“It smells like medicine, but it’s incredibly addictive.”
This is the conversation that often begins at my counter whenever I pour a glass of Laphroaig .
For me, this bottle represents more than just a peated malt; it holds a very special place in my heart, rooted in a journey I took 16 years ago.
A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land In 2009, I traveled to the “Holy Land” of whisky—the Isle of Islay—and stood upon the grounds of the Laphroaig Distillery. It was there that I officially became a “landlord.” By joining the Friends of Laphroaig,
I acquired my own one square foot of land on the distillery’s estate. In an era before everything was digitized, visiting the site in person felt like a sacred ritual to claim my place in their history.
A Flag Lost to the Islay Wind I found my small plot in the wetlands just behind the distillery.
Eager to mark my territory, I planted a tiny flag and prepared to take a photo.
However, the Islay wind is relentless. The moment I pressed the shutter, my little flag was swept away into the distance.
Though my physical mark vanished in an instant, the exhilaration of standing in that cold wind and feeling, “I am now a part of this distillery,” remains one of my most precious treasures. As a Japanese Whisky Expert who once could barely drink alcohol, I realize now that my journey to Islay was a true HITSUZEN—an inevitable encounter that solidified my devotion to the craft.
“This is Not Alcohol, It’s Medicine” Laphroaig’s distinctive medicinal, medicinal/iodine aroma actually saved the distillery during its darkest hour.
During the U.S. Prohibition in the 1920s, the owner continued to export Laphroaig to America. When customs officials questioned him, he boldly claimed, “This is not alcohol; it is a medicinal tonic with healing properties.”
One sniff of the intense “chemical” scent convinced the officials that no one would drink this for pleasure, and thus, it was allowed to be sold in pharmacies.
The character we enjoy today at the bar is a legacy of that clever survival tactic.
Savoring the Amber Time Every time I see a bottle of Laphroaig, I am transported back to the scent of peat on the Islay breeze and the memory of my flying flag.
At Bar Little Happiness in Hiroshima, I invite you to share in this storied history. Surrounded by 1,000 bottles in our quiet sanctuary, your encounter with this “medicinal” legend is an inevitable part of your journey.
Delving into the Depths of the Story: For those interested in the detailed history of this distillery and my personal reflections, please see my original column here. It’s packed with photos. (Japanese): (You can translate it into your preferred language using the language switch function at the top of this site)
出逢いは必然。Rum&Whiskyの世界へようこそ。 (An encounter is inevitable. Welcome to the world of Rum & Whisky.)
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Explore our vast range of Japanese labels, featuring an unrivaled selection of local Hiroshima craft whiskies, alongside an extensive array of fine Scotches.
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(Dive deep into the world of whisky and rum. This site can be translated into English or Korean using the language switcher tab at the top of the page.)
