Laphroaig and acting legend Willem Dafoe have partnered to release Willem by Willem, a new limited-edition whisky.
Dafoe, best known for his roles in American Psycho and Spider-Man, became a ‘Friend of Laphroaig’ last September as part of the brand’s global Unphorgettable campaign (see below). This single malt launch, a 14-Year-Old Oloroso cask-finished whisky (107.4 proof), marks the latest chapter with him selecting the spirit with Laphroaig’s Senior Whisky Maker Sarah Dowling. Instead of focusing on tasting notes and process, he chose the spirit that made his “tastebuds and curiosity come alive the most.”
“I made my final choice based on the whisky that evoked the most curiosity about its taste – something I still can’t put my finger on, but that’s half the fun,” said Willem Dafoe. “For me, when I sip ‘Willem by Willem’ I experience…you tell me. For all who drink it, I hope the whisky will inspire discussion.”
“Our experience with whisky is so personal, from how we drink it – whether neat, with water or in a cocktail – to the different opinions about its taste,” added Sarah Dowling, Laphroaig Senior Whisky Maker. “It was important to Willem and me that we selected a rich and complex spirit, unmistakably Laphroaig, but which allowed people to interpret and enjoy it in their own way. The whisky speaks for itself, and I look forward to hearing what it is saying to people around the world.”
Continuing to celebrate those who think differently and inspired by the film industry “no notes” phrase, the launch excludes tasting notes. Instead, consumers are invited to form and share their interpretation of the whisky’s taste in any creative medium they choose. The person who showcases the boldest and most original character will have the chance to star alongside Dafoe in his next short film with Laphroaig, set to be filmed later this year. To submit tasting notes with the potential to star in the new film with Dafoe, fans should visit laphroaig.com after they have tasted the new liquid. The contest closes on August 2nd.
“This whisky launch needed to reflect the bold and undefinable character of Laphroaig and Willem Dafoe,” said Kirsteen Beeston, Global Marketing Director of Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits. “What better way to do this than put the power in whisky fans’ hands, or tastebuds in this instance. We look forward to hearing and seeing what they make of the taste and drinking experience and watch this space for more to come from Laphroaig and Dafoe.”
Laphroaig Willem by Willem is available now for $156.
