use of ex-Bourbon barrels, or reintroducing the quarter cask to Scotch whisky-making. Each of these decisions has made Laphroaig the unique, premium whisky it is today.’

Laphroaig Lore will be available in Germany, the UK, south-east Asia, the US, Canada and Nordic countries.