Whisky by appointment (Laphroaig)
Laphroaig on Islay is one of the iconic distilleries. Dominic Roskrow visited it
When it comes to stunning views on Islay, itâs a toss up between the one from the wall at Bowmore and that on the craggy shores of the islandâs South Eastern distilleries.
When the windâs up and the sunâs out, the seawall at Bowmore takes some beating. Here the light flicks off the mini waves that flitter towards you as you gaze across Loch Indaal to Bruichladdich, the wind in your face feels fresh and vital, and the distilleries in front and behind you provide comfort, offering a perfect respite from the stresses of modern living.
Today, though, the weatherâs more inclement and weâre at the edge of the jagged stone outcrops that overlook the aggravated swell of water in front of Laphroaig, looking across towards Northern Ireland. The clouds are passing above us on fast forward so that weâre not so much experiencing four seasons in one day but four seasons in 10 minutes.
Isolated squalls of rain mark the horizon briefly, before blue sky returns.
âSee that island there,â says Jack Dunford, our guide for the day, pointing out along the shoreline.
âIf you can see that it means itâs going to rain. If you canât see it, it means itâs already raining.â As if on cue the island disappears in to a grey wall. He chuckles as he drags us reluctantly away from our vantage point and back to the matter in hand.
Iâm in pretty impressive company. Thereâs Michael Cockram, who is now Scotch brand director for Laphroaigâs new owners, Beam Global Spirit & Wi.....
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By Dominic Roskrow
Section : Distillery Focus
Page number : 22
