Laphroaig Reveals Elements 2.0 Single Malt
(Credit: Beam Suntory)
Laphroaig, the malt distillery on the famed Scottish island of Islay, has unveiled Elements 2.0, the second in its exploratory series of bold whiskies that experiment with different distillation techniques. This new single malt showcases the flavor impact of extending the fermentation period, producing a fruitier whisky that still retains the peaty character that makes Laphroaig so distinctive.
In creating Laphroaig Elements 2.0, the distillery team went beyond the traditional approach to distillation and maturation to uncover interesting and unusual ways to experiment with the making of Laphroaig.
Disrupting the usual 55-hour fermentation process, Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is created from a number of longer fermentations ranging up to almost five full days in the tun – a total of 115 hours. The tun was specially aerated to maintain mash conditions, much like practices of old; a process that helps emphasize the fruitier notes of Laphroaig Islay single malt while maintaining its signature peaty character. The resulting product, Elements 2.0, is a bold, pale gold, non-chill filtered whisky with a fruity nose and palate.
Barry MacAffer, Distillery Manager for Laphroaig, commented, “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. 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.”
Each expression in the innovative Elements Series features a series of subtle details on pack, cataloging the experiments that have gone into making each bottle and the hands behind them, allowing Friends and lovers of Laphroaig an unrivaled glimpse into the magic of the whisky-making process.
Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is the second expression in the Series and is available in the US as of July at a suggested retail price of $165.00 (700ml). It follows the 2023 launch of Elements 1.0 – a spicy and peppery whisky that is a culmination of three experiments.
