Exclusive Laphroaig Tasting Event at Whisky & Alement
On a crisp September evening, Melbourne’s Whisky & Alement transformed into a haven for whisky aficionados, hosting an unforgettable tasting event featuring the iconic Islay distillery, Laphroaig. The night was a celebration of smoky, peaty perfection, guided by Suntory Australia’s charismatic brand ambassador, Kevin Griffin, whose passion for Laphroaig’s craft illuminated the room.
With a masterful presentation, Kevin peeled back the curtain on the distillery’s time-honored methods, sharing insider details about the rugged Islay landscape and the meticulous process that gives Laphroaig its unmistakable character. Complementing his expertise, Whisky & Alement’s owner, Jules, offered sharp insights into the evening’s stellar lineup, elevating the experience with his deep knowledge and enthusiasm. The event, more than delivered on a 90-minute journey through six exceptional whiskies, paired exquisitely with single-origin dark chocolate from Sisko Chocolatiers - a combination that proved to be masterful and delicious.
The tasting began with the quintessential Laphroaig 10, a full-bodied single malt that serves as the perfect introduction to Islay’s peated whiskies. Crafted on Scotland’s remote and windswept coast, this dram captures the essence of its origins with bold notes of smoke, seaweed, peat, and a whisper of salt. Its surprising sweetness gives way to a long, warming finish, evoking a bracing autumn day by the sea. Sourced from the legendary Kilbride Stream and made with malted barley cold-smoked over Islay peat fires, Laphroaig 10 is a staple for both novices and seasoned connoisseurs, best savoured neat or over ice. The crowd sipped in reverence, the whisky’s complexity setting the tone for what was to come.
Next up was a rare gem from the early 2000s, a 10-year-old bottling that offered a nostalgic glimpse into Laphroaig’s past. It was amazing to compare this 10 year old to the modern Laphroaig. Its distinct profile sparked murmurs of appreciation, setting the stage for the ultra-rare Laphroaig 12-year Highgrove 1998, a whisky with a story as rich as its flavour. Distilled just days before HRH Prince Charles’ visit to the distillery in 1994, this single cask expression was bottled in 2008 for the Highgrove charitable fund. With only 280 bottles produced, its nutty finesse and luxurious style captivated the room. Kevin shared the tale of the royal visit, where a plane mishap extended Prince Charles’ stay, allowing distillery manager Iain Henderson to have casks signed for charity - an anecdote that added depth to every sip.
The Laphroaig Quarter Cask followed, a fan favourite known for its vibrant tropical notes and subtle sweetness. Matured in smaller 125-liter bourbon barrels, this non-chill filtered malt boasts intense wood interaction, delivering a deep, smoky palate with hints of coconut and banana. Its long, spicy finish lingered, pairing beautifully with the rich, dark chocolate from Sisko Chocolatiers. The Laphroaig Lore, with its balanced peat and seaside minerality, offered a refined contrast. Drawn from a selection of first-fill sherry butts and quarter casks, this 48% ABV expression captured the distillery’s timeless essence, its complexity unfolding with every taste.
The evening’s crescendo was the Laphroaig 30-year-old 2024 edition, a super-refined masterpiece matured in American oak barrels and European sherry hogsheads. This luxurious dram showcased how Laphroaig’s bold peat evolves over decades into something transcendentally smooth yet unmistakably Islay. Kevin dropped an exclusive bombshell: a 36-year-old expression is on the horizon, along with other older Laphroaig styles - a revelation that sent ripples of excitement through the crowd. This luxe 30-year-old, soon to be released in Australia, was a highlight, its decadent layers of flavour amplified by the single-origin chocolate pairing.
Laphroaig’s soul, forged in the rugged beauty of Islay, shone through every dram. From the peaty intensity of the 10 to the rare elegance of the Highgrove and the opulent 30-year-old, the lineup was an epic journey through time and taste. Whether you’re new to whisky or a seasoned enthusiast, the event was a testament to Laphroaig’s flavour profile, crafted with water from the Kilbride Stream and barley smoked over Islay peat.
For those who missed it, Whisky & Alement promises more epic nights where passion for whisky meets unparalleled expertise. As the evening wrapped up, attendees lingered, buzzing with excitement and already anticipating the next gathering at this Melbourne gem. Thank you to Kevin for the invite.