Sometimes the booze industry has a sort of an uncanny psychic energy that moves through it, influencing the actions of large corporations.

Like the time I visited Hennessy many years back and told their blending team it would be cool to see something like a "Master's Blend" that came in a completely different bottle, and then proceeded to see that exact project come to fruition later in the year.

Or, like at the beginning of 2022, when Laphroaig launched its first-ever single barrel program and I requested a new set of samples that were exclusively from warehouse #1, then requested that my customized name be called "Warehouse 1" on the label.

"Why is this so important to you?" the team from Laphroaig asked.

"Because warehouse #1 is the iconic shoreline building that actually says Laphroaig on it, recognizable by whisky fans globally, and I want to be able to tell my customers that my barrel is from that specific warehouse," I told them.

"Do you think it matters?" they asked.

"Yes, absolutely," I answered.

I have to believe that the new 2022 edition of Cairdeas was already in the works this past January when we made our barrel selections and this conversation went down, but it's still interesting to see it shake out like this!

Great minds think alike? Perhaps. What's clear, however, is that we both know what our customers want. The new 2022 edition of Laphroaig Cairdeas is here, bottled at 52.2%, using barrels aged exclusively in warehouse #1 (and to be followed by a Mission Single Barrel exclusive also aged in warehouse #1 and also specifically called "Warehouse 1").

I've had at least thirty emails about this bottle in the last month alone, so expect these to go fast. One bottle limit per person. All in Pasadena for the moment, so use the notes section to move your bottle to a different location (or email me for help).

Laphroaig Cairdeas "Warehouse 1" Single Malt Whisky $89.99 (Limit 1)

-David Driscoll