Willem by Willem 53.7% ABV

About

Willem Dafoe and Laphroaig have created a whisky that refuses to introduce itself. Willem by Willem follows a 'no-notes' philosophy: instead of exhaustive tasting descriptions, you get only a handful of clues and are invited to discover what the glass reveals yourself. Dafoe selected the casks in collaboration with Sarah Dowling, Laphroaig's Senior Whisky Blender, guided by experience, intuition, and personal taste. This is no random warehouse pull. The 14-year-old Islay single malt was finished in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, layering rich, dried-fruit sweetness over Laphroaig's signature medicinal intensity. At 53.7% ABV, this whisky doesn't play it safe—the higher strength brings more character and invites experimentation with a few drops of water. Intensely smoky and salty, with spicy undertones and subtle sweetness from the sherry finish. Add water and fruity notes emerge—mango, passion fruit, strawberry—alongside seaweed and engine-oil edges. The finish is long and heavily peated, classic Laphroaig, but warmer and darker from the cask influence. A whisky for those bold enough to trust their own palate over predetermined expectations.

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