Whisky Forum - FOL 2012 Cairdeas release

Genuine Risk · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:38 pm Post subject: FOL 2012 Cairdeas release

Just got this email.

What a busy month! We have celebrated the 500,000 FOL and dedicated the new plots area (we had run out of land!).We also celebrated the 18th birthday of The Friends of Laphroaig. We have also had the Islay Feis Ile festival and our special open day where we launched our special new "Water to Whisky" tour. And if that was not enough I have picked the winning tartan from our Friends official tartan competition! But I will start with the news you want to hear most.

The FOL 2012 Cairdeas release

Because this year is the 18th anniversary of "The Friends" we have tried to push the boat out. It is called "Origin" as it contains whisky from our very first Cairdeas. This whisky is now between 13 and 21 years old. We then blended it (50:50) with another "special" we have been quietly maturing. This was new spirit that was placed in small quarter casks from the start seven years ago thus enjoying a very intense maturation. Both whiskies were fine expressions of Laphroaig in their own right, but when blended together something exceptional emerged as befits this 18th Anniversary. It is 51.2%ABV strength and non-chill filtered. It is available to you from today at Â£45 a bottle. However, as ever, there are the three rules:

1. It is sold on a first come, first served basis.
2. No more than 3 bottles per Friend of Laphroaig.
3. No ancillary orders with Cairdeas purchases as they have been pre-packed for speedy dispatch.

You can buy it now in your private shop here

Talking of the shop, I am delighted to tell you that we have created a new specially engraved Friends of Laphroaig 18th Anniversary glass. It is in the shape of a thistle flower which is perfect for nosing your Laphroaig. You can see it and buy it here.

We have also created a beautiful new hip flask with glass "see through" centre as well as a back pack and note pad, all of which you will find in the online shop.

New Tour

We are very proud of our (and we believe, unique to the whisky industry) "Water to Whisky" tour. It culminates in Warehouse number one when the participants can actually fill their own bottle of Laphroaig straight from a barrel!

FOL tartan

Finally, your FOL Tartan. Would you believe we had over 8,000 tartans submitted and over 50,000 votes! I picked the winner from the top 20 from your votes. I think it's a fabulous tartan, it is best described by the winners own words:

"The black, white, and green are the official Laphroaig colours. The small blue strip represents the water which is so important to making the whisky. The light brown represents the malted barley (which gives Laphroaig its signature taste) and also the finished whisky itself, which is so dear to the hearts of all FOL"

You can view the new FOL tartan here.

The winning FOL was Plot No: 367071. Patrick is a Friend of Laphroaig from America, but has also made the pilgrimage to our Island. So congratulations Patrick and of course your winning kilt is now being made for you. Hundreds of you have been asking what items are going to be made from the official Tartan and when they will become available.

We are intending to make official FOL tartan ties, scarves and caps to start with (Kilts will have to be by special order). But if you have a suggestions please let me know!

I really hope you enjoy our FOL 18th Anniversary Laphroaig Cairdeas and happy 18th birthday to all of you!

Slainte,

Think Laphroaig get a big well done for the pricing on this bottle suspected it to be nearer Â£65.
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Mark · Master Of Malts Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Posts: 1663

bifter · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 4:14 pm Post subject:

Got the email too. Only just bought a bottle of Quarter Cask along with a few others recently. Need to exercise some restraint I think Rolling Eyes

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DavidUK · Double Malt Member Joined: 20 Mar 2010 Posts: 174

Seems good value to me, as does the Batch 4 Cask Strength which they are selling for Â£37!!

Andrea · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 2:48 pm Post subject:

DavidUK · Double Malt Member Joined: 20 Mar 2010 Posts: 174

Bookie · Master Of Malts Joined: 15 Sep 2008 Posts: 945

Ordered a bottle of the Cairdeas 2012, loads of reviews on the Laphroaig website from overseas customers complaining about shipping but Â£4.99 to the UK is a good deal. i wish there had been reviews from some who have tasted it as i wasnt sure whether to order 3 bottles of not so just went for 1 bottle for now. Hopefully it arrives quickly and i can taste it and decide whether to order more, that is if they i have any left by then by then.

John · Moderator Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 876 Location: UK

Bookie i was told it was worth getting by someone who's opinion i trust so i have ordered a couple of bottles of the Laphroaig Cairdeas 2012

Rochdale Pioneers · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:13 pm Post subject:

Have just ordered a bottle! At Â£50 including post my most expensive bottle yet!

bazf · Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 3:50 pm Post subject:

My two arrived this morning. Smile

Now I've got 2007 to 2012, just need to get my hands on the pre 2007 bottlings!

Does anyone know how many bottles are being released this year?

Genuine Risk · Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:53 pm Post subject:

Forbes · Double Malt Member Joined: 10 Sep 2010 Posts: 191

bazf · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 4:41 pm Post subject:

First post says a mixture of 13 & 21 year olds Cool

Genuine Risk · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 5:05 pm Post subject:

They have been a bit clever with marketing by writing seven instead of 7 with all the blurb about quarter casks etc. Wonder how many missed it.

So yes it may very well taste young.
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Putting the func in dysfunctional.

DavidUK · Double Malt Member Joined: 20 Mar 2010 Posts: 174

50% is a vatting of 13yo to 19 yo
50% is a vatting of 7yo matured in quarter casks which is a long time in 125litre casks.

Therefore this is anything but a 'young' whisky.