Laphroaig experiments with extended fermentation

Suntory-owned Laphroaig distillery on Islay has unveiled the second edition of its experimental Elements series.

Launched in 2023 with Elements 1.0, the series features bold whiskies that experiment with different distillation techniques. The second edition, Elements 2.0, showcases the flavour impact of extending the fermentation period, producing a fruitier whisky that retains the peaty character of the single malt. The new release uses longer fermentations, up to almost five full days in the tun, totalling 115 hours. This disrupts the usual 55-hour fermentation process. “Our Laphroaig Elements Series is all about blending years of traditional whisky-making with new, progressive techniques. There’s no whisky that encapsulates Islay quite like Laphroaig – but this hasn’t stopped us experimenting in a way that preserves our iconic character,” said distillery manager Barry MacAffer. “Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is an unexpected fruitier whisky with the same peaty character you’ve come to know and love – made possible by over double the typical fermentation period. I’m keen to hear what our friends think of this whisky, which follows in the successful footsteps of Elements 1.0.” Elements 2.0 offers aromas of ‘stewed apples, vanilla custard and zesty orange peel with subtle peaty notes’ on the nose, followed on the palate by notes of  ‘green apples and runny honey, with cream soda and soft peatiness of a smouldering bonfire and smoked seafood’. Laphroaig Elements 2.0 will be available from 3 June from select specialist retailers, including The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and Master of Malt, with an RRP of £170 (US$216). On 13 May, the Laphroaig distillery (D Johnston & Company) was granted a Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III, continuing the warrant Prince Charles awarded the distillery in 1994. Earlier this year, the owner of the distillery Beam Suntory was renamed Suntory Global Spirits.