The Laphroaig distillery was established in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston, members of Clan Donald who likely hailed from the MacIain of Ardnamurchan branch. The Johnston family anglicized their name from MacIain to Johnston. Ian Hunter, a nephew of Sandy Johnston and the last Johnston family member to run the distillery, passed away childless in 1954 and bequeathed the distillery to his manager, Bessie Williamson.
In the 1960s, the distillery was sold to Long John International, a Scottish distiller. Long John International and the distillery were acquired by Whitbread in 1973. In 1989, Whitbread sold the distillery, making it part of Allied Domecq. The brand was acquired by Fortune Brands in 2005 following Pernod Ricard’s acquisition of Allied Domecq. In 2011, Fortune Brands split its business lines, forming Beam Inc. for its spirits division. Beam was subsequently purchased by Suntory Holdings in April 2014.
Laphroaig holds the distinction of being the only whisky to carry the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales, awarded in person during his visit to the distillery in 1994. The distillery refers to him by his Scottish title, Duke of Rothesay. The 15-year-old Laphroaig is reportedly the favorite whisky of the then Prince and now King Charles.
