Laphroaig 1987 Single Cask 17 Year Old #4299 / Feis Ile 2004

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.

These earlier Feis Ile releases are a real rarity and don't often find their way to auction.

Released at Laphroaig distillery during the Feis Ile in 2004, this single cask was selected by Master Blender Robert Hicks as representing the best example of 1987 distillate.

With only 250 bottles produced this is a far cry from the run number of most contemporary Feis Ile bottlings.