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- Whiskies
Càirdeas 2026 French Oak - £90
Tasting Notes
Colour
Mahogany
Nose
Smoky, sweet and savoury, with peat, leather and a briny sea note.
Palate
Oily and chewy, with campfire smoke, vanilla, black liquorice and a bright lift of fruit.
Maturation
European Oak
Introducing our French Oak Single Malt Whisky
Limited Edition Càirdeas 2026
Fully Matured in French Oak
Càirdeas 2026 is a bold first for Laphroaig — a whisky fully matured in French oak casks. Using tight-grained European oak, this release brings a distinctive new dimension to our character while staying true to the unmistakable spirit of Islay.
The influence of French oak adds structure, depth and a different kind of complexity, working in harmony with Laphroaig’s signature peat smoke, maritime edge and rich intensity. The result is a whisky that feels both familiar and unexpected: rooted in our heritage, yet proudly exploring new ground.
Unmistakably Peated
At the heart of Càirdeas 2026 is the unmistakable character of Laphroaig peat. Bold, smoky and deeply expressive, it brings the medicinal edge, maritime salinity and earthy intensity that define our Islay whisky.
In this release, that signature peat character remains firmly at the core, layered with the influence of French oak to create something distinctive yet true to itself. It’s a meeting of tradition and exploration — unmistakably Laphroaig, with a new depth shaped by wood, smoke and sea.
How to enjoy Càirdeas 2026 French Oak Scotch
Our new French Oak Scotch is best enjoyed in a way that lets its character speak clearly. Serve it neat to experience the full depth of peat, oak and maritime intensity exactly as it is. Add a few drops of water to open up the whisky further, allowing softer notes of fruit, spice and sweetness to come forward. For a cooler serve, enjoy it over ice and let the dram evolve slowly in the glass.
It also works beautifully in simple smoky whisky serves, such as an Islay Buck Cocktail, where ginger beer and citrus bring a fresh, lively lift to Laphroaig’s smoky character. The combination keeps the whisky at the centre, while adding brightness and spice to the dram.
A new Laphroaig release, crafted for Friends
Càirdeas is more than a limited edition — it’s an annual series. Created for the Friends of Laphroaig and unveiled during Feis Ìle, each Càirdeas expression explores a different way to interpret our character. In 2026, French Oak Scotch brings a new perspective to Laphroaig, without ever losing sight of what defines it: peat, sea air, and an uncompromising sense of identity.
Càirdeas through the years
Discover 2026 & Revisit the Expressions That Started It All
Each year, Laphroaig creates something special for those who are part of our story. Càirdeas — Gaelic for friendship — is our tribute to the global community of Friends of Laphroaig.
The Laphroaig Càirdeas 2026 release takes a confident step forward: a whisky fully matured in French oak. A bold departure that remains true to our Islay roots, bringing new dimension to our unmistakable character. Intensely peated, richly layered, and unapologetically distinctive, this limited edition captures the spirit of Feis Ìle and shares it with those who value craft and character.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Càirdeas means friendship in Gaelic. It is Laphroaig’s annual limited edition whisky release, created to celebrate the FoL community and the spirit of Islay.
Càirdeas 2026 can be enjoyed neat, with a few drops of water, over ice, or in a simple whisky serve such as an Islay Buck. However you choose to enjoy it, give it a little time in the glass to let its smoky, savoury and fruity notes open up.
To become a Friend of Laphroaig and gain access to pre-order a bottle of Càirdeas as well as enjoy other exclusive benefits, all you need to do is Sign Up and Become a Friend here.
Càirdeas 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Fèis Ìle, making this year’s release a particularly special celebration for Islay, its whisky and its community.
Each Càirdeas expression offers a different take on Laphroaig character. Càirdeas 2026 stands out as a bold first for the distillery, fully matured in French oak, bringing a new dimension of structure, spice and complexity to Laphroaig’s unmistakable peat and Islay character. By contrast, Càirdeas 2025 was released as Lore Cask Strength — a cask-strength interpretation of Cask Lore, created by marrying five of Laphroaig’s favourite casks for a rich, layered and deeply characterful dram.
To stay closest to Laphroaig Càirdeas 2026, create an account here and become part of the FoL community. As a Friend, you’ll be first to hear about the latest news, launches and updates, with access to exclusive benefits, experiences and member-only content. When available, annual Càirdeas releases can be purchased through your account, making it the best way to stay connected to the release and Fèis Ile celebrations.
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