Laphroaig has announced the third installment in its Ian Hunter Series, Book Three: Source Protector. The 33-year-old non-chill filtered whisky is fully matured in ex-bourbon barrels, which allows the peated characteristics of the whisky to shine through and continues to honor the legacy of the last founding member of the Johnston family to run the Laphroaig Distillery.
The Ian Hunter Story consists of five annual releases, set into crafted books that document the story of Hunter’s legacy. Every year a new chapter is unveiled, uncovering the extensive history behind the brand and the characters who created it.
The 2021 release of The Ian Hunter Series is a 33-year-old non-chill filtered whisky with creamy licorice notes, fully matured in ex-bourbon barrels so the original character shines through. The third book of Ian’s story is dedicated to his tireless work in protecting what he believed was worth fighting for, and what consumers enjoy as Laphroaig to this day.
Book Three charts the history of the Kilbride Stream, as well as Hunter’s role in ensuring this source of raw beauty was protected, not to mention the crucial role it played in keeping the spirit of Laphroaig alive. After a long running dispute, he took a case to court, before eventually scrambling to buy the land all the way up to the source of the Kilbride Stream, converting the distillery to steam and thereby ensuring that it was less reliant on water for power. The water was secure, and so was Laphroaig’s future as a single malt. Hunter’s legacy of protection has now passed on to the Friends of Laphroaig, whose plots of land stand guard at the water’s edge.
“We are thrilled to share the release of Laphroaig’s newest expression and third installment of the rare and collectable Ian Hunter Story; the third book in our series pays homage to Ian Hunter’s unparalleled dedication to protecting Laphroaig’s lifeblood – it’s water source,” said Simon Brooking, Beam Suntory’s Global Scotch Ambassador. “The 33-year-old whisky matured in ex-bourbon barrels is a unique peated single malt whisky, making the release a wonderful addition to Laphroaig’s rich collection.”
Following the huge success and demand of both Ian Hunter Book One and Book Two, the limited-edition whisky is available for $1,250.
