Scotch whisky producer Laphroaig has today surprised Scotch whisky aficionados by unveiling the world’s first and only quarter cask matured single malt, for its famous Laphroaig^® Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand. 

Developed in secrecy at the home of Laphroaig on the remote Scottish Island of Islay, Laphroaig^® Quarter Cask takes its inspiration from the small casks, often used for Scotch whisky in the 19^th Century, which fell into disuse, as the industry grew bigger.  Double cask matured, Laphroaig Quarter Cask starts life in standard barrel size American Oak and is transferred into the newly created Quarter Casks ^*1for a final period of maturation.

The Quarter Cask maturation allows up to 30% more of the spirit to be in contact with the wood – compared to a normal barrel - the process whereby all malts take much of their individual character and style.  

Increasing the oak influence through this unique process imparts a special character to the maturing spirit, resulting in a creamy, coconut-like, delivery on the nose and a soft sweetness when first tasted.  However the unmistakable peat smoke, that is the hallmark of Laphroaig, then comes bursting through. 

Blended from a range of aged spirit up to and including 10 years old, Laphroaig Quarter Cask is bottled at 48% alcohol by volume and non-chill filtered to preserve the maximum flavour produced by this unique maturation process.

Targeted at 30-45 year old male malt consumers seeking to explore the world outside mainstream malt choice, and at loyal Laphroaig drinkers, Laphroaig Quarter Cask offers consumers a slightly more accessible Laphroaig - whilst retaining the unforgettable Laphroaig smoky-peat flavours that define this outstanding malt whisky.   

Laphroaig Quarter Cask will go on sale from September 2005 in the UK and will, given the bespoke nature of the maturation process, and the higher alcohol content, command a premium^*2 to Laphroaig 10 Year Old.

Nick Marshall, Senior Brand Manager for Laphroaig in the UK said, “Laphroaig Quarter Cask is a major piece of innovation in malt whisky and a welcome departure from the series of flavoured cask finishes that has come to characterise the category in recent years.  Based on extensive distillery trials, the process of marrying a number of different quarter casks to produce this exciting and unique Laphroaig variant is a tribute to the skills of Robert Hicks our master blender who has overseen every step of this unrivalled process.  In Quarter Cask we believe we have a fantastic new expression, built around the most traditional of techniques, which will help extend the appeal and fame of Laphroaig globally.”

“Like the early days of flavour finishes, Quarter cask maturation has the potential to become a whole new sub category in the malt whisky market.  It’s exciting to be at the forefront of this development with a world malt icon such as Laphroaig” concludes Marshall.

~Ends~

Editors Notes:

^*1 Laphroaig quarter casks are hand crafted by the Speyside Cooperage

 to Allied Domecq’s specification.

^*2 Laphroaig ¼ cask will have a RRP of £25.99 (70cl bottle)

Laphroaig is the registered trademark of Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine Ltd.

Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine UK is a member of The Portman Group - promoting

responsible drinking

For further information see www.drinkaware.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Mark Hunt Jefferson Hunt Communication Consultants Ltd