Laphroaig 33 Year Old 'The Ian Hunter Story' Book 3: Source Protector
Laphroaig 33 Year Old 'The Ian Hunter Story' Book 3: Source Protector is a 49.9% ABV cask-strength Islay single malt — distilled in 1987, fully matured 33 years in refill ex-bourbon barrels, and bottled on 25 January 2021 from just 4,800 bottles. It is the third chapter in Laphroaig's Ian Hunter Story series, honoring the last Johnston-family owner and manager of the distillery (1908-1944) and his fight to protect the Kilbride Stream — Laphroaig's water source. This 750mL bottle is one of the oldest Laphroaigs ever released. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 49.9% (cask strength)
- Size: 750mL (US release)
- Aging: 33 years — refill ex-bourbon barrels, non-chill-filtered
- Origin: Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay, Scotland
- Production: Distilled 1987, bottled 25.01.2021; 4,800 bottles; Gold, International Wine & Spirit Competition 2021
Book 3: The Man Who Saved Laphroaig's Water
Ian Hunter inherited Laphroaig in 1908 and ran it for 36 years; Book 3 tells the story of his battle to secure the Kilbride Stream, the water source the distillery still depends on. The whisky itself is pure patience — 33 years in refill bourbon wood, bottling at natural cask strength of 49.9%, non-chill-filtered. Three decades soften Laphroaig's famous medicinal peat into something deeper: the smoke is there, but it arrives wrapped in honey, old oak and dried tropical fruit. At US$1,250 on release with 4,800 bottles worldwide, this is collector-grade scotch whisky — and a landmark among Laphroaig releases.
Tasting Notes
Old oak and peat smoke on the nose, with dried mango, honey and a medicinal edge mellowed by decades. The palate is immense yet refined — smoked honey, polished wood, tropical fruit, sea salt. The finish runs very long: peat, oak spice, fading sweetness.
How to Enjoy
Neat, in a proper nosing glass, with time — this is a once-in-a-collection pour. A few drops of water open the fruit; drink it slowly and deliberately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the Laphroaig Ian Hunter Story Book 3?
33 years old — distilled in 1987 and bottled in January 2021.
How many bottles of Book 3 were made?
4,800 bottles worldwide.
Who was Ian Hunter?
The last member of the Johnston family to own and manage Laphroaig (1908-1944); Book 3 honors his fight to protect the distillery's Kilbride Stream water source.
Where can I buy Laphroaig Ian Hunter Story Book 3 online?
This 750mL bottle is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor — it ships from San Diego, CA.
Thirty-three years, 4,800 bottles, one legendary water source — secure Laphroaig Book 3 at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.