Following the release of both Ian Hunter Book One and Book Two whiskies, Beam Suntory’s Laphroaig recently announced the third installment in the Ian Hunter Series, “Book Three: Source Protector.”
The 33-year-old whisky is matured in ex-bourbon barrels, which is said to allow the peated characteristics of Laphroaig to shine through and continues to honor the legacy of the last founding member of the Johnston family to run the Laphroaig Distillery.
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The Ian Hunter Story consists of five annual releases, set into crafted books that document the story of Ian’s rich legacy. Every year, a new chapter is unveiled, uncovering the full history behind Laphroaig and the characters who created it.
Book One reflected on what’s described as Ian Hunter’s formidable character. Book Two dedicated itself to the hours and hours of work Ian Hunter committed to the Laphroaig brand while at the helm. Book Three charts the history of the Kilbride Stream, as well as Ian’s role in ensuring this source of raw beauty was protected, and the crucial role it played in keeping the spirit of Laphroaig alive.
After a long running dispute, Ian took a case to court, before eventually scrambling to buy the land all the way up to the source of the Kilbride Stream, converting the distillery to steam, ensuring that it was less reliant on water for power. The water was said to be secure, and so was Laphroaig’s future as a single malt.
The distiller’s notes show that the 2021 release of The Ian Hunter Series is a 33-year-old, non-chill filtered whisky with creamy licorice notes, fully matured in ex-bourbon barrels so the original character shines through.
“We are thrilled to share the release of Laphroaig’s newest expression and third installment of the rare and collectable Ian Hunter Story; the third book in our series pays homage to Ian Hunter’s unparalleled dedication to protecting Laphroaig’s lifeblood – it’s water source,” said Simon Brooking, Beam Suntory’s Global Scotch Ambassador, in a prepared statement. “The 33-year-old whisky matured in ex-bourbon barrels is a unique peated single malt whisky, making the release a wonderful addition to Laphroaig’s rich collection.”
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The limited-edition whisky is available at Laphroaig.com and specialty retailers for a suggested retail price of $1,250.
Book Three: Source Protector distiller’s notes:
- COLOR: Deep copper.
- NOSE: Pears, peaches then apricots and lots of condensed sweetness open this delicious and vintage Laphroaig up. Followed by notes of honey and rose petal, a dash of nutmeg, and finishing with ashy-dry peat.
- TASTE: A sweet, syrupy, fruity mouthfeel to start, it climbs and coats the whole of your palate. It dips to a huge second wave of aniseed, followed by creamy licorice notes.
- FINISH: A long finish with lingering, alternating ashy vanilla and peaty aromas.
- ABV: 49.9%.
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