Laphroaig, the iconic Islay distillery, has announced the release of The Wall Rope Edition, a 39-year-old single malt and the second release in The Wall Collection.
Limited to just 200 hand-painted bottles, this rare whisky celebrates Laphroaig’s maritime history and the journeys of sherry casks that once reached Islay aboard puffer boats carrying essential supplies.
Matured in Oloroso sherry seasoned European oak hogsheads and finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, The Rope Edition delivers a whisky of remarkable depth. Official tasting notes describe aromas of toffee, cranberry, dark cherry, polished leather, molasses, and mandarin orange. The palate reveals treacle toffee, candied orange peel, and hazelnut, balanced by gentle peat smoke, leading to a long finish with smoked orange toffee, oak, and mixed spice.
Calum Fraser, Master Blender at Suntory Global Spirits, commented:
“With The Wall Rope Edition, we set out to capture the rich influence of sherry casks on Laphroaig. After 39 years, it’s layered, bold, and unmistakably Laphroaig.”
Each bottle is hand-painted and individually numbered by London-based illustrator and ceramicist Laura Carlin, who drew inspiration from Islay’s rugged coasts and the tarred ropes once securing the island’s cargo. The artwork uses the same paint that adorns Laphroaig’s Warehouse No.1, a symbolic link to the distillery’s heritage.
Daryl Haldane, Private Client Director, added:
“The Rope Edition was shaped during the 1980s – a time of transformation for Laphroaig. Though production slowed, the spirit remained strong. This whisky embodies depth, resilience, and history.”
Priced at £4,950 / $5,500 / €5,800, the 39-year-old single malt will first be available to Friends of Laphroaig on 25 August, with general release following on 28 August through the Visitor Centre and select specialist retailers.
