Bonfire Night is the perfect evening for warmth, stories, and a good dram. As smoke drifts across the night sky and fireworks fade into sparks, there’s perhaps no better companion than a glass of Laphroaig - a whisky that captures the very essence of peat, fire, and the rugged Isle of Islay.
Rising up from the Shores of Islay
Laphroaig’s story began in 1815, on Islay’s windswept southern coast. Founded by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston, the distillery started as a small farm operation. Its secret? The local peat - rich with seaweed, moss, and brine - that gave the whisky its signature smoky, medicinal flavour.
While many distillers aimed for smoothness, the Johnstons embraced intensity. Over time, that bold character won a devoted following. In 1994, Prince Charles awarded Laphroaig a Royal Warrant, and in 2024, after ascending the throne, he granted it a second – having once called it “one of the most flavourful whiskies of them all.”
Peat, Passion and Perseverance
Laphroaig’s journey hasn’t been without trials. Fires, wars, and ownership changes tested its resilience - but the distillery endured, thanks to its fiercely independent spirit.
Ian Hunter, who took over in the early 1900s, introduced bourbon cask maturation, adding layers of vanilla and sweetness to complement the iconic peat smoke. Today, Laphroaig remains one of the few distilleries to malt its own barley on-site and dry it using the same local peat that has shaped its whisky for over 200 years.
After Hunter’s passing in 1954, Bessie Williamson became one of the first women to lead a Scottish whisky distillery. Her tenure brought international recognition and cemented Laphroaig’s place on the world stage. She retired in 1972, leaving behind a legendary legacy.
Now owned by Beam Suntory, Laphroaig celebrated its bicentenary in 2015 and continues to burn bright, a testament to tradition, bold decisions and unmistakable flavour.
A Malt Made for Bonfire Night
If Bonfire Night had a taste, it might well be Laphroaig 10 Year Old. Its nose greets you with smoke and sea spray; the palate moves through sweet oak, iodine and a whisper of salted caramel.
The 10 Year Old became Laphroaig’s core expression in the mid-20th century, around the 1940s-1950s, when single malts began to be bottled under their own name rather than for blending. Bottlings from the 1950s-1980s are regarded as some of the finest ever produced, and they are increasingly rare. If you ever get the chance to try one, it’s a moment to savour - divine, unforgettable, and unmistakably Islay. We’ve listed a few stunning examples of 10 year olds over the years below: -
Laphroaig 10 Year Old, 1960s Bottling
A fabulous opportunity to sample a vastly rare 10 year old single malt Laphroaig bottled around the late 1960's. It is well documented that Laphroaig expressions from this era are simply sensational.
This classic Islay malt was bottled at 40% ABV (70 proof) and 26 2/3 Fl. Oz's. As touched on regarding the quality, the folks at WhiskyFun couldn't agree more; awarding it a monumental 96 points!
The Whisky Vault Price: net 6,250 GBP. Buy Here.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Unblended 1970s Bottling
A rare opportunity to sample a brilliant 10 year old unblended single malt Laphroaig bottled around the late 1970's. If you haven't tried a Laphroaig from this era then it really needs to be added to your bucket list, they are simply sensational.
This classic Islay malt is the 43% ABV edition (75 proof), which was bottled at 26.4 Fl. Oz's and happened to score a gargantuan 93 points with the expert critics at WhiskyFun.
The Whisky Vault Price: net 3,333.33 GBP. Buy Here.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Unblended Islay Malt
A unique chance to try a 10 year old unblended Laphroaig that was bottled around the late 1970's and early 1980's. This Islay single malt is the 40% ABV edition and is supplied with rare box.
The Whisky Vault Price: net 1,666.67 GBP. Buy Here.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Unblended US Import Litre Bottling
This 10 year old unblended Islay malt bottling dates back to the late 1970s and 1980s, with reports of Laphroaig mellowing, this is a great chance to put this to test and sample a ten year old distilled in the 1960s or early 1970s.
This particular one Litre edition, which was imported directly for the US market, happened to pick up an excellent 93 points from WhiskyFun.
The Whisky Vault Price: net 1,875 GBP. Buy Here.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Pre-Warrant 1980s Bottling
This fine 10 year old Islay single malt was produced at the Laphroaig distillery and bottled in the 1980's. Filled at 40% ABV, this old legend is a pre-warrant (awarded in 1994) release.
The Whisky Vault Price: net 750 GBP. Buy Here.
A Lasting Legacy
Laphroaig isn’t for everyone - and that’s part of its charm. Bold, unapologetic, and memorable, it rewards those willing to embrace its character. This November 5th, gather around the flames, pour a dram, and toast one of Islay’s most enduring exports. To view our full catalogue of Laphroaig single malts click here.
Slàinte Mhath - and a Happy Bonfire Night to all!