The Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 3rd Release 2001 19 Year Old is a striking independent bottling from one of Islay’s most iconic distilleries. Distilled in 2001 and matured for 19 years, this single cask Scotch whisky was bottled by Cask 88 as the third release in the Scottish Folklore Series.
Finished for two years in Bordeaux red wine casks and bottled at 53.9% ABV, this release brings together classic Laphroaig peat smoke, coastal iodine and medicinal intensity with the darker fruit, spice and structure of red wine cask finishing. The result is a bold, atmospheric Islay single malt with real collector appeal.
For fans of heavily peated whisky, single cask Laphroaig and unusual wine cask finishes, the Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 3rd Release is a distinctive bottle with both flavour depth and strong visual presentation.
The Story Behind Laphroaig
Laphroaig is one of the most recognisable distilleries on Islay, famous for its powerful peat smoke, medicinal character, seaweed, iodine and coastal intensity. Located on Islay’s southern coast, the distillery has built a reputation for whisky that divides opinion in the best possible way. It is bold, unmistakable and deeply tied to its island home.
Founded in 1815, Laphroaig has become one of the best-known Islay single malts in the world. Its distinctive character comes from heavily peated malt, traditional production methods and maturation beside the Atlantic, where sea air and warehouse conditions help shape the whisky’s coastal style.
The distillery also holds a Royal Warrant, awarded in 1994 by the then Prince Charles, now King Charles III. That recognition underlines Laphroaig’s place as one of Scotland’s most important single malt whisky names. For collectors and drinkers, bottles such as the Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 19 Year Old offer a more unusual way to experience the distillery’s famous Islay character.
What Is the Scottish Folklore Series?
The Scottish Folklore Series is an independent bottling series from Cask 88, created around stories, legends and mythical figures from Scotland’s past. Each release combines a carefully selected cask of Scotch whisky with intricate artwork inspired by Scottish folklore.
This third release features Cailleach Beira, a powerful figure from Scottish mythology often associated with winter, wild landscapes and the shaping of mountains. That theme suits Laphroaig particularly well, as the whisky itself is rugged, elemental and unmistakably coastal.
The Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 3rd Release is therefore more than just a single cask bottling. It combines Islay whisky, Scottish myth, limited edition artwork and mature cask strength character in one highly collectible release.
A 2001 Vintage 19 Year Old Laphroaig
This whisky was distilled in 2001 and bottled after 19 years of maturation. A 19 year old Laphroaig already carries strong appeal because older Islay single malts can show a fascinating balance between peat smoke, maturity and cask influence.
Over time, Laphroaig’s famous smoke can become more integrated, allowing deeper notes of fruit, oak, spice, leather and coastal salinity to emerge. The peat remains central, but the extra maturity adds complexity and texture.
The Laphroaig 2001 19 Year Old Scottish Folklore Series is also bottled at 53.9% ABV, giving it the strength and concentration expected from a serious single cask release. For enthusiasts, that higher strength helps preserve the intensity of the whisky while giving the drinker the option to add water and explore how the flavours develop.
Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Finish
One of the most interesting details of this bottling is its two-year finish in Bordeaux red wine casks. Red wine cask finishes can work particularly well with peated whisky when handled carefully, adding dark fruit, tannic structure and spice to the smoky base.
In this case, the Bordeaux influence brings notes of black cherry, grape, dried fruit, oak and spice, which sit alongside Laphroaig’s burning peat, iodine and coastal savoury character. That contrast is what makes the whisky so distinctive. It is not simply smoky, and it is not simply wine-led. It brings both sides together in a bold and layered style.
For drinkers who enjoy peated whisky with unusual cask influence, the Laphroaig Scottish Folklore 19 Year Old offers a fascinating alternative to more traditional bourbon or sherry matured Laphroaig releases.
The Whisky Inside the Bottle
This is a single cask Laphroaig bottled at 53.9% ABV, giving it plenty of weight, texture and power. The whisky brings together classic Islay smoke with darker, richer notes from the Bordeaux wine cask finish.
Expect freshly trampled grapes, black cherry jam, burning peat, nutmeg and Laphroaig’s distinctive iodine on the nose. On the palate, the whisky moves into dark malt loaf, dried cherries, pecans, oak, honey-glazed ham, smoked paprika and savoury coastal notes.
That combination of fruit, smoke, spice and salinity gives the whisky a dramatic profile. It is bold and complex, with the wine cask finish adding richness without hiding the underlying Laphroaig character.
Tasting Notes: Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 3rd Release
Colour: Deep golden amber with red wine cask warmth.
Nose: Freshly trampled grapes, black cherry jam, burning peat, grated nutmeg, iodine, seaweed and smoky malt.
Palate: Dark malt loaf, dried cherries, pecans, oak, honey-glazed ham, smoked paprika, coastal brine and savoury peat smoke.
Finish: Long, warming and smoky, with after-dinner brandy, praline chocolate, oak spice and lingering iodine.
These tasting notes make the Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 3rd Release a strong choice for experienced Islay drinkers who enjoy powerful peat, wine cask richness and mature single cask Scotch whisky.
Why This Laphroaig Is Collectible
Laphroaig has a strong collector following, especially for older age statements, independent bottlings, single casks and unusual cask finishes. This bottle brings several of those elements together.
It is a 2001 vintage, 19 year old single cask release. It was bottled at 53.9% ABV. It forms part of the Scottish Folklore Series from Cask 88. It also features distinctive artwork based on Cailleach Beira, adding visual and thematic appeal to the bottle.
The Bordeaux red wine cask finish gives it another point of difference. While Laphroaig is often associated with bourbon casks and sherry casks, a mature Bordeaux-finished single cask release offers something less common and more distinctive.
Collectors interested in other rare Laphroaig bottles may also want to explore the Laphroaig King Charles III Coronation Trilogy, the Laphroaig 33 Year Old Strong Characters Volume 1 Donald Johnston and the Laphroaig 36 Year Old Archive Collection 2024 Release.
A Gift for Islay Whisky Fans
The Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 19 Year Old makes an excellent gift for serious whisky drinkers, particularly those who enjoy Islay single malt, peated whisky and unusual independent bottlings.
It is not an entry-level Laphroaig. This is a bold, mature and cask strength whisky with intense flavour and a distinctive cask story. That makes it especially suitable for experienced drinkers who already know and enjoy heavily peated Scotch.
The folklore-inspired artwork also gives the bottle strong presentation value, making it a memorable choice for collectors or gift buyers looking for something more unusual than a standard distillery release.
For other premium Laphroaig gift ideas, bottles such as the Laphroaig Ian Hunter Story Book 3 Source Protector 33 Year Old and the Laphroaig Ian Hunter Story Book 5 Enduring Spirit 34 Year Old offer exceptional age, presentation and distillery heritage.
Laphroaig and Independent Bottlings
Independent bottlings are an important part of Scotch whisky collecting because they allow drinkers to experience familiar distilleries in less familiar ways. A single cask independent Laphroaig can offer a different view of the distillery’s spirit, especially when bottled at higher strength or finished in an unusual cask.
The Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 3rd Release is a good example. The whisky still carries the unmistakable Laphroaig identity, but the Bordeaux red wine cask finish and Cask 88 presentation give it a character distinct from standard official bottlings.
For enthusiasts, that is part of the appeal. It offers something recognisably Laphroaig but with a stronger sense of individuality.
How to Enjoy Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 19 Year Old
This is a whisky best enjoyed slowly, with time to open in the glass.
Neat: The best way to experience its full strength, peat smoke, dark fruit and coastal intensity.
With a few drops of water: A small amount of water can soften the alcohol and reveal more fruit, spice and savoury depth.
In a tulip-shaped glass: Ideal for concentrating the aromas and appreciating the detail of the wine cask finish.
As a special occasion dram: Best suited to thoughtful tasting rather than casual drinking.
Because this is a limited single cask release, many collectors may choose to keep the bottle sealed. For those who open it, the whisky offers a bold and memorable expression of mature Laphroaig.
Other Laphroaig Bottles to Explore
Laphroaig offers a wide range of bottles for drinkers and collectors, from classic Islay single malts to rare aged releases and special editions.
Collectors of older Laphroaig may want to explore the Laphroaig 38 Year Old Archive Collection 2025 Release, the Laphroaig 39 Year Old The Wall Collection Rope and the Laphroaig Signatory Vintage 35th Anniversary 1990 32 Year Old.
For those interested in royal or commemorative releases, the Laphroaig King Charles III Coronation Trilogy offers a particularly distinctive presentation.
You can also browse the wider Laphroaig collection at HTFW, including classic Islay single malt, aged releases, independent bottlings, rare bottles and collectible Scotch whisky.
Why Buy Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series at HTFW?
At Hard To Find Whisky, we specialise in rare, collectible and premium spirits, with a strong focus on Scotch whisky, single cask releases and hard-to-find bottles from iconic distilleries. The Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 3rd Release is a natural fit for collectors and Islay whisky fans looking for something distinctive.
When buying from HTFW, customers benefit from:
- Authentic Islay single malt Scotch whisky
- Fast UK dispatch
- Worldwide delivery available
- Secure specialist packaging
- A carefully curated range of rare and collectible bottles
- Customer service from a UK family-run whisky specialist
Whether purchased as a gift, a collector’s bottle or a special dram to open and enjoy, this 19 year old Laphroaig offers maturity, power and a distinctive Scottish folklore story.
Final Thoughts
The Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 3rd Release 2001 19 Year Old is a powerful and highly distinctive Islay single malt. With its 2001 vintage, 19 year old age statement, Bordeaux red wine cask finish and 53.9% ABV strength, it offers a bold combination of peat smoke, dark fruit, iodine, spice and savoury coastal depth.
As part of Cask 88’s Scottish Folklore Series, it also carries strong visual and collector appeal, with artwork inspired by Cailleach Beira and Scotland’s mythological landscape. For fans of Laphroaig, independent bottlings and mature peated whisky, this is a memorable release with real personality.
Ready to explore this folklore-inspired Islay single malt?
Shop the Laphroaig Scottish Folklore Series 3rd Release 2001 19 Year Old now at HTFW.
