Unique Malts
A "COUTHIE" sort of place - Laphroaig
May 26, 2002, 11:08

The doors of Scotland’s most distinctive single malt whisky distillery and newest visitor centre, Laphroaig, will be flung open in time to welcome many of the hundreds of people who will flock to the island for this years Islay Whisky festival. (May 24th – June 3rd inclusive).

Described by distillery manager Iain Henderson as a ‘couthie sort of place’ the new visitor centre very much reflects the understated and uncompromising position that has become the hallmark of Laphroaig. There are no large conducted tours of the distillery, over-commercialised gift shops or great acres of cafes, restaurants and snack bars. Instead visitors can relax in simple, yet comfortable surroundings and take in the unique atmosphere that is Laphroaig. There is a tour of the distillery, by the distillery manger himself or at least one of his trusted colleagues.

“Relaxing, homely and natural - sort of couthie” says Iain Henderson, distillery manager. “These were the watchwords for the refurbishment. We can’t be doing with all this commercial stuff here at Laphroaig. Yes, we’ve increased the range of branded goods available to visitors and friends but purely on the basis of what people have asked for either on line (www.Laphroaig.com) or during past visits. And we have improved the availability of Wellington boots, maps and storm hats for the hundreds of ‘Friends of Laphroaig’ who visit each year, looking to locate and stand on their own square foot of Laphroaig”.

Should the changeable Atlantic weather prove too much for the Wellington’s and storm hats, or in deed the ‘poor souls’ wearing them, Laphroaig distillery offers visitors a wet weather alternative in the shape of newly created Laphroaig Museum. Featuring an early 1900’s static steam engine; an audiovisual presentation and a display of artefacts charting Laphroaig’s history, the museum will undoubtedly be a very popular ‘refuge’ from the storms that frequent pound the distillery walls.
Open to the public Monday to Friday, the new ‘visitor centre’ at Laphroaig will take centre stage at the Islay Whisky Festival, where in addition to tours it will be home to a celebration Ceilidh to mark the Iain Henderson’s Recent Life Time Achievement Award presented by Whisky Magazine.

Liz Hodson Laphroaig Brand Manger at ADUK says “The opening of the new visitor centre and indeed the celebration Ceilidh promises to be a ‘not to be missed’ event at this year’s festival”.

Notes to Editors:

• Laphroaig distillery tours can take place at any time by appointment. To arrange a tour of the distillery call direct on +44 (0) 1496 302418.
  
• Laphroaig Malt Whisky is the registered trademark of Allied Domecq Spirit & Wines (UK) Ltd.