Expanding Our Collection

Archive 38-Year-Old

The very best of aged Laphroaig single malt whisky

The second instalment in our prestigious Archive Collection

We’re proud to introduce The Archive Collection 38-Year-Old, the second instalment in our prestigious Archive Collection. This sought after series is made up of some of the rarest and most precious Laphroaig whiskies in existence, anywhere in the world. 

 

When we started the collection at the start of 2024, we set out to pay homage to the commitment and craft of our master distillers by giving our Friends the chance to experience the very best of aged Laphroaig single malt whisky. This highly limited edition second release does just that.

Our signature peaty profile

Decades in the making

After decades in the making, it beautifully captures a full spectrum of our flavour evolution, with our signature peaty profile receding ever so slightly to make way for a satisfying flourish of fruity flavours. With only a highly limited number of bottles made for this one-off instalment, we are opening a ballot system to our Friends to be in with a chance of purchasing a unique slice of Laphroaig’s history that was first distilled in 1985.

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Whiskies

Archive 38-Year-Old

The Archive Collection 38-Year-Old, the second instalment in our prestigious Archive Collection. This sought after series is made up of some of the rarest and most precious Laphroaig whiskies in existence, anywhere in the world. When we started the collection at the start of 2024, we set out to pay homage to the commitment and craft of our master distillers by giving our Friends the chance to experience the very best of aged Laphroaig single malt whisky. 

 

Ballot is now open, please click here to enter. 

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Sweet, spiced and subtly smoked 

While the signature Laphroaig peat remains present in The Archive Collection 38-Year-Old, it’s dialled back to allow fruit flavours to shine through, offering a bold yet beautifully balanced flavour profile that enlivens the palate and lives long in the memory.

 

The nose opens up on bright orange zest that deepens into layers of dried apricot and sultana. On the palate, waves of spice and salted caramel emerge, with subtle hints of crystallised ginger adding a spicy edge. Of course, our smokiness is never truly absent, and that unmistakably Laphroaig peat returns for a lasting finish alongside a mellow sweetness. Matured first in ex-bourbon American oak barrels and then in second-fill Oloroso sherry-seasoned European oak butts, this rare release has been shaped by our history, and crafted to be treasured long into the future.

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Guardians of the cask 

The Archive 38-Year-Old has been watched over for almost four decades by seven of our distinguished Distillery Managers – making it a worthy testament to the skills of those, past and present, who have poured their hearts into their craft here at Laphroaig. It all began with Murdo Reed, who ensured the early stages of maturation went undisturbed, setting the spirit on its course to becoming a truly special collector’s item.

 

Murdo was followed by Colin Ross, Iain Henderson, Robin Shields, John Campbell, Barry McAffer, and most recently, George Campbell – each a custodian of quality, doing their part to guide the spirit from cask to bottle. Though separated by time, they worked in concert to create this unique release, handing the baton from one generation of distillers to the next. Together, their combined legacy makes this rare bottling one of our best yet. That’s some good teamwork.

Tasting Notes

Aroma of Laphroaig Scotch Whisky

NOSE

A bold mix of spice and fruit with a distinctive zest of orange.

Tasting Notes of Laphroaig Scotch Whisky

PALATE

Flavours of dried apricots and sultanas open up to rich salted caramel, as notes of crystallised ginger maintain a spicy edge. 

Finish of Laphroaig Scotch Whisky

FINISH

Our signature smoke comes back into play, offering a mouthwatering sensation, balanced with a lasting sweetness. 

Maturation of Laphroaig Scotch Whisky

MATURATION

Initially matured in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, this whisky has been further shaped by the time spent in a second-fill Oloroso sherry-seasoned European oak butt.