Laphroaig 18 returns after almost a decade away, restoring a long-missed age statement.

The Laphroaig 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky marks the return of a much-loved Islay age statement after an absence of almost a decade. Matured for 18 years exclusively in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, it brings together Laphroaig's unmistakable peat smoke with the vanilla, fruit and rounded sweetness developed through lengthy maturation. The whisky begins with malted barley dried using peat smoke in Laphroaig's traditional kilns before being distilled with water drawn from the Kilbride Stream. Extended ageing softens the distillery's powerful smoky character without removing the medicinal, maritime personality for which Laphroaig is renowned. Bottled at 48% ABV, the expression offers a mature and layered interpretation of the classic Islay style.

Smoky peat and sweet vanilla lead the aroma, followed by soft toffee, gooseberry and subtle coastal complexity. The palate develops with warming cinnamon, freshly baked apple tart and ripe fruit, while the bourbon oak contributes vanilla sweetness and structure. Peat smoke remains prominent but sits more deeply within the whisky after eighteen years of maturation, allowing fruit and oak to share the foreground. Fresh mint and herbal notes emerge toward the finish, contrasting with richer fruit and woody smoke. The finish is long, full-bodied and distinctly peaty, balancing mature sweetness with Laphroaig's characteristic smoky intensity.

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Smoky, sweet and richly aromatic
Smoky peat and sweet vanilla with soft toffee, gooseberry and underlying maritime and woody nuances.

PALATE
– Fruity, spicy and deeply peated
Freshly baked apple tart, warming cinnamon, ripe fruit and vanilla are layered over mature peat smoke and structured American oak.

FINISH
– Full-bodied, herbal and smoky
Lingering fruit and fresh mint develop alongside woody peat smoke, warming spice and a long, persistent Islay finish.

Reviews & Accolades
“Absolutely to my taste, closer to the distillate than some of the more recent official Laphroaigs, and clearly superior to the old 18.” — Serge Valentin, Whiskyfun, 89 Points

95 Points / Gold Medal — International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025

Finer Details:
Brand - Laphroaig
Style - Single Malt
Country - Scotland
Region - Islay
ABV - 48%
Size - 700ml
Age Statement - 18 Year Old
Cask Strength - No
Peat Level - Heavily Peated