If you’re one of the very few businesses that has been around for more than three centuries, every year calls for a celebration. To mark an incredible 325 years of trading, Berry Bros. & Rudd, who have the distinction of being Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, has unveiled an exclusive Laphroaig bottling, which has been handpicked by its Chair, Lizzy Rudd.
The limited edition release is derived from the renowned Laphroaig Distillery on Islay and is a testament to the company’s rich history of exceptional craftsmanship that spans over three centuries. The liquid has been patiently maturing since 1999 to create exceptional depth, complexity, and character.
Lizzy Rudd, Berry Bros. & Rudd Chair, commented, “We started bottling casks under our label in the early 19th century. To celebrate our 325th anniversary, we wanted to offer something truly exceptional. This exclusive bottling from Laphroaig is a testament to our long-standing commitment to curating the finest spirits.”
Rob Whitehead, the Spirits Buyer at Berry Bros. & Rudd, added, “Every so often, when tasting through our repository of casks, one barrel begins to separate itself from the pack. When this happens, it feels beholden on us to find the ideal moment for such casks to shine at their brightest.
Selflessly tasting an earmarked special cask repeatedly over several years helps us to pinpoint the optimum age for bottling – thus capturing the whisky at the height of its development. We had been tracking this barrel for a while and, with unknowable serendipity, its particular apogee coincided with our 325th-anniversary celebrations.”
From the creation of Cutty Sark whisky at the dawn of the 20th century to the recent launch of The Collective #1: The Pioneers, a celebration of sustainability, Berry Bros. & Rudd has consistently demonstrated innovation and leadership in the world of spirits.
TASTING NOTES
Berry Bros. & Rudd 325th Anniversary Laphroaig 1999 Single Malt Scotch Whisky offers a spectacular bouquet with sophisticated peat smoke, luscious pineapple, coal soot and mango, all in perfect balance.
This dram rewards some patience and a little breathing time and shows more complexity with hints of lychee, apricot, harbour rope and engine oil.
The palate lives up to the promise offered by the nose with perfect poise and grace, peat smoke beautifully tempered with age and a serene tropicality note to offer a beguiling experience. Subtle vanilla, spice, bonfire ash and soot linger on the finish.
Berry Bros. & Rudd 325th Anniversary Laphroaig 1999 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £800.00, will be on sale at bbr.com, beginning 21st November 2023, with only 232 bottles made available.
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