Laphroaig 34 yo - The Ian Hunter Story 2022

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 46.2% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Book Four: Malt Master is the fourth and penultimate release in the five-part Ian Hunter Story. Laphroaig used barley from its own malting floors for this 34-year-old Islay single malt. The whisky first matured in American white oak casks before receiving a finish in Oloroso sherry casks. Released in 2022 at 46.2% ABV, it comes in book-shaped packaging.

The release honours Ian Hunter’s establishment of the malting floors Laphroaig still uses today. His influence on the distillery’s use of American white oak is also part of his legacy. The whisky’s smoke and peat sit alongside dried fruit, sweet notes and peach, with woodsmoke lingering in the finish.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, smoke and rich dried fruit mingle with tobacco leaf, eucalyptus and fresh straw. Golden syrup, caramel pastries, heather honey and black pepper also appear.
• Palate: On the palate, the whisky is peaty and sweet. Grilled pork marinated in honey meets peach and orange blossom, with subtle earthy and floral notes.
• Finish: The finish is ashy, with woodsmoke lingering for a long time.

Distillery/Bottler:

Laphroaig Distillery on Islay produced Book Four as an official distillery bottling. From 1908 to 1944, Ian Hunter was the last member of the Johnston family to own and run the distillery. He secured its lease in 1922 and shaped its approach to maturation through the use of American white oak.

Hunter had the distillery’s own malting floors installed and supervised the work there. Laphroaig continues to use them in its whisky production. Today, the distillery belongs to Suntory Global Spirits’ portfolio of Scotch brands.

Facts: