Cask 88 bottles 19-year-old Laphroaig

by Melita Kiely

Whisky broker and independent bottler Cask 88 has added a 19-year-old Laphroaig single malt to its Scottish Folklore series.

The 19-Year-Old Laphroaig 2001 Single Malt: Cailleach Beira Scotch whisky was finished in a first-fill Château Léoville-Las Cases Bordeaux barrique. Cailleach Beira is said to be the mother of all deities in Scottish folklore and the “personification of winter”. Bottled at 53.9% ABV, the whisky has been priced at £475 (US$600) per 700ml bottle. Only 258 have been made available to purchase online through cask88.com and whiskyfoundation.com. Patrick Costello, Cask 88 director, said: “This particular single cask caught our attention because of its complex and brooding personality that reminded us of Cailleach Beira herself. “Originally intended as a warming dram to guide through the change of seasons, changes to our release schedule have given our Cailleach Beira the chance to walk in the sun.” Tasting notes include black cherry jam on wholemeal toast and a burning peat fire on the nose, leading to dark malt loaf studded with dried cherries and pecan nuts on the palate, along with honey-glazed ham and smoked paprika. Once the smoke clears, the finish is said to taste like brandy and praline chocolates. The new release joins a 45-Year-Old Ben Nevis Single Malt, represented by the Cù-Sìth from Scottish folklore, and a 22-Year-Old Arran 1997 Single Malt, represented by the selkie.