Laphroaig 25 Year Old The Bessie Williamson Story honours the first female distillery manager to own and run a Scotch whisky distillery in the 20th century. Williamson accepted a summer job at Laphroaig in 1932, working under owner Ian Hunter.Following Hunter’s stroke in 1938, Williamson took over responsibility for US distribution. She is thought to have been among the first to anticipate the coming trend for single malt Scotch and is credited with positioning the Laphroaig whiskies for the American market. The 43% ABV expression has been aged in refill American oak hogsheads and refill barrels, resulting in a whisky with “lingering warmth and unmistakable character” to symbolise Williamson’s “friendliness, individuality and strength”. On the nose, the whisky is described as having “spicy and floral notes” with hints of pear drops, green apples and bonbons. The palate is said to deliver “salty tar-oil paste, sweet herbs and spices, acacia honey, tomato leaves and black pepper”.