Winter is still with us but we’re inching closer to spring time and the whisky market is waking up: the Glenmorangie Bacalta was launched and now we have two new Laphroaigs for Travel Retail – Four Oak, available now and The 1815 Legacy Edition, available from April 2017.

Michael Cockram, Global Marketing Director, Travel Retail at Beam Suntory, comments: “Peated Malts are having their moment in the spotlight, currently leading growth globally in the total malt category. This growth is being driven by European and GTR powerhouse markets, where there is a preference for quality products and heritage cues. We are launching these two exceptional new products exclusively in global travel retail to meet this demand; Laphroaig is a brand with a rich history and both releases appeal to consumers’ desire for a compelling story.”

Whisky Gospel Take: I’m wary of those expressions. Last time they tried such a thing of rich smoke and/or multiple casks, we ended up with the Select and QA expressions. I hope this time they got their act together and bring us something drinking worthy (and not too expensive)

FOUR OAK: A FUSION OF FAVOURS

Aged in four different hand-selected casks; ex-bourbon barrels, quarter casks, virgin American oak barrels and European oak hogsheads, vigilance and craftsmanship hold the key to this complex Islay malt. Bright golden in colour, Laphroaig Four Oak has aromas of peat smoke with stewed fruit and warm, toasted vanilla. With hints of sandalwood, pine, fir and willow, experience oak embers and seaweed with smooth buttercream on the palette and a salted liquorice and peaty finish.

THE 1815 LEGACY EDITION: TWO CENTURIES OF PEAT-SMOKED RICHNESS

For two centuries, Laphroaig master craftsmen have worked to shape the most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies. This exceptional edition was created by current Laphroaig Distillery Manager, John Campbell, to honour those who have gone before him. Left to rest in first-fill, ex-bourbon barrels before further maturing in large, new European oak hogsheads maturation occurs slowly, resulting in a whisky of great depth.

Deep sunset orange in colour, with aromas of burnt apricot and raisin, Laphroaig The 1815 Legacy Edition combines the signature peat smoke of Laphroaig with soft oak and notes of rich caramelised dark fruit and a dried fruit, nut, peat and oiled-wood finish.