This 20-year-old Islay single malt Scotch whisky represents the pinnacle of Elixir Distillers' Artist #15 collection, distilled at the legendary Laphroaig Distillery in 2005 and bottled in 2025 at 46.1% ABV. Aged in bourbon barrels, this exceptional dram marries Laphroaig's signature medicinal peat character with the vanilla sweetness of American oak, creating a harmonious balance between coastal intensity and mature refinement.

From the windswept shores of Islay comes this remarkable expression, where Atlantic gales and centuries-old traditions converge in every drop. Elixir Distillers has carefully selected cask #35800136 as part of their Artist series, celebrating both the artistry of whisky-making and visual creativity through Radhika Sarana's evocative artwork "Meandering through relationships - III." With only 335 bottles in existence, this La Maison du Whisky exclusive captures the essence of Laphroaig's coastal distillery, where peat smoke mingles with sea spray in the rickhouses overlooking the Sound of Islay.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Medicinal peat smoke, vanilla bean, sea salt spray, charred driftwood, honey-glazed bacon
• Palate: Bourbon barrel sweetness, iodine, caramelized brown sugar, black pepper, dried seaweed, toasted almonds
• Finish: Long with lingering peat smoke, vanilla custard, white pepper, and a whisper of maritime brine

Product Details

Perfect For

• Contemplative Evening Sessions: Savoring neat by the fireplace while appreciating the interplay of peat and bourbon barrel influence
• Collector Occasions: Adding this rare Artist series expression to distinguished single malt collections
• Seaside Retreats: Enjoying alongside the ocean where the whisky's maritime character finds its natural setting
• Whisky Society Gatherings: Sharing this exceptional Laphroaig expression with fellow Islay enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Elixir Distillers Artist #15 taste like?

This 20-year Laphroaig expression delivers Islay's signature medicinal peat smoke balanced by bourbon barrel sweetness, creating layers of vanilla, sea salt, iodine, and caramelized sugar. The long maturation has mellowed the distillery's typically aggressive peat character while preserving its coastal intensity, resulting in a sophisticated dram that showcases both power and refinement.

How should I drink this Artist #15 whisky?

This exceptional single malt is best appreciated neat or with a few drops of spring water to open up its complex aromatics. Serve in a Glencairn glass at room temperature, allowing the whisky to breathe for several minutes before nosing. The bourbon barrel influence and 20-year maturation make this ideal for contemplative sipping rather than mixing in cocktails.

What makes this Artist series release special?

This Artist #15 expression combines exceptional whisky-making with artistic collaboration, featuring original artwork by Radhika Sarana and representing Elixir Distillers' 15th anniversary. With only 335 bottles produced from a single cask and exclusive availability through La Maison du Whisky, this release captures both the rarity of aged Laphroaig and the creative vision of the Artist series.

Is this whisky worth the investment for collectors?

Absolutely - this 20-year Laphroaig represents exceptional value for collectors seeking rare Islay expressions. The combination of single cask bottling, limited production of 335 bottles, Artist series provenance, and the increasingly scarce nature of aged Laphroaig makes this a significant addition to any serious whisky collection, particularly for those focused on Islay single malts.

How does this compare to other aged Laphroaig releases?

This Artist #15 expression showcases a more refined character than younger Laphroaig expressions, with the bourbon barrel maturation adding vanilla and caramel notes that complement rather than mask the distillery's medicinal peat signature. Unlike the 10-year or Quarter Cask expressions, this 20-year-old offers greater complexity and integration, making it ideal for those who appreciate Laphroaig's intensity but prefer more nuanced presentations.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.