Laphroaig 38-Year-Old Archive Collection Released at £4,100

Laphroaig has just lifted the curtain on something extraordinary—a 38-year-old single malt that tells the story of one of the toughest decades in Scotch whisky history. Part of the distillery’s growing Archive Collection, this rare expression captures the bold spirit of 1980s Islay. It is now available for collectors and connoisseurs ready to spend £4,100 for a sip of whisky history.

Laphroaig 38-Year-Old Archive Collection

Laphroaig’s new 38-Year-Old Single Malt, the second release in its Archive Collection, is a limited edition whisky distilled in 1985, a period marked by industry struggle and transition. Aged across multiple casks—including American oak ex-Bourbon, second-fill Oloroso Sherry hogshead, and finished in an Oloroso Sherry-seasoned European oak butt—this single malt was finally bottled in 2023 at 41.3% ABV.
This release not only commemorates Laphroaig’s resilience during the 1980s but also celebrates the craftsmanship that shaped its future.

Brand: Laphroaig
Product: Laphroaig 38-Year-Old Archive Collection
Category: Scotch Whisky
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Distillery: Laphroaig
Age: 38 Years
Style: Single Malt
Alcohol by Volume: 41.3%
Launch Date: June 2025
Price: £4,100
Availability: Limited release; high-end retailers and private client sales

Tasting Notes:

This is a whisky with serious depth and presence.

Appearance: Amber gold with a rich, oily texture
Nose: Dried fruits, raisins, orange peel, cherry blossom, and a whisper of tobacco
Palate: Apricots, sultanas, salted caramel, ginger, cloves, and a peppery smokiness
Finish: Long, warm, slightly briny with hints of smoked mackerel and oak spice

Key Highlights:

This isn’t just a whisky—it’s a time capsule from Islay’s past.

Celebrates a pivotal decade in Laphroaig’s evolution
Crafted during a period of slowed production and distillery renovation
Aged in a unique combination of casks for layered complexity
Limited edition under the prestigious Archive Collection
Ideal for collectors and high-end whisky enthusiasts
Combining heritage with exceptional ageing and blending expertise

Final Overview:

Private client director Daryl Haldane calls it “a step back in time”—and he’s right. This 38-year-old isn’t just about age; it’s about storytelling through spirit. Calum Fraser, Laphroaig’s master blender, says it “boldly tells a story of the past,” offering something fresh while staying rooted in Laphroaig’s smoky DNA. Reviews from early tasters praise its balance, finesse, and historical value.