Laphroaig, one of the world’s most distinctive single malts, and cult actor Willem Dafoe have unveiled a new limited-edition whisky to the global stage – ‘Willem by Willem’. In true Laphroaig style, whisky fans can expect the unexpected when it comes to the tasting notes and flavour profiles.
Dafoe became a ‘Friend of Laphroaig’ last September to celebrate the unforgettable taste of the globally loved peated whisky. Marking the latest chapter in the collaboration, Dafoe selected 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,” says Dafoe.
Continuing to celebrate those who think differently, Laphroaig is marking this launch with an invitation for fans to share their interpretation of the tasting notes in any creative medium they choose, whether that be a poem, sketch or short film*. The person who showcases the
Dafoe says: “It was a pleasure learning about each of the whiskies shortlisted to be ‘the one’. 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. 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.”
Dowling comments: “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. 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.”
The 14-Year-Old, Oloroso cask-finished whisky (53.7% ABV) is priced at £139 (GBP) / $156 (USD) RSP. Friends of Laphroaig in select markets worldwide** have the chance to buy a bottle via a pre-release ballot on Laphroaig.com until next Tuesday, 28th April. The whisky will be available in the UK exclusively in Selfridges from Friday 1st May, followed by specialist whisky retailers from 1st June. Stockists: Selfridges, The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt. With other countries, including the US, Germany, Japan and Australia, launching over the coming weeks and months
To enter the pre-release ballot and submit your tasting notes with the potential to star in the new film with Dafoe, visit www.laphroaig.com and follow @laphroaig on Instagram.
