Whisky Focus - Laphroaig PX Cask Travel Retail Exclusive

The Laphroaig PX Cask is the first Laphroaig single malt whisky to be matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.

Laphroaig PX Cask is a new global travel retail exclusive expression and the first to enjoy maturation in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, widely referred to as "PX" casks. Pedro Ximenez sherry is known to be naturally sweet made from dried Pedro Ximenez grapes.

There are three types of barrels used in the maturation of the Laphroaig PX each impart a subtly different character. Firstly it is was matured in American Bourbon oak sourced from parent company Beam Global’s bourbon brand Maker’s Mark distillery then it spent seven to nine months maturing in 19th century style quarter casks, then it spent its final 12 months maturing in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

It is the last 12 months maturation in the ex-PX Cask that provides the rich, sweeter and full bodied notes which perfectly complement the peat-smoke tang of Laphroaig, creating an expression which needs to be appreciated over time to fully explore.

The Laphroaig PX Cask replaces the former travel-retail exclusive Laphroaig Triple Wood, which was rolled out to domestic markets worldwide in September 2011.

Currently only available in Travel Retail but the Laphroaig PX Cask will also be made available to the Friends of Laphroaig, the 450,000 strong community that links and rewards fans of Laphroaig as well as whisky connoisseurs and Islay enthusiasts.

Beam Europe, Middle East and Africa travel-retail business manager Antony Kime said: "Laphroaig is the number one Islay whisky and as a global icon [it] performs very strongly in travel-retail. As a showcase channel, it is a great environment for the trial and discovery of new whiskies and we are confident that Laphroaig PX Cask will encourage interest in malt whiskies. With Laphroaig Triple Wood moving to distribution in domestic markets, an opportunity has opened up for us to drive innovation in malts and bring something new into travel-retail."

Maxxium Travel Retail managing director Glen Williams added: "Laphroaig is a very special brand with a strong following of consumers who continually seek out new expressions. Laphroaig PX Cask will be available across our customer base and we anticipate wide-scale interest from the brand’s fervent fan base."

Laphroaig PX Cask contains whisky aged between 5 - 10 years and is non-chill filtered and bottled at 48% ABV. It will be available from April 2012 at several European travel retail locations through retailers including Gebr Heinemann, World Duty Free Group and Aelia in with an recommended retail price of £65 for a 1 litre bottle.
 

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