The Laphroaig distillery on Islay has long been synonymous with bold, heavily peated whisky. Its flagship 10-year-old expression, aged in ex-bourbon barrels, can be found on tap in most U.S. bars and retail shelves, a testament to its enduring popularity. After a decade without a widely available middle-age offering, the house has announced a permanent addition: a 15-Year-Old that slots neatly between the classic ten-year and the premium 18-year releases.
While the 10-year version remains the workhorse of the range, Laphroaig’s portfolio also includes limited-edition cask-strength bottlings, sherry-finished variants, and the annual Cairdeas series, which changes its composition each year. The new 15-Year-Old, however, is the first age-statement since its brief reappearance a decade ago that will stay on shelves nationwide.
What the 15-Year-Old brings to the table
First introduced in 1985, the Laphroaig 15-Year-Old resurfaced temporarily in to commemorate the distillery’s 200th anniversary. Its permanent return fills a gap in the core lineup, offering five additional years of maturation in the same bourbon barrels that give the 10-year its vanilla-sweet backbone. Those extra years coax out softer, richer oak flavors without muting the iconic smoke that defines the brand.
Tasting notes highlight a complex palate: a smoky foundation of iodine, seaweed, campfire and licorice is layered with black pepper, vanilla, citrus and a hint of maple. The finish is modestly warm, sitting at 46 percent ABV. For those familiar with the peat-forward style of Islay malts, the 15-Year-Old feels like a more refined version of the classic, delivering depth and elegance alongside the characteristic punch.
Collaboration with Women Who Whiskey
The launch aligns with the 15th anniversary of Women Who Whiskey a community-focused club that aims to broaden whisky’s appeal beyond its traditionally male-dominated audience. Founder Julia Ritz Toffoli remarked, “Fifteen years ago, Women Who Whiskey was born from the idea that enjoying whiskey is more fun when everyone has a seat at the table.” She added that the partnership celebrates “the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation.”
To mark the occasion, the brand will host private tasting events in major U.S. cities in the coming weeks. These gatherings will give members a first-hand experience of the new expression, underscoring the club’s mission to educate and include a diverse audience in whisky culture.
Where to find it and pricing
The Laphroaig 15-Year-Old is now available through nationwide liquor retailers and online platforms such as ReserveBar, where the suggested retail price is $90. Its presence on prominent shelves signals confidence from distributors that the whisky will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers attracted by the Women Who Whiskey partnership.
With the addition of this age-statement, Laphroaig solidifies its core range, offering drinkers a smoother, oak-enhanced experience while preserving the unmistakable peat that made the brand a global icon. Whether sampled at a tasting event or purchased for home enjoyment, the new 15-Year-Old stands as a bridge between heritage and modern inclusivity.
