Beam Suntory-owned Laphroaig has unveiled its 2021 Cáirdeas bottling, a whisky finished in a Pedro Ximénez cask.
The annual release of the series, created by Laphroaig distillery manager John Campbell, has been created to celebrate the ‘friends of Laphroaig’.
The 2021 Cáirdeas edition is triple matured in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels, followed by quarter casks and finally in European oak hogsheads containing PX sherry.
The blend creates a ‘complex expression full of character’, bottled at cask strength to ensure ‘rich and intricate flavours’.
It is said to have smoky aromas of grilled bacon, as well as manuka honey and oak spices.
Tasting notes are nutty, combined with a blend of toffee and cinnamon on the nose. The finish is described as hot, spicy and salty.
Campbell said: “I am so excited to announce the launch of our 2021 Càirdeas edition, finished in European oak hogsheads containing PX Sherry.
“We are so happy that we can celebrate the loyalty of our Laphroaig whisky enthusiasts with a new, special edition bottle.”
The 58.9% ABV bottling will be available to buy from 1 July, on Laphroaig.com and in select US stores, for an RRP of £89.90 (US$127) per 700ml bottle.
The whisky has been unveiled ahead of the second virtual iteration of Islay’s Féis Íle Festival, which starts this month (28 May to 6 June).
Laphroaig’s Féis Íle events will be held on 1 June, and will include an online tour of the Islay distillery and a virtual demonstration of whisky cocktails.
Earlier this month, Whisky Auctioneer hosted an online auction featuring 240 limited edition Fèis Ìle Scotch whiskies.
