It is true that Laphroaig 18 Year Old has been discontinued. This news came as a disappointment to many whisky enthusiasts who have come to appreciate and enjoy this particular expression from the Laphroaig distillery. The 18 Year Old was introduced in 2009 as a replacement for the beloved 15 Year Old, which had also been discontinued at that time.
I remember the excitement and anticipation surrounding the release of the Laphroaig 18 Year Old. As a sommelier and whisky enthusiast, I had been a fan of the 15 Year Old and was curious to see how this new expression would compare. I vividly recall the first time I tried it – the rich and smoky aroma that filled the air, the complex layers of flavor that danced on my palate. It was a truly memorable experience.
Over the years, I have recommended Laphroaig 18 Year Old to many whisky connoisseurs and it has always been well-received. The whisky community has praised its balance of peat smoke, sweetness, and oak influence, as well as its smooth and velvety texture. It was a whisky that showcased the mastery and expertise of the distillers at Laphroaig.
However, in 2016, Laphroaig made the decision to discontinue the 18 Year Old expression. This news came as a surprise and disappointment to many fans of the brand. The reasons behind this decision are not entirely clear, but it is not uncommon for distilleries to discontinue certain expressions in order to focus on newer releases or to make room for limited edition bottlings.
While the discontinuation of Laphroaig 18 Year Old is unfortunate, it is not uncommon in the whisky industry. Distilleries often make changes to their product lineup in order to keep up with evolving consumer preferences and market demands. This can mean discontinuing older expressions to make way for new and exciting releases.
For those who have come to love and appreciate Laphroaig 18 Year Old, the news of its discontinuation may be bittersweet. It means that this particular expression will become increasingly rare and harder to find. However, it also presents an opportunity to explore other offerings from the Laphroaig distillery or to discover new and exciting whiskies from different distilleries.
Yes, Laphroaig 18 Year Old has been discontinued. This decision by the distillery may come as a disappointment to many whisky enthusiasts, but it is not uncommon in the industry. The discontinuation of a particular expression allows distilleries to make room for new releases and limited editions. While the absence of Laphroaig 18 Year Old may be felt by its loyal fans, it also presents an opportunity to explore other whiskies and broaden one's horizons in the world of whisky.