About Laphroaig Whisky Distillery
Distillery Number
01496 302418
Distillery Founded
1810
Distillery Capacity
2 700 000 litres
Distillery Status
Active
Distillery Owner
Beam Global
Distillery Address
Near Port Ellen, Islay, Argyll
Distillery Website
www.laphroaig.com
1810
Brothers Alexander and Donald Johnston found Laphroaig.
1815
Official year of starting.
1836
Donald buys out Alexander and takes over operations.
1837
James and Andrew Gairdner found Ardenistiel a stone’s throw from Laphroaig.
1847
Donald Johnston is killed in an accident in the distillery when he falls into a kettle of boiling hot burnt ale. The Manager of neigh-bouring Lagavulin, Walter Graham, takes over.
1857
Operation is back in the hands of the Johnston family when Donald’s son Dugald takes over.
1877
Dugald, being without heirs, passes away and his sister Isabella, married to their cousin Alexander takes over.
1907
Alexander Johnston dies and the distillery is inherited by his two sisters Catherine Johnston and Mrs. William Hunter (Isabella Johnston).
1908
Ian Hunter arrives in Islay to assist his mother and aunt with the distillery.
1923
The two stills are increased to four.
1927
Catherine Johnston dies and Ian Hunter takes over.
1928
Isabella Johnston dies and Ian Hunter becomes sole owner.
1950
Ian Hunter forms D. Johnston & Company
1954
Ian Hunter passes away and management of the distillery is taken over by Elisabeth “Bessie” Williamson, who was previously Ian Hunters PA and secretary. She becomes Director of the Board and Managing Director.
1967
Seager Evans & Company buys the distillery through Long John Distillery, having already acquired part of Laphroaig in 1962.
1968
The number of stills is increased from four to six.
1972
Bessie Williamson retires. Another spirit still is installed bringing the total to seven.
1975
Whitbread & Co. buys Seager Evans (now renamed Long John International) from Schenley International.
1989
The spirits division of Whitbread is sold to Allied Distillers.
1991
Allied Distillers launches Caledonian Malts. Laphroaig is one of the four malts included.
1993
A severe gale blows the pagoda roof off the kilns, but it is repaired.
1994
HRH Prince Charles gives his Royal Warrant to Laphroaig. Friends of Laphroaig is founded.
1995
A 10 year old cask strength is launched.
2001
4 000 bottles of a 40 year old, the oldest-ever Laphroaig, are released.
2002
The legendary distillery manager Iain Henderson retires.
2004
Quarter Cask, a 5 year old Laphroaig matured for 7 months in a quarter cask (i. e. 105 litres) is launched in a limited edition.
2005
Fortune Brands becomes new owner.
2007
A vintage 1980 (27 years old) and a 25 year old are released.
2008
Cairdeas, Cairdeas 30 year old and Triple Wood are released.