Quintessential Islay / Laphroaig 10 Year Old & Ardbeg 15 Year Old 2 x 50cl - Signed

Laphroaig is the largest of the three heavyweight Islay distilleries in Kildalton, out-stripping the production capacity of neighbours, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, by over 1 million litres per annum. Despite its traditional appearance, Laphroaig was always a forward-thinking distillery. It was bottled as a single malt as early as the 1920s, an unfashionable option at the time, especially for a peated whisky. They were also shrewd in capitalising on post-Prohibition America to add trademark sweetness to their spirit through the use of imported ex-bourbon casks, and hired Scotland’s first ever female distillery manager, Bessie Williamson, in 1954. Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to still use in-house maltings, providing them with 20% of their annual requirements, and contributing to the distillery’s unique flavour profile.

You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest is blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997.

Titled Quintessential Islay, this unusual gift pack was produced by Allied Distillers in the mid-1990s, and was exclusive to travel retail and the Laphroaig distillery shop. It features the classic Laphroaig 10 year old alongside an incredibly rare Ardbeg 15 year old.

The bottle of Laphroaig in this particular gift pack has been signed by then distillery manager Ian Henderson, and dated January 1999. The back of the carton has also been signed, though it is unclear by whom.